Parapat, September 24, 2026 — The series of activities for the International Summer Course 2026 at the Faculty of Vocational Education, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), titled “Future-Proofing Global Business and Accounting: Digital Innovation, Sustainable Finance, and Governance,” was officially concluded through the Closing Ceremony held on Thursday night at Hotel Patra Parapat. Carrying the spirit of collaboration and friendship across countries, the closing event became a moment to appreciate all parties involved while celebrating the togetherness fostered during the series of events.
The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Vocational Education, USU, Prof. Dr. Isfenti Sadalia, S.E., M.E., Business Support Head of PTPN IV Regional II, Mr. Syubanul Khair, Head of Tax Finance Assurance of PTPN IV Regional I, Mr. Aslan Anwar Daulay, Subject Matter Expert, Mr. Ady Putra Sinambela, S.T., M.T., the heads of study programs within the Faculty of Vocational Education, USU, the organizing committee, as well as delegations of students and lecturers from Malaysia from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
The event began with a report from the Head of the International Summer Course 2026 Committee, Dr. Sambas Ade Kesuma, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CA., who presented an overview of the activities and the number of participants taking part in the program both online and offline. The report illustrated the journey of the International Summer Course 2026, which was designed from the outset as a space for learning and international interaction for participants.
Following that, a series of speeches was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Vocational Education, USU, Mr. Syubanul Khair, as a representative of PTPN IV, Dr. Hadafi as a representative of TISSA UUM, and Puan Fazni as a representative of UiTM. In her speech, Dean Prof. Isfenti expressed appreciation to all the committee members and parties that supported the implementation of the International Summer Course 2026. The event became more meaningful as it was the first Summer Course held by the Vocational Faculty of USU.
Prof. Isfenti also expressed hope that this activity could become an innovation and open up collaboration opportunities that could be further developed in the future. More than just an academic program, the activities were expected to strengthen relationships and brotherhood between USU and international partners as well as the industry.
Interestingly, the atmosphere of the evening's speeches was also colored by traditional rhymes. After the Dean's speech concluded with a rhyme, the next speech also included a rhyme, creating a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere among the participants.
The closing atmosphere became warmer with the presentation of plaques and souvenirs to the partners who supported the series of the International Summer Course 2026. Appreciation was given to PTPN IV, TISSA UUM, INASIS UUM, and UiTM as part of the collaborative relationships established during the event.
Conversely, the partner delegations also presented souvenirs as a token of appreciation to the Faculty of Vocational Education, USU, and PTPN IV. The presentation of a plaque from UUM to the Faculty of Vocational Education, USU and souvenirs from UiTM to the Faculty of Vocational Education, USU and PTPN IV symbolized the reciprocal relationship formed through the event.
The series of events continued with artistic performances from the delegations and participants. INASIS UUM presented a dance, while UiTM and USU showcased a musical drama. The performances created a lively atmosphere and provided an opportunity for each institution to introduce their creativity and cultural expressions.
The enthusiasm was evident not only from the participants who performed but also from the Malaysian delegation, who enjoyed the entertainment throughout the event. The informal interactions, laughter, and camaraderie created a warm and friendly atmosphere at the Closing Ceremony. The differences in the participants' backgrounds felt united in the intimate atmosphere of the closing night.
After the series of performances, all participants took a group photo, which was followed by entertainment. The Malaysian student delegation also enjoyed the evening by singing and participating in entertainment activities with other participants. The ongoing interactions further demonstrated the closeness that had developed during the series of the International Summer Course 2026.
One of the moments that revived memories from the events occurred at the end of the ceremony through the screening of a recap video of the International Summer Course 2026. The presentation summarized the journey of the participants from the activities to various moments of togetherness shared. The video screening also evoked emotional sentiments, with many participants lamenting the end of the activities, as various moments of camaraderie, interaction, and friendship had been forged between participants from Indonesia and Malaysia.
Thus, the Closing Ceremony became more than just a marker of the end of a program. That night served as a space to reflect on the journey taken and celebrate the relationships formed through learning, collaboration, cultural exchange, and togetherness.
Through the implementation of the International Summer Course 2026, the Faculty of Vocational Education, USU not only opened up international academic experiences for participants but also built a meeting space that allowed inter-institutional and inter-student relationships to develop into networks and brotherhoods that can continue in the future.