The Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), held a Public Lecture and Promotion of the Master’s Program in Mathematics at Universitas Cipta Mandiri (UNCM), West Aceh, on September 15, 2026. Held at the Universitas Cipta Mandiri (UNCM) Hall, the activity was part of the Department of Mathematics FMIPA USK’s efforts to introduce postgraduate education in mathematics while expanding academic and research collaboration networks with higher education institutions in West Aceh.
The event was organized through a collaboration between the Department of Mathematics, FMIPA USK, and Universitas Cipta Mandiri (UNCM), with Nissa Fiska, S.Pd., M.Si., serving as the technical coordinator. Participants included students, lecturers, and members of the academic community of the Mathematics Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Cipta Mandiri. The participation of various members of the academic community provided an opportunity to exchange insights on developments in mathematics and opportunities for pursuing higher education.
The event began with a public lecture on Ethnomathematics and Its Applications, delivered by Dr. Salmawaty, M.Sc. The session provided insights into the relationship between mathematics and culture, as well as its applications in various educational and real-life contexts. The discussion of ethnomathematics also offered a broader perspective on mathematics by connecting mathematical concepts with cultural knowledge and practices that have developed within communities.
The next session featured a public lecture on Optimal Control and Its Applications, delivered by Dr. Said Munzir, S.Si., M.Eng.Sc. The lecture introduced the concepts of optimal control and their applications in addressing various problems involving mathematical modeling and optimal decision-making. The presentation was expected to broaden participants’ understanding of the application of mathematics in computational and applied fields.
In addition to the public lectures, the event featured a promotion of the Master’s Program in Mathematics, FMIPA USK, presented directly by the Head of the Department of Mathematics, Rini Oktavia, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Her presentation provided detailed information about the Master’s Program in Mathematics at USK, including the strengths of its curriculum, research opportunities, as well as admission pathways and application information for prospective students.
The promotion of the Master’s Program in Mathematics was expected to provide the UNCM academic community, particularly students and graduates of the Mathematics Education Study Program, with a comprehensive overview of opportunities to pursue postgraduate studies at USK. In this way, the activity also served as a platform to encourage the enhancement of academic capacity and professional competencies in mathematics.
The event also provided an opportunity to establish and strengthen academic collaboration between FMIPA USK and Universitas Cipta Mandiri, particularly in the areas of education, knowledge exchange, and potential research collaboration. Interaction between faculty members and students from both institutions is expected to open up broader opportunities for future cooperation.
Through the Public Lecture and Promotion of the Master’s Program in Mathematics at UNCM, the Department of Mathematics, FMIPA USK, continues to disseminate developments in mathematics and research findings to the academic community. The activity also reflects the department’s commitment to strengthening academic networks and encouraging S1 graduates, particularly those in West Aceh, to pursue a Master’s degree in Mathematics at Universitas Syiah Kuala.