Medan, Indonesia – November 30, 2025 — The academic community and students of the Master’s Program in English Education (Magister Tadris Bahasa Inggris/MTBI), Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, successfully took part in an International Conference on Education held in Malaysia on 27 November 2025 as part of the International Student Mobility Program. This international academic engagement marked an important milestone in strengthening global collaboration, scholarly exchange, and international exposure for both lecturers and graduate students.
The delegation was led by Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D., Head of the Master’s Program in English Education, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Candra Wijaya, M.Pd., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Institutional Development of FITK, who represented the faculty leadership. The delegation also included more than a dozen MTBI students who actively participated in the conference by presenting their research papers and academic articles in various seminar sessions.
This international academic visit reflects MTBI UIN Sumatera Utara’s strong commitment to implementing its vision of becoming a leading master’s program in Southeast Asia through transdisciplinary English education, international networking, and research-based learning. The program also aligns with the faculty’s ongoing efforts to internationalize academic activities, enhance research productivity, and foster global academic competence among students.
During the visit, the MTBI delegation was warmly welcomed by representatives of the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), particularly from the Kulliyyah of Education. The welcoming ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhailah Hussien, Dean of the Kulliyyah of Education, IIUM, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Azannee Saad, Head of the Master of English Education Program at IIUM Malaysia. Both leaders expressed their appreciation for the visit and emphasized the importance of international collaboration in higher education.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhailah Hussien highlighted the value of academic partnerships in addressing global educational challenges.
“International collaboration is essential in advancing educational research and practice. We are pleased to welcome colleagues and students from UIN Sumatera Utara and look forward to meaningful cooperation that benefits both institutions,” she stated.
Similarly, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Azannee Saad emphasized the importance of student mobility and joint academic activities.
“Student mobility programs such as this allow future educators to develop global perspectives, intercultural understanding, and academic confidence. These experiences are invaluable for their professional growth,” he remarked.
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, UIN Sumatera Utara, and the Kulliyyah of Education, IIUM Malaysia. The MoU formalizes cooperation in areas such as joint research, academic exchange, international conferences, visiting lecturers, and student mobility programs. This agreement is expected to open broader opportunities for collaborative activities and long-term institutional partnership.
As the leader of the delegation, Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, Ph.D. emphasized that this international engagement is a strategic step toward realizing MTBI’s academic goals and graduate profiles.
“This international conference and student mobility program are part of our commitment to preparing graduates who are not only professional English educators but also character-driven ELT researchers and globally competitive innovators,” he said.
He further explained that international academic exposure plays a crucial role in strengthening students’ confidence and scholarly identity.
“By presenting their papers at an international conference, our students learn how to communicate their research ideas, receive academic feedback, and engage in global scholarly discourse. This is an essential process in shaping independent and competent researchers,” Maslathif, Ph.D. added.
The MTBI students who participated in the conference presented papers covering various topics in English Language Teaching (ELT), applied linguistics, curriculum development, educational technology, and multicultural education. Their active involvement demonstrated the program’s strong emphasis on research-based learning and academic publication, which are integral components of MTBI’s curriculum and supplementary skills development.
Prof. Dr. Candra Wijaya, M.Pd., as the faculty representative, expressed his appreciation for the students’ academic performance and the positive impact of international exposure.
“This activity shows that our students are capable of competing and contributing at the international level. FITK fully supports programs that enhance academic quality, institutional reputation, and global networking,” he noted.
Beyond conference participation, the visit also provided opportunities for academic discussion, institutional benchmarking, and cultural exchange. Students and lecturers engaged in dialogue with IIUM faculty members regarding curriculum development, research collaboration, and innovative approaches to English education in the context of Islamic higher education.
The International Student Mobility Program is part of MTBI UIN Sumatera Utara’s broader strategy to integrate internationalization, research excellence, and community engagement within its academic framework. It also supports the program’s flagship initiatives, including international conferences, visiting professors, and international student engagement activities.
Through this international academic journey, MTBI UIN Sumatera Utara continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic and globally oriented graduate program. The successful participation in the International Conference on Education in Malaysia not only enriched students’ academic experiences but also reinforced institutional ties between UIN Sumatera Utara and IIUM Malaysia.
As Maslathif, Ph.D. concluded:
“We believe that international collaboration is not an option but a necessity in today’s higher education landscape. This program is a concrete step toward producing graduates who are confident, competent, and ready to contribute to global education.”
