As part of the first day of the 2026 Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB) at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU), held on August 12, 2026, FT USU conducted Material II entitled “Transformation of Indonesia’s 21st-Century Higher Education System: Strengthening Academic Competence, Innovation, and Globally Competitive Character.”

Class A, held in the FT USU Hall, featured Novrida Harpah Hasibuan, S.Si., M.T.; Class B, held in Room J09.102, featured Dr. Salmina Wati Ginting, S.T., M.T.; Class C, held in Room J09.103, featured Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. Irvan, M.Si.; and Class D, held in Room J09.110, featured Ir. Ikhsan Siregar, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D.

Class E, held in Room J09.111, was delivered by Dr. Ir. Khalida Syahputri, S.T., M.T.; Class F, held at IKATSI Civil Engineering, featured Emma Patricia Bangun, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D.; while Class G, held in the Civil Engineering Smart Classroom, featured Ir. Nismah Panjaitan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN.

Material II presented 21st-century higher education transformation as a context for strengthening academic competence, innovation, character, and global competitiveness. Through the session, new students were introduced to the importance of actively developing their learning capacities and adapting to changes in higher education.

The session also emphasized the importance of students’ readiness to respond to developments in science, technology, and the continuously evolving needs of the workforce. As part of engineering education, adaptability and innovation are essential in developing competencies that remain relevant to future challenges.

The activity primarily supports SDG 4: Quality Education through strengthening students’ understanding of higher education systems and developing their academic capacities. The emphasis on innovation is also relevant to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through the introduction of an innovation-oriented culture as part of engineering education.

Through Material II of PKKMB 2026, FT USU is committed to equipping new students with an understanding of changes in higher education while encouraging them to become adaptive, innovative, and competitive learners. These foundations are expected to support students in developing their academic competencies and character, as well as preparing them to learn and contribute in a global environment.