15 students from the College of Engineering embarked on an enriching journey from August 25th to September 7th, 2023, as part of the Introduction to Embedded Programming (IEP) 2023 program, held at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya, Indonesia. This program, a collaborative effort among Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan, involved a total of 80 students. Beyond academic pursuits, IEP focuses on nurturing community outreach and fostering international ties as part of the Globally Renowned University (GRU2025) Strategic Plan.
The core objective of IEP is to cultivate a passion for embedded programming among students while encouraging innovation in control systems using Arduino microcontroller software. The program’s significance goes beyond academics, emphasizing the development of future innovators in the global science and technology landscape through international cooperation.
The program commenced with enlightening research lectures from esteemed professors: Professor Hanafusa and Associate Professor Motoki Takagi from Shibaura Institute of Technology Japan, Associate Professor Dr. Achmad Arifin from ITS Indonesia, and Associate Professor Dr. Noor Ayuni Che Zakaria from UiTM. These lectures set the tone for the program, equipping students with essential knowledge. Following the lectures, educational tour and cultural visit were ensured that students not only expanded their academic knowledge but also developed a more holistic understanding of the host country. It allowed them to appreciate the cultural diversity and historical significance of the places they visited, making their international experience even more meaningful.
Over the course of 14 days, Professor Hanafusa led training sessions, covering a range of topics, including the Introduction to C and C++ programming languages, Autodesk TinkerCad, and Arduino microcontroller software. To apply their newfound knowledge, students collaborated in groups of 5-6 members, representing the participating countries, to develop mini-projects. The culmination of their efforts included final presentations and opinion exchange meetings.
IEP was more than just classroom learning; it integrated educational tours and cultural visits into the curriculum. The students enthusiastically participated in a community outreach program at Istana Karya Difabel (IKD), an NGO that engages disabled children in creative activities such as singing, dancing, and painting. Students engaged with the children, fostering international participation and interest in their activities.
Cultural enrichment was a highlight of the program, with visits to the De Javasche Bank Museum, Tugu Pahlawan Monument, and Sepuluh Nopember Museum in Surabaya. De Javasche Bank Museum, formerly the central bank of Dutch East Indies, showcases Indonesia’s financial history. The iconic Tugu Pahlawan Monument pays homage to those who perished during the Battle of Surabaya in 1945, while the Sepuluh Nopember Museum is located near the monument. Additionally, students embarked on an outdoor adventure with a hiking trip to Mount Bromo, located within the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, offering breathtaking landscapes.
The success of the IEP program has solidified a lasting partnership between institutions. This collaboration underscores the program’s ability to foster ongoing cooperation, interaction, and knowledge exchange among participants.
Ultimately, the Introduction to Embedded Programming (IEP) program stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration in empowering the next generation of innovators, with the hope that the knowledge and experiences gained during the program will contribute significantly to future innovations in science and technology worldwide.