Kuantan, Malaysia — Eleven students from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala (FKG USK), participated in the International Student Mobility Program at the Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan Campus, Malaysia, from November 2 to 11, 2026. This program is part of the university’s efforts to broaden academic perspectives, enhance students’ competencies, and expand international collaborative networks in the field of dentistry.
The eleven students participating in the program were Bintang Alqarni, Sutansyah Rakha Putra, Reas Saputra Riyan Tan, Muhammad Ghufran Maulana Hendra, Rizky Habibullah Sitohang, Taufiq Ardhana, Melanie Amelia Kartika, Nury Auliya Rizki, Sheran Thahirah, Zhahira Arida Qalbu, and Cut Bilqis Fatin Nabila.
This program reflects the commitment of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala, to supporting the internationalization of higher education and providing students with opportunities to gain learning experiences in an international academic environment. The program at the IIUM Kulliyyah of Dentistry in Kuantan also serves as an opportunity for students to gain deeper insights into the dental education system, academic culture, and advancements in dental science and technology in Malaysia.
The program commenced on November 2, 2026, with arrival arrangements, campus orientation, and an introduction to the program. On November 3, students attended an introduction to IIUM’s dental education system and academic lectures. The activities continued on November 4 with observations of educational facilities and dental laboratories, allowing students to gain a broader understanding of the facilities supporting dental education and practical training.
The agenda on November 5 included clinical observations and case discussions with IIUM students. On November 6, participants attended dental health seminars and inter-institutional academic discussions as a platform for exchanging knowledge and academic experiences. Community service activities and oral health education were scheduled for November 7, while November 8 was dedicated to rest and cultural exchange activities.
The learning activities continued on November 9 through clinical skills simulations and interprofessional discussions. On November 10, students presented their learning outcomes and participated in program reflection and evaluation sessions. The program concluded on November 11 with a closing ceremony, certificate presentation, and participants’ departure.
This program is also aligned with the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative at Universitas Syiah Kuala. MBKM provides students with opportunities to gain learning experiences beyond their regular study programs through various educational activities that support competency development. In this context, the International Student Mobility Program serves as a platform for cross-border learning that can enrich academic experiences, enhance international competencies, and broaden students’ understanding of dental education practices at the global level.
The experiences gained throughout the program are expected to support the achievement of FKG USK students’ competencies in various areas, including academic knowledge, clinical skills, communication, collaboration, and character development. The recognition and academic credit transfer of activities toward MBKM learning outcomes will be carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures of Universitas Syiah Kuala.
Beyond academic development, this program also provides a platform for cultural exchange and student interaction. Engagement between USK and IIUM students is expected to strengthen international friendships, foster a spirit of collaboration, and create opportunities for sustainable partnerships in education, research, and community service.
Through this International Student Mobility Program, FKG USK students hope to bring home valuable new knowledge and experiences that will contribute to both their personal development and institutional advancement. This initiative also represents a concrete step toward improving the quality of student resources and strengthening Universitas Syiah Kuala’s role in building international higher education networks.
