The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Syiah Kuala (FKG USK), held the FKG USK 2026 Upgrading Program on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Hall of the Aceh Islamic Sharia Office in Banda Aceh. Carrying the theme “Collaboration of Three Pillars for Sustainable Change,” the event brought together faculty leaders, guest speakers, administrative staff, student organization leaders, and students participating in the FKG USK 2026 Upgrading Program.
The event was attended by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of FKG USK, Dr. drg. Dewi Saputri, Sp.Perio.; the Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Partnerships, drh. Abdillah Imron Nasution, M.Si., Ph.D.; the Head of the Academic Subdivision, Sarmiana, S.T.; the Head of the Student Affairs, Alumni, and Partnerships Subdivision, Ners Afdhal Siddiq, S.Kep.; the Coordinator of the Dentistry Study Program, drg. Ridha Andayani, M.Si.; and the Director of UP3AI FKG USK, drg. Iin Sundari, M.Si.
The program also featured two distinguished speakers: the Chairman of the Banda Aceh Regional House of Representatives (DPRK), Irwansyah, S.T., and the Chairman of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) Banda Aceh Branch, dr. Hendra Kurniawan, M.Sc., Sp.P(K).
The event was officially opened with remarks from the Dean of FKG USK, Dr. drg. Zulfan Alibasyah, Sp.Perio. In his address, he emphasized that the Upgrading Program was not merely an organizational activity, but also a learning space for students to develop themselves into better individuals, learn to collaborate, lead, and take responsibility.
He further highlighted that society will need not only skilled dentists in the future, but also professionals with integrity who are able to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, demonstrate empathy, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Addressing the students directly, the Dean stated, “Dear students, this upgrading program is not merely an organizational activity. It is a space to learn how to become better individuals, how to work together, how to lead, and how to take responsibility.” He also encouraged students not to be afraid of trying new things or making mistakes, emphasizing that mistakes provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth, while challenges and responsibilities help shape future leaders.
The Dean also encouraged FKG USK students to develop the character of a Dentopreneur—an individual who is courageous in identifying opportunities, innovating, creating solutions, and taking responsibility. He highlighted three essential values for students to embrace: Self-Leadership, the ability to lead oneself before leading others; System Builder, the ability to develop effective and sustainable systems; and Value Creator, the ability to create value and generate a positive impact for others.
At the end of his remarks, the Dean encouraged students not merely to become part of the history of FKG USK, but also to actively contribute to shaping its future. He concluded with a message that reflects the spirit and values of the faculty: “Character above knowledge, integrity above achievement, and contribution above personal interest.”
The first session, entitled “From Individuals to a Team: Building Solidarity and Commitment,” was delivered by Irwansyah, S.T. The session encouraged student organizations to avoid working independently and developing overlapping programs. It emphasized that collaboration does not mean eliminating the identity of each organization, but rather aligning common goals and directions through integrated program calendars, regular coordination forums, and clear impact indicators. Through this approach, each program can be based on relevant policies, respond to students’ needs, and produce measurable outcomes.
The second session, “Strengthening Collaboration Among Student Organizations to Align Programs with University Policies,” was delivered by dr. Hendra Kurniawan, M.Sc., Sp.P(K). The session focused on the transformation from individual excellence into collective strength. It emphasized the importance of trust, empathy, solidarity, and commitment in building effective teams. The session highlighted that a collaborative culture can foster innovation and create meaningful impacts, while encouraging participants to shift their perspective from “I” to “We.”
The FKG USK 2026 Upgrading Program is expected to serve as a platform for strengthening solidarity, enhancing participants’ capacities, and fostering a stronger spirit of collaboration among all participants. The program also marks an important step in encouraging FKG USK students to grow into future leaders who are characterized by integrity, innovation, and a strong commitment to creating positive impacts for society.
The spirit of collaboration promoted through this program is also in line with efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through this initiative, FKG USK continues to contribute to developing a generation of future dentists who are competent, innovative, ethical, and committed to creating sustainable benefits for society.
