18 May 2026
Anita Kartika Pasaribu
On Monday, May 18, 2026, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), organized the Cultural and Education Symposium: Weaving Identity in the Transformation of Modern Education as part of the Sports and Arts Week (PERSONI) FIB USU 2026 series. The event, held at the FIB Multipurpose Hall, was attended by faculty leaders, lecturers, administrative staff, students, and alumni of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB).
The symposium was officially opened by the Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Relations of FIB USU, Dr. Zulfan, S.S., M.Hum. In his opening remarks, he emphasized that culture and education are inseparable elements in shaping the character and identity of younger generations. Therefore, collective efforts are needed to preserve and develop cultural values so that they remain relevant amid the ongoing transformation of education.
Carrying the theme “Weaving Identity in the Transformation of Modern Education,” the symposium served as a discussion forum that brought together diverse perspectives from academics, practitioners, students, and alumni to explore both the challenges and opportunities in maintaining cultural identity in an era marked by globalization and rapid technological advancement.
The event featured several distinguished speakers, including Dr. Fatwa Imelda, S.Kep., Ns., M.Biomed., M.Kep., Secretary of the Directorate of Student Talent and Alumni Affairs of Universitas Sumatera Utara; Afif Abdillah, S.E., Member of Commission II of the Medan City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD); a representative of the Student Executive Board of Universitas Sumatera Utara (BEM USU); and a representative of the alumni of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB).
During their presentations, the speakers highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural identity as a foundation for responding to social change and the evolving landscape of modern education. They also discussed the roles of students, alumni, and educational institutions in fostering academic environments that successfully integrate cultural values with innovation and technological progress.
The discussion session was highly interactive and received enthusiastic participation from attendees. Students actively shared their questions, perspectives, and ideas regarding cultural preservation and its implementation in both academic and social contexts. The symposium was moderated by Satria Kurniawan, a student of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), who guided the discussion in a dynamic and engaging manner.
Through this symposium, FIB USU reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a center for intellectual development as well as a hub for the preservation and strengthening of cultural values. The event also reflected the faculty’s contribution to nurturing a generation that excels academically while maintaining a strong awareness of cultural identity.
As part of the PERSONI FIB USU 2026 series, the symposium demonstrated that sports and arts activities can go hand in hand with the development of academic insight and student character. It is hoped that similar initiatives will continue to be held as platforms for collaboration, intellectual exchange, and the strengthening of cultural identity within the Universitas Sumatera Utara community.
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