PUBLIC RELATIONS USU - Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) continues to strengthen its internationalization efforts through the Pre-Launching of the EQUITY Program (Enhancing Quality Education for International University Impacts and Recognition), which encompasses 19 strategic programs. The event took place at the Digital Learning Center Building (DLCB) on the 8th floor on Wednesday (August 6, 2025), and is scheduled to begin implementation in September 2025.

In his opening remarks, USU Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., stated that EQUITY is not a new program but has been strengthened and aligned with the latest policies of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, particularly to enhance the international reputation and competitiveness of higher education institutions.

Furthermore, the USU Rector emphasized the importance of integrating the three pillars of higher education—education, research, and community service—which must be carried out in unison. He noted that research is the primary foundation driving the integration of learning and community service processes, in line with the spirit of global collaboration and the strengthening of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievements, which are the primary focus of EQUITY.

“Everything must be integrated. Research serves as the primary foundation that unites education and community service, especially in the context of international collaboration and achieving the SDGs,” said Prof. Muryanto.

Meanwhile, Director of the Directorate of Internationalization and Global Partnerships at USU, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, ST., MT., explained that EQUITY this year introduces a new, more flexible approach with direct impact. It is no longer structured for three years as before, but designed to address global reputation indicators now based on the H-Index and its connection to SDG achievements.

Out of the 19 programs to be implemented, Prof. Himsar highlighted two most innovative and impactful programs. First, research collaboration with universities in low-income countries with high SDG indicators scores. Second, the Matchmaking Research Interest program encourages faculty members to collaborate with international partners. It now focuses not on the university's name but on the quality of the individual partner as an expert in their field.

“Until now, we’ve been chasing after the university’s name. Now, we’re shifting the focus to the individual. If the person is an expert in their field, even from an ordinary university, we encourage collaboration,” explained Prof. Himsar.

He also added that the overall concept of EQUITY this year emphasizes the keyword “impact” or tangible benefits. It is not just about international reputation, but also how much this program provides real benefits for the institution and the broader community.

“The keyword now is impact. It is not enough to talk about international reputation, but also how much the campus and its surrounding environment can directly feel the benefits of this program,” concluded Prof. Himsar.