In commemoration of National Technology Awakening Day (Hakteknas) 2024 and the 40th Anniversary of Universitas Terbuka (UT), the university continues to consistently introduce its latest innovations. These innovations, derived from research, are showcased through products displayed at the Open and Distance Learning Research and Innovation Exhibition (PTJJ Gallery) and Job Fair 2024. This annual event adopts the theme, “Technology to Connect Quality Education and Bright Career.” What sets this year apart is the inclusion of a Job Fair, marking the first time UT has organized such an event.
The PTJJ Gallery serves as a platform to strengthen partnerships in utilizing research and innovation products from various universities, industries, and schools. This event also features companies that provide information on scholarships and career opportunities. The Job Fair facilitates job seekers in finding employment that aligns with their talents, interests, and skills. UT actively participates in helping companies find the best talents to meet industry needs, aiming to reduce unemployment by increasing job placements.
The PTJJ Gallery and Job Fair were held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC). The event was attended by UT leaders and academic community members, alongside keynote speakers from public figures in South Tangerang, famous Content Creators, showcase speakers from various technology companies, lecturers, and students from various universities, as well as high school students or equivalent. The exhibition featured over 40 innovators, and more than 19 companies participated in person and 3 companies virtually at the job fair. The success of this Job Fair is attributed to positive collaboration and synergy between institutions, with UT partnering with Kinobi to empower UT students, alumni, and the wider community to pursue brilliant careers in the future.
The event showcased a mosaic of innovative products and profiles of participating companies at the job fair. In her report, the Head of the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM), Prof. Dra. Dewi Artati Padmo Putri, M.A., Ph.D., mentioned that this was the third year for the PTJJ Gallery and Job Fair, but this year’s event garnered exceptional interest. “PTJJ Gallery is a platform designed to accommodate innovative activities, whether from research or various activities within UT and its surroundings in South Tangerang,” she added. The innovative products come from UT lecturers, companies, universities, and schools around South Tangerang. Prof. Dewi further emphasized the significance of the Job Fair, stating, “The Job Fair is UT’s tangible effort to bridge the gap between education and the workforce.” She also extended her highest appreciation to all parties involved in making the event a success.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A., representing the UT Rector. The Vice Rector emphasized that this event was an important moment for participants to witness and experience firsthand the various innovations developed with dedication by the innovators. Dr. Yunus also appreciated the organization of the Job Fair, stating, “Through this Job Fair, UT makes a positive contribution in preparing workers, graduates, and the surrounding community to enter the workforce with greater readiness and confidence.”
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreement (PKS) signing ceremony took place between UT and PT Huawei Tech Investment. The MoU was signed by the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Business, Rahmat Budiman, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., and Rayi Pradono Iswara, the ICT Talent Ecosystem Development Manager at PT Huawei Tech Investment Indonesia. The MoU aims to establish educational and training collaborations to create programs that bridge university learning with industry needs.
The event also included a trial of the UT Metaverse. The program featured a talk show with speakers such as H. Pilar Saga Ichsan, S.T., M.Ars., Deputy Mayor of South Tangerang and Innovator of Culture and Innovation in South Tangerang; Nur Afrah Maryam Insani, Miss Earth Indonesia 2024 and Content Creator; Dimas Agung Prasetyo, S.Kom., M.Sc., and Dian Nursantika, S.Kom., M.Cs., both recipients of UT Research Awards; and Imam Pesuwaryantoro, a UT Communication Studies student who excels in Science and Technology.
The event continued with Showcase Session 1 on the topic “Indonesia Future Skill and Bright Career,” featuring speakers Rayi Pradono Iswara from Huawei Indonesia, Eddyman Kharma from LinkedIn Singapore, Vany Yulviany, Vice President of People Development at Telkomsel, and Cynthia Veronica from Kinobi Indonesia. The second session, “Film and Animation Breakdown,” featured speakers such as Prof. Daryono from UT Metaverse-IFT, Rangga Yudo Yuwono from Mithologic Studio, Rezha Widias Pratama, S.AB., CHRP from Brown Bag Films, Enspire Studio, and The Little Giantz Animation Studio.
A much-anticipated moment was the announcement of the best and most innovative Gallery & Job Fair stands, with Jakarta Smart City winning Best Gallery Stand and BRI winning Best Job Fair Stand.
With the success of the PTJJ Gallery and Job Fair, it is hoped that this platform will strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders in producing technology-based research and innovation products that enhance the quality of open and distance learning services. Furthermore, the PTJJ Gallery and Job Fair serve as concrete evidence of UT’s dedication to bridging the gap between society and the business and industrial worlds.
