UNIDA Gontor — On Friday, October 3, 2025, students from Darussalam University (UNIDA) Gontor conducted an Academic Study (SA) visit to the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). This activity was part of a series of International Community Engagement (ICE) events organized as a form of cross-border learning and academic expansion for UNIDA Gontor students, representing one of the initiatives of the Best Islamic University in Indonesia.
During this academic visit, students participated in the International Seminar on Career Planning for Undergraduate Students, an international seminar organized by the Department of Business and Administration (DeBA), KENMS, IIUM. The seminar took place at Ambank 1, Graduate School of Management, KENMS, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. local time.
The event featured a number of prominent speakers from IIUM academics, namely Prof. Dr. Suhaimi Mhd Sarif and Dr. Nur Fariza Mustaffa as keynote speakers. Meanwhile, KENMS department heads were also present, namely Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurita Juhdi (Head of BBM), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhaimi Muda (Head of Management), and Dr. Nur Hasnida Abdul Rahman (Head of MBA). The seminar was hosted by Dr. Nur Ariffah Abdul Sabian, who acted as the event moderator.
In their presentations, the speakers emphasized the importance of careful career planning for students while still in college. According to Prof. Dr. Suhaimi Mhd Sarif, career planning is not only about determining a job after graduation, but also about building character, values, and competencies that are in line with the needs of the modern professional world. Students are encouraged to understand their potential, expand their networks, and continue to hone both academic and non-academic skills in order to compete globally.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nur Fariza Mustaffa highlighted the importance of self-development strategies in facing the ever-changing dynamics of the world of work. She explained that students need to have the ability to adapt, think critically, and have spiritual awareness in order to pursue a career with integrity and strong Islamic values.
In addition to discussing career development aspects, the speakers also outlined the role of higher education institutions in shaping students’ career mindset. Educational institutions are considered to have a responsibility not only to transfer knowledge but also to guide students to be ready to enter the workforce with a clear vision. The seminar featured various examples of best practices from IIUM in supporting student career readiness through mentorship programs, entrepreneurship training, and collaboration with industry.
For UNIDA Gontor students, this seminar provided a valuable opportunity to interact directly with the IIUM academic community and gain an international perspective on career management in a global university environment. Through discussion sessions, UNIDA students were able to express their views and questions regarding career readiness in the digital age, as well as exchange experiences with IIUM students.
This activity also strengthens UNIDA Gontor’s mission to prepare graduates who are characterful, globally competitive, and have Islamic morals, with a balance between knowledge, professional skills, and moral values. This seminar is a tangible form of synergy between UNIDA Gontor and IIUM in strengthening academic cooperation, developing student competencies, and expanding international scientific networks.
Through this activity, UNIDA Gontor students are expected to learn important lessons on how to plan and build a career oriented towards values, vision, and social responsibility. The academic visit to KENMS IIUM not only provides inspiration but also strengthens students’ enthusiasm to become outstanding Muslim professionals with integrity, ready to contribute to the global community as representatives of the Best Islamic University in Indonesia.
Author: Aris Ashar
Editor: Ahmad Ma’ruf Muzaidin Arrosit
