Medan, Indonesia – A new chapter in international academic collaboration begins as Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) proudly welcomes a delegation from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. This partnership marks the launch of the Service Learning Malaysia–University for Society (SULAM) Project, aimed at creating tangible community impact through cross-border synergy.
Led by Associate Professor Norziaton Ismail Khan, the UiTM team comprises 15 final-year students from various academic disciplines, each bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to the field. Their Indonesian counterparts—11 student leaders from UMSU—are selected under the guidance of Dr. Mutia Arda, head of PUSKIBI (UMSU’s Language and International Collaboration Center).
Together, this dynamic international team is undertaking the development of a Business Advisor Report for Caca Jamur, a flourishing small and medium enterprise (SME) based in Medan that specializes in mushroom-based culinary products and cultivation. The goal is to offer strategic business insights that will help Caca Jamur grow sustainably in both local and international markets.
The program officially commenced with a warm welcome from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, Vice Rector III of UMSU. In his opening remarks, he expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and encouraged students to embrace the intercultural and entrepreneurial learning experience.
The first day featured an in-depth briefing and orientation session, preparing students for a field visit to the Ca’ Ca Jamur Restaurant and Cultivation Site. This hands-on experience bridges academic knowledge with real-world business practices, allowing students to analyze operations, branding, and business challenges on-site.
This joint initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
By merging academic insight with social responsibility, the SULAM Project stands as a model for how universities can play an active role in empowering local enterprises while fostering global cooperation.
Stay connected as this collaborative journey unfolds—where education meets impact, and borders become bridges.
