KKN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA: YOUTH IN ACTION, DRIVING SUSTAINABLE AND HIGH-IMPACT COMMUNITY SERVICE

Abstract

International Community Service Program (KKN) is a cross-country student service program. The Indonesian Regional Coordinator, International Association of Economics & Business (IAEB) is trusted as a forum for implementing the International Community Service Activities in collaboration with Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) with students from 10 higher education institutions in Indonesia. This International Community Service Program was held in Medan, Binjai and Pematang Siantar, attended by 100 students from Universiti Utara Malaysia, Al-Washliyah Muslim Nusantara University, UIN North Sumatra, STIT Al-Washliyah Binjai, STAI Darussalam Kunir, Malikussaleh University Lhokseumawe, UIN Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padang Sidempuan, STIT Batubara, UIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, Batutta University, STKIP Budidaya Binjai and students from Fatani Selatan Thailand which is designed to support community development, strengthen global leadership, cross-cultural management skills while strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Malaysia and Thailand. The implementation method includes observation, interviews, discussions, and analysis of community needs to design work programs that focus on education, agriculture, business, social, and culture. The results of the activities include the implementation of international seminars on education, critical thinking in da'wah literacy, cross-country cultural discussions, cross-country cultural enrichment, implementation of the Sentra learning model (Beyond Centers and Circle Time / BCCT) , field learning on plant development with grabbing, coffee business planning, PKM Kampung Tahu, as well as involvement in social activities such as women and children protection at the Aksi Baik foundation. This program provides direct benefits to the local community and trains students for self-development and careers, having global competencies such as cross-cultural communication skills, critical thinking, and social sensitivity. The International KKN has been proven to strengthen academic and cultural relations between the three countries, as well as providing valuable experience for students in their role as agents of change. In conclusion, this program is a strategic forum to improve the quality of students in a global context, while creating a sustainable positive impact on the local community.