7 UMS Civil Engineering Students Off to Malaysia Exchange

The international class of Civil Engineering Department of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta once again sent seven of its students to join the exchange program at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (UTHM) Malaysia.

The students are Muhammad Arkan Firdaus, Rakyan Rafli Satriyo Suryo Sadono, Arfaa Zaharani Kusumaningputri, Adam Syarufa, Gagah Lindu Walesta, Riz Asyraf M., and Darell Wijaya Ariawan.

According to the Head of UMS Civil Engineering Department, Anto Budi Listyawan, S.T., M.Sc., the exchange program will last one semester, starting in early October and ending around February. “Classes will begin in early October and finish around February,” said Anto, Monday (29/9/2025).

During their semester at UTHM, the students will take part in classroom learning as well as laboratory practice. The exchange scheme includes a credit transfer program, meaning that the grades obtained at UTHM will be converted into equivalent course credits at UMS.

Anto emphasized that the purpose of this program is to enrich the international experience of UMS Civil Engineering students. Studying abroad, he said, will provide them with valuable new perspectives.

Group photo of exchange students with Head of the Civil Engineering Department, Anto Budi Listyawan, S.T., M.Sc., at the Directorate of Reputation, Partnership, and International Affairs UMS, 26 September 2025. UMS PR/Luqman Hakim 

He added that the students would also be able to compare the academic atmosphere at UTHM with that at UMS and apply their new knowledge upon returning home. 

“They are also carrying the mission of CESA (Civil Engineering Student Association) to establish collaboration with the student union at UTHM,” he added.

The exchange program has been running since 2014. In addition to credit transfer, UMS has previously sent students for industrial internships in Malaysia and has also hosted UTHM students for summer courses at UMS.

Anto expressed his hope that UMS students joining international exchange programs prepare themselves well, especially in terms of language skills and cultural understanding. “I hope the students who are leaving really prepare themselves mentally and culturally,” he concluded.

Writer: Gede Arga Adrian

Editor: Fika Annisa Solihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid