Collaboration between Universitas Sumatera Utara and Alliance Française Medan: Internationalization Efforts with French Experts
Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) collaborated with Alliance Française Medan to organize an international public lecture that addressed two significant themes: “Nuclear Energy: From Extremely Small Fission Scale to Extremely Large Worldwide Impact” and “Composite Materials: Diversity of Use, Focus on Mechanical Design.” The event was held in the Academic Senate Meeting Room at the USU Rectorate Building on June 25, 2025.
Importance of the Event
Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, representing USU’s Vice Rector III, highlighted the relevance of these initiatives in broadening educational perspectives and enhancing critical thinking skills among participants. The public lecture was designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical innovation, reflecting USU’s ongoing commitment to internationalization and the elevation of its academic profile.
Guest Speaker and Insights
Prof. Rikson Asman Fertiles Siburian, who serves as the USU Internationalization Program Manager, emphasized the role of Poggy Kurniawan, President of Alliance Française Medan, in facilitating the event and introducing guest speaker Rémi De Reynal, a Research and Development Mechanical Engineer at Michelin in France. This arrangement allowed attendees to gain valuable insights from industry professionals within an academic context.
Future Opportunities
The partnership is set to extend beyond the lecture series, as Alliance Française Medan has provided opportunities for USU undergraduate students to undertake internships in France for a semester. This internship program is financially supported by various French universities, contingent upon the students’ engagement in research groups during their stay.
