English Education Graduate Students from MTBI UINSU Conduct International Community Service in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, Ph.D. Leads UINSU Graduate Students in International Community Service at IIUM Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – July 2025 – A delegation from the Master’s Program in English Education, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara successfully conducted an International Community Service Program in Kuala Lumpur, mutually hosted with the Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

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The program was initiated and led by Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, Ph.D., Head of the MTBI Program, accompanied by senior lecturers: Dr. Muhammad Dalimunthe, M.Hum, Dr. Sholihatul Hamidah Daulay, M.Hum, and Reflina, M.Pd., the Secretary of the MTBI Program.

Our goal is to shape globally aware educators who are not only academically competent but socially responsible. This visit is part of our strategy to expose students to intercultural settings and strengthen UINSU’s position in international academic networks.

Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, Ph.D., Head of MTBI UINSU

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The UINSU delegation was warmly welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Azannee Saad, Deputy Dean of Academic and Internationalisation at the Kulliyyah of Education, IIUM. In his remarks, he expressed appreciation for the visit and highlighted its potential to deepen cooperation between Islamic higher education institutions across the region.

We are honored to host colleagues and students from UINSU. Engagements like this strengthen our mutual understanding and support the development of globally competent Muslim educators.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Azannee Saad, Deputy Dean of Academic and Internationalisation at the Kulliyyah of Education, IIUM

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The visit also provided a platform for both institutions to explore future academic collaboration in areas such as curriculum development, joint research initiatives, and student exchange programs. Discussions between faculty members laid the groundwork for establishing a long-term academic partnership grounded in shared values and educational goals.

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The community service activities focused on teaching and training children in basic English language skills and communication strategies. UINSU postgraduate students actively designed and led interactive sessions involving storytelling, educational games, and cultural exchange. The program was not only well-received by the children and local facilitators, but also became a rewarding experience for the student volunteers who had the opportunity to apply their pedagogical knowledge in real-world intercultural contexts.

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The program also served as a medium for the students to share Indonesian educational values, while learning about Malaysia’s educational landscape.

I see this as a milestone in our journey to internationalize our curriculum and our students’ mindsets. It’s not just a visit, it’s an embodiment of our students becoming ambassadors of knowledge.

Reflina, M.Pd., Secretary of the MTBI Program

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The delegation consisted of 35 postgraduate students, who were actively involved in group facilitation, reflection sessions, and cultural discussions. Their engagement was met with appreciation from the IIUM academic staff, paving the way for future collaboration and joint service-learning projects.

By participating in this international community service program, UINSU not only advanced its commitment to global Islamic education but also empowered its postgraduate students to become culturally sensitive, globally minded educators, ready to contribute meaningfully at both national and international levels.

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This agenda reflects UINSU’s vision of contributing to the global Islamic education movement while producing graduates who can operate at the intersection of culture, pedagogy, and service.