USK Welcomes UM Volunteers for Post-Disaster Recovery Program in Pidie Jaya
Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) welcomed a delegation of volunteers from Universiti Malaya (UM) participating in the Kinabalu Volunteer International Project, an international community engagement program supporting community resilience and post-disaster recovery efforts in Pidie Jaya. The delegation was officially welcomed by USK Rector, Prof. Mirza Tabrani, S.E., M.B.A., D.B.A., at the USK Senate Hall on Friday, 24 July 2026.
The collaborative initiative between USK and Universiti Malaya reflects the two universities’ commitment to global partnerships, community empowerment, and international cooperation by integrating academic learning with humanitarian action.
During their stay in Aceh, the students participated in a range of community resilience activities, including psychosocial support for children, disaster education, community empowerment, cultural exchange, and experiential learning alongside USK students. The program was held on 22 – 26 July 2026.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Prof. Mirza expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in supporting resilient communities affected by disasters. He emphasized that humanitarian solidarity is a shared value that strengthens relationships among nations, particularly within the ASEAN region.
According to the Rector, the visit offers Universiti Malaya students far more than a community service experience. It also provides an opportunity to witness firsthand the resilience of communities recovering from disasters.
“Learn as much as you can while you are here. Experiences like this are difficult to find elsewhere. The most important lesson is not only how to respond to disasters, but how communities are able to recover, rebuild, and move forward after tragedy,” he said.
Prof. Mirza also noted that over the past eight months, USK has continuously supported disaster-affected communities by delivering humanitarian assistance, deploying specialist doctors on a rotating basis, and mobilizing approximately 2,100 students through its Disaster-Themed Community Service Program (KKN Tematik Kebencanaan), contributing to community resilience, public health, and disaster risk reduction.
“These efforts demonstrate how we support one another as fellow nations in the ASEAN community. It is this spirit of solidarity that enables us to overcome challenges together,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mizra Hilmi bin Abu Bakar, Head of Kinabalu Residential College at Universiti Malaya, expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by USK. He said the entire delegation had felt welcomed as part of the USK family from the moment they arrived.
“We are truly grateful because from our very first day here, we have been welcomed warmly and treated like family. This experience will undoubtedly become one of our most cherished memories,” he said.
According to Mizra, the humanitarian aid brought by the delegation symbolizes the Malaysian community’s commitment to humanitarian solidarity and regional cooperation. However, he believes the lessons learned during their time in Aceh are far more valuable than the assistance they delivered.
“We have witnessed how communities rise above adversity with remarkable resilience and perseverance. That is a lesson that cannot be learned inside a classroom,” he remarked.
The head of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Dr. Ichwana, S.T., M.P., explained that the program involves 33 Universiti Malaya students accompanied by four academic staff members and facilitators In addition to ceremonial activities, participants engaged in service-learning, community service, cultural exchange, and joint lectures with USK students.
One of the program’s key activities is a visit to a community-based waste management initiative operated by a local NGO. During the visit, participants studied sustainable waste management, including organic and inorganic waste practices, before analyzing the initiative as part of their academic reports.
“Participants also joined discussions on disaster mitigation with USK students as part of a knowledge exchange between the two universities,“ she said.
Prof. Ichwana added that throughout the program, the organizing committee from USK and the Universiti Malaya team have coordinated with the Global Engagement Office (GEO) USK. This strategic partnership ensures that every aspect of the program—from participant reception and logistics to academic activities and community engagement—is implemented efficiently while fostering global citizenship, inclusive learning, and meaningful international collaboration.
