As part of efforts to strengthen international Community Engagement in line with the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, the Magister of Economics and Development Studies (MESP) Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), conducted an institutional visit to the Indonesian Community Association of Penang (Pertubuhan Masyarakat Indonesia/PERMAI) in Penang, Malaysia, on 5 July 2024.

PERMAI is a non-political, non-governmental organization operating in the fields of social affairs, education, and culture. Its members consist of Indonesian citizens residing in Malaysia, including expatriates, business professionals, lecturers, teachers, university students, school students, and workers. The visit aimed to establish mutually beneficial international collaboration in Community Engagement activities between the two institutions.

The MESP UNS delegation was led by the Head of the MESP Study Program, Dr. Evi Gravitiani, S.E., M.Si., accompanied by several MESP lecturers, Prof. Dr. Izza Mafruhah, S.E., M.Si., Dr. Suryanto, S.E., M.Si., Dr. Sarjiyanto, S.E., M.M., and Dewi Ismoyowati, S.E., M.Ec.Dev. The delegation was welcomed by the PERMAI management board, including Khozaeni Ambon as Vice President of PERMAI, Agung Kartajaya as Secretary I of PERMAI, other board members, as well as teachers from Sanggar Bimbingan PERMAI.

The Community Engagement activity was conducted with children from Sanggar Bimbingan PERMAI, led by Khozaeni Rahmad. During the activity, the delegation provided motivation, introduced Indonesian cultural values, and facilitated educational games for the participants. Khozaeni expressed his sincere appreciation to the MESP UNS delegation for their visit and contributions, highlighting the importance of attention and support for Indonesian children living abroad.

Through this visit, the MESP Study Program of FEB UNS reaffirmed its commitment to expanding international Community Engagement initiatives that contribute to social development, cultural preservation, and the strengthening of ties within the Indonesian community overseas.