Attended by UiTM Malaysia Representatives, the XVI Simpora Gala Dinner in Bireuen Was a Success.

The Bireuen Regency Government (Pemkab), Aceh Province, in collaboration with Al-Muslim University (Umuslim) Peusangan, held a gala dinner for the XVI Nusantara Culture Symposium (Simpora) at the Regent's Hall on Wednesday evening, September 3, 2025.

The event was attended by the Regent and Deputy Regent, H. Mukhlis, ST, along with Ir. H. Razuardi, MT, as well as guests from various universities in Aceh, Indonesia, and abroad, including Prof. Dato Abdullah Bin Mohammad Said, a representative from UiTM Malaysia.

Also in attendance were Prof. Dr. Mohd Sabriza bin Abd Rasyid, Chairman of KUTAI UiTM; Hakim Muttagin, BSoc.Sc., H. MEc.Dev, Chairman of SIMPORA XVI Umuslim; and Dr. Kelly Ann Reed, Oxford Brookes University; academics, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders.

In his remarks, the Deputy Regent of Bireuen, Ir. H. Razuardi, MT, stated that the presence of delegates from Malaysia, as well as regencies/cities in Aceh Province and beyond in Bireuen was a great honor for the people of Bireuen.

This year, Bireuen is proud to host SIMPORA XVI. SIMPORA is an important forum that brings together thinkers, researchers, and practitioners from various fields. It is not only a space for scientific discussion, but also a platform to strengthen collaboration across regions and even across countries.

"We are confident that with the participation of academics from foreign universities, this year's SIMPORA will be even more colorful, richer in perspective, and stronger in making real contributions to both scientific development and national development," he said.

He added that the gala dinner aims to showcase the warmth of the Acehnese people through flavorful traditional dishes and regional cultural performances.

"We hope you all can experience the hospitality of the Bireuen people, and may this experience become a lasting memory."

He expressed his high hopes that SIMPORA XVI in Bireuen Regency would become a momentum for the birth of big ideas on how we prepare a resilient young generation, on how we face global challenges together, and on how we foster a spirit of limitless collaboration, Razuardi hoped.

The event included remarks from the representative of UiTM Malaysia, Prof. Dato Abdullah, and the presentation of souvenirs from the Regent of Bireuen to UiTM. Prof. Sabriza and Doctor OJ presented them to the Regent and his wife.

The announcement of the 10 participants who wore the best attire and received gifts from the committee included Sadriah Mukhlis, the Regent of Bireuen; Rahmi Novalita from Al-Muslim University; Cut Vera from Bireuen Regency; Vita Rizkia from UNIKI Bireuen; and Irni Aryani, the Rector of Al-Muslim University.

Furthermore, Rita Hayati, Head of the Investment, One-Stop Integrated Licensing Service (DPMPTSP), Husnidar, member of the Bireuen DPRK, Rukmini from Bireuen Regency, Desi Aryanti from Bung Hatta University, Muhammad Haziq from Universiti Teknologi Mara Malaysia.