The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU), participated in the 5th Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle University Network (IMT-GT UNINET) Council Meeting, held on 30–31 July 2026 at the Digital Learning Center Building, Universitas Sumatera Utara.

The meeting brought together representatives from universities across the IMT-GT UNINET network. The program featured opening remarks, council meetings, presentations, and networking sessions aimed at strengthening collaboration among higher education institutions in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Representing FT USU at the event was Prof. Dr. Ir. Renita Manurung, M.T., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including:

  1. Prof. Datuk Dr. Shahrin bin Sahib – Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi MARA and Chairman of IMT-GT UNINET
  2. Amri Bukhairi Bakhtiar – Director of the Centre for Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (CIMT)
  3. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot – Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, Prince of Songkla University, and Thailand Country Coordinator for IMT-GT UNINET
  4. Dr. Rina Suryani Oktari, S.Kep., M.Si., FRSPH – Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Entrepreneurship, Universitas Syiah Kuala, and Indonesia Country Coordinator for IMT-GT UNINET
  5. Dr. Balamurugan Ratha Krishnan – Chief Executive of the Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF)

FT USU's participation in the council meeting provided valuable opportunities to strengthen institutional communication and identify potential areas for regional academic collaboration. These opportunities include joint initiatives in education, research, knowledge exchange, academic mobility, and other collaborative activities based on mutual interests and institutional agreements.

The event aligns most closely with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening regional academic networks and fostering international collaboration among universities. It also supports SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting knowledge exchange and enhancing opportunities for collaborative learning and research. Through its active participation in regional academic forums, FT USU remains committed to expanding strategic partnerships, advancing academic excellence, and contributing to sustainable development.