The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (Fahutan USU), has initiated an international mobility program for Undergraduate (S1) and Master's (S2) Forestry students in partnership with the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fakulti Perhutanan dan Alam Sekitar - FHAS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The collaborative framework was discussed during an online meeting via Zoom on Monday, October 26, 2026, marking a strategic step to expand academic internationalization and strengthen cross-border forestry partnerships.

The virtual meeting was attended by the Dean of FHAS UPM, Prof. Dr. Azlizam Aziz, accompanied by academic staff and student representatives. Fahutan USU was represented directly by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Arida Susilowati, S.Hut., M.Si., alongside vice deans, heads and secretaries of study programs, and departmental managers across the faculty.

During the discussion, both institutions outlined plans for an upcoming academic visit and joint educational activities to be hosted at the Faculty of Forestry USU. The proposed itinerary includes guest lectures and collaborative learning sessions engaging faculty members and students from both universities. The program is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, academic exchange, and comparative perspectives on forestry science and sustainable management practices across Indonesia and Malaysia.

In addition to academic forums, Fahutan USU is scheduled to accompany the UPM delegation on visits to several cultural and historical destinations in North Sumatra, including the Maimun Palace in Medan and the Lake Toba region. This cultural exchange agenda aims to showcase North Sumatra's rich heritage, history, and natural landscapes while broadening participants' appreciation of the interconnectedness among environment, culture, and local communities.

This initiative marks an important milestone toward establishing sustainable international programs that deliver mutual academic benefits. Through joint activities, students are expected to gain valuable cross-cultural learning experiences, expand their academic networks, and enhance their readiness to address increasingly complex global forestry challenges.

This international collaboration directly aligns with Sustainable Development Goals SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enriching higher education through cross-border academic exchange, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by building strong global partnerships between higher education institutions to advance sustainable forestry science.