The University of Muhammadiyah of North Sumatra (UMSU) received a visit from the Muhammadiyah Association of Singapore on Monday (16/9) at the UMSU VIP Room, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3 Medan.
This meeting discussed the potential for collaboration in the fields of da’wah, education, and the implementation of the 49th Muhammadiyah Congress. This visit is part of an effort to strengthen relations between the two institutions in strengthening the Muhammadiyah movement globally.The President of the Muhammadiyah Association of Singapore, Muhammad Azri bin Azman, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome received from UMSU. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of Muhammadiyah’s role in Singapore to spread the spirit of Muhammadiyah,”There are three things that can be collaborated on, namely in the fields of da’wah, education, and the establishment of the silver generation panfi (elderly age group). Today, we hope to discuss opportunities for cooperation in these three fields, especially in the field of education which has great potential to be developed,” he said.
In addition, he also mentioned the involvement of Muhammadiyah Singapore in the 49th Congress which will be held in Indonesia. “We hope that Muhammadiyah Singapore can participate and contribute, especially since we have been active for 70 years,” he added. He also hopes that in the future, Muhammadiyah Singapore can collaborate with UMSU in activities such as the commemoration of Eid al-Adha.
Then, the Chancellor of UMSU, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, appreciated this meeting as a follow-up to the previous meeting on the commemoration of Eid al-Adha. According to him, the three areas that want to be collaborated on, especially in the field of education, are very relevant to the experience that UMSU has. “UMSU has a lot of experience in the field of education, and we are ready to share knowledge and collaborate further,” he said.
Agussani also mentioned that one of the interesting programs that can be developed together is the orphanage program for children and a place to care for the elderly, in line with the charitable efforts managed by Muhammadiyah Singapore. “God willing, the UMSU team will visit Singapore to further discuss the opportunities for this collaboration,” he added.In preparation for the 49th Mukhtamar, UMSU plans to introduce Muhammadiyah Singapore in the activity. “We are also ready to collaborate in the Muktamar activities. Later, we will introduce Muhammadiyah Singapore at the 49th Mukhtamar,” said Prof. Agussani.Regarding the qurban distribution program organized by Muhammadiyah Singapore. UMSU is ready to collaborate and distribute qurban animals from Singapore.”UMSU has long carried out qurban distributed to various regions, and we greatly appreciate the religious moderation that is upheld in every activity,” explained Prof. Agussani.Previously, the Secretary of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership (PWM) of North Sumatra, Irwan Syahputra, MA, considered that this visit was very appropriate and strategic. According to him, UMSU as the best private university in Indonesia with superior accreditation, has a great responsibility in carrying out the mandate of education. “If Muhammadiyah Singapore comes to UMSU, that means it also comes to PW Muhammadiyah North Sumatra. God willing, the three fields that want to be collaborated are all at UMSU,” he said.
Irwan also hopes that this relationship can continue to be established and become an important history in strengthening the Muhammadiyah da’wah movement in the future. “This is a golden opportunity to strengthen the Muhammadiyah da’wah movement, not only in Indonesia but also in Singapore,” he added.
This meeting was attended by several important figures from both parties, including Suhadi bin Samardi as UMSU Partner, Secretary of PWM North Sumatra Irwan Syahputra, MA, UMSU Daily Advisor (BPH) Dr. H. Bahril Datuk, M.M., and Drs. Mutholib, M.M., Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies who is also the Treasurer of PWM North Sumatra, Dr. Muhammad Qorib, M.A., and Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Singapore Rozanah and Faizah Binti Abdul Hamid. Also present were heads of faculties and study programs within UMSU.
With this meeting, it is hoped that the relationship between Muhammadiyah Indonesia, especially UMSU, and Muhammadiyah Singapore can be even closer and be able to create synergy in advancing the fields of da’wah and education in the future.
