The Doctoral Program in Management of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), in collaboration with the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, successfully conducted a Sustainable Management Co-Creation Program involving local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tanjung Karang, Malaysia. This initiative represented a strategic cross-border academic–industry engagement aimed at addressing contemporary sustainability challenges faced by local businesses.
The program brought together doctoral faculty members and participants from UMSU, academic leaders from FBM UiTM Shah Alam, and representatives of local SMEs. Among the distinguished attendees were Professor Ts. Dr. Shafinar Haji Ismail, D.S.M., Dean of FBM; Syed Asherene Syed Omar, Deputy Dean (Student Affairs); and Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Ahmad Rais Mohamad Mokhtar, Deputy Dean (Industry, Community & Alumni Network), whose presence underscored the institutional commitment to sustainable and impactful collaboration.
The Sustainable Management Co-Creation Program was designed to promote knowledge co-creation through collaborative discussions, practical engagement, and experience sharing between academia and industry. The core focus was on developing sustainable, resilient, and innovative business practices that are adaptable to global economic and environmental challenges.
The activity was conducted through interactive workshops, field-based discussions, and collaborative problem-solving sessions with local SMEs. This hands-on approach enabled participants to integrate academic theories with real-world business practices, fostering mutual learning and actionable outcomes for both academic institutions and industry partners.
Through this program, UMSU and FBM UiTM Shah Alam reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration, enhancing academia–industry linkages, and contributing to sustainable economic development at both local and global levels. The initiative is expected to serve as a foundation for future joint programs in teaching, research, and community engagement focused on sustainability and innovation.
