The Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) at Syiah Kuala University (USK) aims to enhance its international competitiveness by strengthening the quality of education, research, governance, and global networks. This agenda is the focus of the new dean, Dr. drg. Zulfan M. Alibasyah, Sp.Perio, for the 2026–2031 term.
Zulfan was sworn in by USK Rector Prof. Dr. Mirza Tabrani, S.E., M.B.A., D.B.A., at the AAC Dayan Dawood Building in Banda Aceh on Monday, July 13, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony was part of the appointment of 12 deans and one Director of the Graduate Program at USK.
In his inaugural speech, Zulfan said that a faculty’s transformation cannot be measured solely by physical development or an increase in programs. According to him, change must begin with improving the organizational culture, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to adapt to scientific advancements. Academies & Universities
“The Faculty of Dentistry must be an institution capable of anticipating change, driving innovation, and delivering tangible benefits. Education, research, and community service must all work toward the same goal: achieving internationally recognized quality,” he said.
To achieve these goals, the USK School of Dentistry has established four key priorities. First, to improve the quality of education through the implementation of an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum that aligns with international standards. Second, to strengthen research that not only produces scientific publications but also innovations that benefit the community.
The next priority is to accelerate the digitization of governance based on the principles of Good University Governance so that decision-making processes are more transparent and measurable. In addition, the faculty will expand its partnerships by optimizing the Dental and Oral Hospital (RSGM) and developing academic business units to support the institution’s self-reliance.
As a first step, Zulfan has prepared a 100-day work plan focused on internal consolidation. The plan includes an evaluation of academic and organizational systems, OBE-based quality mapping, strengthening digital services, and enhancing collaboration with faculty, students, alumni, teaching hospitals, the government, the business community, and international partners.
According to him, reforms in the early stages will lay the foundation for implementing the agenda for the next five years, including the development of master’s programs and specialist dental education, an increase in the number of faculty members holding doctoral degrees and full professors, and the expansion of international research collaborations.
Zulfan also believes that the USK School of Dentistry has strong foundations for growth, ranging from human resources and teaching hospitals to Aceh’s rich biodiversity, which can be developed as a key theme for dental research.
He added that the entire agenda was designed to support the achievement of Syiah Kuala University’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including improving the quality of graduates, commercializing research outcomes, strengthening international accreditation, and increasing the university’s non-state budget revenue.
“The faculty cannot operate in isolation. All of our targeted achievements must contribute to the overall success of Syiah Kuala University. We want the Faculty of Dentistry to serve as one of the driving forces behind the university’s transformation,” said Zulfan.
The USK School of Dentistry (FKG) upholds the vision of “Excellence, Innovation, and ASEAN Impact in Dentopreneurship,” which emphasizes strengthening academic quality, innovation, entrepreneurship, and tangible contributions to society. This vision aligns with USK’s goal of becoming an excellent, innovative, globally impactful, and sustainable university by 2031.