Medan, USU PR – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) hosted the 5th Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle University Network (IMT-GT UNINET) Council Meeting. The event brought together leaders of higher education institutions from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand to strengthen collaboration in higher education, research, innovation, and community engagement.

The meeting served as an important platform for formulating the future direction of UNINET collaboration while reinforcing the role of higher education institutions in supporting the development of the IMT-GT region.

The Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Partnership of USU, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., stated that the council meeting not only evaluated the implementation of the UNINET Strategic Action Plan 2022–2026, but also laid the groundwork for the next phase of regional academic cooperation.

"We hope this forum will produce not only meaningful recommendations, but also visionary ideas, stronger collaborations, more impactful innovations, and a shared commitment to continuously enhance the quality of education, research, innovation, sustainability, and human resource development across our region," Prof. Himsar said.

He added that the diversity of the IMT-GT member countries represents a major strength that should be optimized through inter-institutional collaboration. This vision aligns with USU's tagline, "The Era of Ultimate Excellence," which reflects the university's commitment to becoming a globally reputable institution that not only excels academically but also delivers solutions that benefit society.

On the same occasion, Professor Datuk Dr. Shahrin bin Sahib, FASC., PTech., MIIEM, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, and Chairman of the IMT-GT University Network (UNINET), explained that the meeting would evaluate the implementation of the Strategic Action Plan 2022–2026, discuss proposals for new projects and future activities, receive updates on the preparation of the Strategic Action Plan 2027–2031, and review proposed programs that will form part of the next strategic development agenda for IMT-GT UNINET.

"The progress achieved over the past year reflects the dedication of all member institutions in transforming our shared vision into concrete actions that generate meaningful benefits," he remarked.

The meeting also highlighted several flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration among universities across the IMT-GT region, including the Eco School, Eco Campus, and Green University programs, cross-border flagship projects, digital transformation initiatives, collaborative micro-credential development, and other strategic programs that support sustainable regional development.

Furthermore, Mr. Amri Bukhairi Bakhtiar, Director of the Centre for Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Subregional Cooperation (CIMT), emphasized the crucial role of universities in bridging research outcomes with policymaking, connecting students and researchers with industry, translating academic expertise into practical solutions for society, and aligning national priorities with subregional cooperation.

"We need a platform that supports applied research, university–industry collaboration, innovation, talent development, and evidence-based policymaking in line with the direction of the new Vision Blueprint," he emphasized.