USU Hosts 5th IMT-GT University Leaders Meeting
Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has served as the host for the 5th meeting of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) university leaders, aimed at strengthening cooperation in higher education, research, innovation, and community service.
Speaking in Medan on Friday, the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Partnership at USU, Prof. Himsar Ambarita, stated that this meeting serves as a vital momentum for determining the direction of collaboration in the upcoming period, while simultaneously strengthening the contribution of higher education institutions to the development of the IMT-GT region. The meeting involved evaluating the implementation of the UNINET Strategic Action Plan 2022–2026 and preparing new directions for regional academic cooperation for the subsequent period.
“This forum can produce not only good recommendations but also visionary new ideas, stronger collaborations, more impactful innovations, and a shared commitment to continuously improving the quality of education, research, innovation, sustainability, and human resource development in our region,” he said. He added that the diversity present within the IMT-GT member nations is a strength that must be optimised through inter-institutional collaboration.
During the same event, the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia, Prof. Datuk Shahrable bin Sahib, noted that the forum discussed various proposals for new projects and future activities. The meeting also received updates regarding the formulation of the Strategic Action Plan 2027–2031 and reviewed various programme proposals that will form part of the IMT-GT UNINET strategic development plan for the next period.
“The progress achieved over the past year reflects the dedication of all member institutions in translating our shared vision into concrete actions that provide benefits,” he said, highlighting initiatives such as digital transformation, collaborative micro-credential development, and other strategic programmes supporting sustainable regional development.
Furthermore, the Director of the Centre for the Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), Amri Bukhairi Bakhtiar, emphasised the importance of the role of universities as a bridge between research findings and policy formulation. He noted the need to connect students and researchers with the industrial world, translating academic expertise into practical solutions for society, and aligning national priorities with sub-regional cooperation.
“A platform that supports applied research, collaboration between universities and industry, innovation, talent development, and evidence-based policy formulation is in line with the direction of the new vision blueprint,” he concluded.