On January 30th, 2024, the International Office of UNPAR attended the USAID HEPI Forum 2024 at ITB University, Bandung. The forum highlighted crucial aspects of the importance of international recognition, industry collaboration, and applied learning in Indonesia’s education system.
The event featured many notable speakers, such as Ms. Rina Suryani from IBM, Prof. Poerbandono from ITB, Mr. Adri Gautama from Cisco Indonesia, Fadil Palewai from Bukatana Makerspace, Nona Pooroe Utomo from the Naraloka Foundation, Dr. Tita Larasati from ITB, and Mr. Adi Darmadi from Rockwell Automation. The forum was moderated by Prof. Tjokorde Samidhi from IABEE and Thomas Becskehazy from USAID HEPI (Higher Education Partnership Initiative).
USAID HEPI talks about the importance of outcome-based education and applied learning. The forum discusses the growing interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and how important it is to apply outcome-based education and applied learning to the curriculums given in universities. It also introduces ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), a non-governmental organization that evaluates the quality of post-secondary education programs. ABET as a neutral third party in assessing these programs, can help students in finding quality education and in turn will help the program attract the strongest students. With the help of these programs and ABET, students are hoped to be more prepared for their future professions as well as provide information regarding scholarships.
The forum showcases the opportunities and benefits that will be attained through this form of learning. As this form of learning also makes sure there are engagements between academia, industry, and the public, the quality of academic programs will be maintained as well as the public’s confidence for the university and major can be encouraged.