Aceh, December 10, 2024 – In a milestone meeting that underscores the power of collaboration, SEAQiM representatives visited the prestigious STEM Research Centre at Syiah Kuala University (USK), Aceh. The delegation, led by Dr Sumardyono, Director of SEAQiM, along with Dr Sri Wulandari Danoebroto, Deputy Director for the Programme, and Ms Lely Dian Puspita from the Partnership Division, engaged in fruitful discussions to explore innovative collaborations in STEM. Ms Rini Octaviani, Head of the Applied Mathematics Division, STEM Research Centre, USK, hosted the visit.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including leading experts such as Prof. Hizir Sofyan, Prof. Rohmah Johar, Prof. Meilizar, and Ms. Wiwit Atika, alongside partners from the Training Center, the MKKS forum, and principals of SMA Negeri 1 and 8 Banda Aceh.
Ms. Rini enthusiastically welcomed SEAQiM’s delegation and expressed a strong commitment to initiating collaborative STEM programs in 2025. She unveiled plans for a STEM Corner, a cutting-edge learning space equipped with state-of-the-art robotic tools and 3D printing technologies to empower students with hands-on STEM experiences.
Dr. Wulandari captivated the audience with her presentation, highlighting SEAQiM’s impactful initiatives, including the STEM Village program, which engages students and parents in local communities. She proposed a “sister village” collaboration with USK’s STEM Research Centre to expand and enrich this initiative.
Adding to the excitement, Prof. Rohmah Johar outlined a vision for a formal partnership between USK and SEAQiM. Her proposals included expert-sharing sessions, teacher training, and numeracy programs, which SEAQiM’s Director warmly endorsed, paving the way for the next steps in formalizing this collaboration.
The dialogue also sparked interest from the MKKS forum, which voiced a strong desire to work with the Banda Aceh Education Office to propose training initiatives to SEAQiM, focusing on enhancing mathematics teachers’ competencies in the region.
This remarkable event exemplified SEAQiM and USK’s shared commitment to revolutionizing STEM education in Indonesia. Both institutions set a benchmark for excellence in nurturing future STEM leaders by fostering innovative collaborations and creating transformative learning opportunities.