Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the internationalization of higher education and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the participation of the Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) USU and lecturer of the Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D., in the 4th KOICA-ICAB Short-term Training Program in Korea held from 10–21 May 2026 in South Korea.

This participation forms part of USU’s global transformation under the spirit of “The Era of Ultimate Excellence,” the slogan and transformation commitment of Universitas Sumatera Utara for the 2026–2031 period initiated by the Rector of USU, Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si. Through this vision, USU continues to encourage improvements in education quality, research, innovation, internationalization, and the strengthening of global networks to support the achievement of a world-class university.

The international program was organized by KOICA-ICAB in collaboration with Seoul National University (SNU) and several leading research institutions in South Korea. The program focused on strengthening capacity in green bio science and technology, food security, agricultural innovation, environmental sustainability, forestry, and the development of international collaboration.

During the program, participants engaged in various academic activities, including training sessions, scientific discussions, laboratory visits, and exchanges of experience with prominent institutions in South Korea, such as Seoul National University (SNU), Institutes of Green-bio Science & Technology (GBST), National Instrumentation Center for Environmental Management (NICEM), Gyeonggi Agri-Fisheries Institute (GAFI), Daejeon Technopark, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Jeio Tech, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Korea Food Industry Cluster Agency (FOODPOLIS), and Sejong National Arboretum.

These activities not only broadened academic and research perspectives but also opened opportunities for international collaboration in education, environmental studies, biotechnology, and sustainable development.

USU’s participation in this program is also considered relevant to several SDGs. In relation to SDG 1 (No Poverty), capacity development in green agriculture and biotechnology is expected to support community welfare improvement through natural resource-based innovation and sustainable economic strengthening.

For SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), training related to food security, agricultural technology, and biological resource management became an important part of supporting sustainable and productive food systems. Meanwhile, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) was reflected through visits to biotechnology and environmental research institutions that provided insights into the development of health technology, food safety, and healthy environments for society.

The program also supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) through knowledge transfer, strengthening academic capacity, and developing international networks in education and research. In addition, the collaboration among USU, KOICA, IPB University, Seoul National University, and various South Korean institutions reflects the implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in supporting sustainable development based on science and innovation.

In addition to academic and research activities, participants also joined cultural visits to several important locations in South Korea, including Seoul and Jeonju Hanok Village, to strengthen cross-cultural understanding while fostering international relations among countries.

Through active involvement in this international program, USU continues to strengthen its role as a globally oriented, innovative university that contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at both national and international levels.

Participation in the 4th KOICA-ICAB Short-term Training Program further confirms USU’s commitment to strengthening its transformation toward becoming a world-class university. In line with the spirit of “The Era of Ultimate Excellence,” USU continues to promote innovative, collaborative, and globally impactful higher education to support sustainable development.