MTBI UINSU Students Engage in Academic Dialogue with Master of English Students at IIUM Malaysia

UINSU’s MTBI Students Hold Academic Dialogue with English Education Postgraduates at IIUM Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – July 2025 – In a collaborative effort to foster regional academic synergy, postgraduate students from the Master’s Program in English Education Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training  Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara  participated in a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) with graduate students from the Master of English Program at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The session was held at the Kulliyyah of Education as part of a broader academic immersion initiative.

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The program was led by Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, Ph.D., supported by faculty members Dr. Muhammad Dalimunthe, M.Hum, Dr. Sholihatul Hamidah Daulay, M.Hum, and Reflina, M.Pd.

This forum provides students with the rare opportunity to engage in scholarly dialogue with peers from different systems and cultural lenses. It builds their confidence as young scholars and helps us align our academic vision with global standards.

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

The UINSU delegation was cordially welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Azannee Saad, Deputy Dean of Academic and Internationalisation at the Kulliyyah of Education, IIUM. In his welcome remarks, he emphasized the importance of open academic exchange and the value of student-led discussions in promoting mutual understanding across education systems.

“These kinds of forums allow us to bridge cultures through academic conversation”, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Azannee Saad said. “We are proud to see students taking initiative in sharing ideas, exchanging experiences, and building friendships that can shape the future of global education.”

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

Beyond dialogue, the session provided a unique opportunity for both institutions to identify shared challenges and innovations in English education. Faculty members from UINSU and IIUM discussed possibilities for joint research projects, co-teaching opportunities, and virtual academic exchanges that could connect their students long after the FGD ended.

The FGD format included small group sessions, collaborative inquiry, and reflective discussions. Topics ranged from language education policy to the integration of Islamic values in English language teaching. Students exchanged perspectives on classroom challenges, curriculum design, and the use of technology in teaching.

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The energy in the room was inspiring. You could see ideas coming to life, students were learning, teaching, and networking all at once. This is the kind of learning we want to foster.

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

The active participation and intellectual enthusiasm displayed by the students reinforced the transformative potential of cross-cultural learning. The FGD stood not only as an academic forum but as a symbol of UINSU’s commitment to cultivating future educators who are globally connected, confident, and critically engaged.

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For many students, this FGD was their first experience speaking in an academic forum abroad. IIUM faculty members and students expressed admiration for the depth of UINSU students’ preparation and their eagerness to contribute.

This event also strengthens UINSU’s mission to build bridges between Southeast Asian Islamic higher education institutions, particularly in developing internationally literate educators and researchers.