FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITAS BATAM, HOLDS PUBLIC LECTURES ON NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, STUDY OPPORTUNITIES IN GERMANY, AND TECHNOPRENEURSHIP

BATAM – Universitas Batam held a series of public lectures focusing on national industrial development, study opportunities in Germany, and technopreneurship to broaden academic perspectives and prepare students to meet the demands of technological advancements and the evolving industrial sector. The event featured academics from Universitas Batam and Universitas Syiah Kuala as speakers, engaging lecturers and students in discussions on knowledge development, innovation, and the role of higher education institutions in advancing national industrial development.

The first public lecture, entitled “Universities and Their Role in National Industrial Development” was delivered by Dr. Hasan Yudie Sastra, DSA, a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Universitas Batam. The session explored the strategic role of universities in supporting industrial development through human resource development, strengthening technical competencies, and applying scientific knowledge and technology to meet the needs of businesses and industries.

The second lecture, entitled “Study in Germany” featured Dr.-Ing. Ir. Rudi Kurniawan, S.T., M.Eng., a senior lecturer at Universitas Syiah Kuala. The session provided insights into opportunities for pursuing higher education in Germany, highlighting the importance of broadening academic perspectives and enhancing competencies to compete in the global arena.

The third topic, “Technopreneurship” was presented by Prof. Dr. Ir. Razali Thaib, S.T., M.T., a senior lecturer at Universitas Syiah Kuala. The discussion highlighted the relationship between technology and entrepreneurship, particularly in fostering innovation, creating technology-based business opportunities, and developing entrepreneurial potential among members of the academic community.

The sessions on national industrial development and Study in Germany were moderated by Mr. Suharjo, S.Si., M.T., a Mechanical Engineering lecturer at Universitas Batam. Meanwhile, the Technopreneurship session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ir. Zahrul Fuadi, S.T., M.Sc., IPM., ASEAN Eng., Vice Rector I of Universitas Batam and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

In his remarks, Rector of Universitas Batam, Prof. Dr. Ir. Samsul Rizal, M.Eng., IPU., ASEAN Eng., emphasized the importance of introducing and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the academic environment, particularly among lecturers. The use of AI is expected to support teaching and learning processes, the development of lecture materials, and access to the latest scientific databases and references. Through these efforts, lecturers are encouraged to continuously update their teaching materials in line with developments in science and technology.

He also expressed his aspiration for Universitas Batam to achieve an Excellent institutional accreditation rating in the coming year. To accomplish this goal, improving academic quality and developing study programs remain key priorities in strengthening the university’s competitiveness. The Mechanical Engineering Study Program is expected to continue enhancing the quality of its education to achieve an Excellent accreditation rating. In addition, Universitas Batam plans to establish a Master’s Program in Mechanical Engineering to expand its educational offerings and produce competent graduates who meet industry needs.

This development plan aligns with Batam’s continued growth as a major industrial and manufacturing hub, including in medium-scale and high-technology industries. The proposed Master’s Program in Mechanical Engineering is expected to help meet the demand for specialists in engineering and industry while strengthening Universitas Batam’s contribution to national industrial development.

Through this series of public lectures, Universitas Batam reaffirms its commitment to strengthening academic collaboration, broadening the knowledge and perspectives of students and lecturers, and encouraging the use of technology in education. The event is expected to serve as a platform for ongoing knowledge exchange and the development of new ideas, while supporting Universitas Batam’s vision of becoming an excellent, innovative, and competitive higher education institution that contributes to national industrial development.