28 April 2025
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The Chemical Engineering Study Program at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) themed "Adaptive and Responsive Curriculum: Addressing the Global Challenges in Chemical Engineering" on April 26, 2025. This event is part of the ongoing efforts to refine the curriculum to be more relevant to advancements in science, industry needs, and global dynamics.
The FGD featured speakers from diverse backgrounds, including both academia and industry, who shared insights on the future challenges and opportunities in the field of chemical engineering. The event was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either on-site at the USU campus or online via digital platforms.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering USU, Prof. Dr. Ir. Fahmi, S.T., M.Sc., IPM, emphasized the importance of curriculum adaptation and mastery of basic sciences to enable study programs and universities to become real agents of change that positively impact society.
The first speaker, Prof. Dr. Dwi Suryanto, M.Sc., Chair of LINK-UP USU, highlighted the need for continuous improvement in managing study programs, including offering certification to graduates in accordance with market demands. He also stressed the importance of properly discussing curriculum structure and proportions based on IABEE standards to align with the evolving times.
The second speaker, Hary Devianto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., Chair of APTEKIM, discussed the core curriculum composition proposed by APTEKIM, which includes basic sciences, engineering sciences, and engineering design.
Meanwhile, the third speaker, Ir. Durain P. Siregar, S.T., M.T., IPM., representing industry practitioners, underscored the importance of strong collaboration between universities and industries, particularly in the implementation of student projects and internship programs. This collaboration is expected to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice.
Through this FGD, the Chemical Engineering Study Program at USU hopes to gather constructive input from all stakeholders in order to develop a curriculum that is adaptive, responsive, and future-oriented.
