MEDAN, 9 November 2026 – In commemoration of the 41st anniversary of the Postgraduate School at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), the Master’s Program in Property Management and Valuation (MMPP) organized the "International Workshop and International Community Service Program 2026" in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The program began with the arrival of participants at Kualanamu International Airport, followed by their transfer to the Universitas Sumatera Utara Guest House, which served as their accommodation throughout the event.

As an introduction to the local culture and regional potential, participants visited several historical landmarks in Medan. The tour commenced at Maimun Palace—a symbol of the glory of the Deli Sultanate, featuring a blend of Malay, Islamic, and European architectural styles. The group then visited Pasar Ikan Lama, a commercial hub reflecting the dynamic economic activities of the local community, and the Kesawan area, which preserves traces of Medan’s historical development and colonial-era architecture.

The itinerary continued to Lapangan Merdeka (Independence Square), a significant historical public space and urban landmark, as well as the Al-Mashun Grand Mosque, an icon of Islamic architecture and a cultural legacy of the Deli Sultanate. The program concluded with a dinner at Wajir Seafood, providing an opportunity to strengthen interactions, communication, and friendships between the participants from Indonesia and Malaysia.

This exploration of history and culture aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage and urban history, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) through cross-cultural learning outside the traditional classroom. Furthermore, the collaboration between USU and UTM embodies the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering international partnerships to support knowledge exchange and educational development. Through this series of activities on the first day, USU and UTM have not only strengthened academic ties between the two institutions but also provided a learning experience centered on historical identity, cultural diversity, and urban development. These activities are expected to broaden the participants' international perspectives while fostering an awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage as an integral part of inclusive and sustainable urban development.