The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting students’ career readiness by organizing the Middle East Career Seminar titled Competitive Advantage in Facing Global Competition in the Professional World. The event was held at the IDE Building Auditorium, Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia (11/11), and was attended with great enthusiasm by students and the academic community.
The seminar featured the main speaker, Mr. Daniel Sinaga, S.T., M.M., a seasoned professional who has spent decades working in Qatar with extensive experience in procurement and purchasing across various multinational companies. Also present at the event were faculty members from the Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering Study Programs, Ir. Achmad Riadi, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nandy Setiadi Djaya Putra, who expressed their full support for the seminar.
In his presentation, Daniel Sinaga explained that the Middle East—especially Qatar—offers significant opportunities for engineering graduates, in line with the rapid growth of the industrial, construction, energy, and supply chain sectors. However, these opportunities come with a high level of competition, requiring strong competencies and thorough preparation from job seekers.
“Working in the Middle East, particularly in Qatar, is not just about technical expertise. It is also about how well we can adapt to international work cultures, global standards, and the fast-changing dynamics of the industry,” said Daniel Sinaga during his session.
He further elaborated on the strategic role of a Procurement Manager, which includes overseeing the procurement of goods and services, contract negotiation, vendor management, and making decisions that directly impact operational efficiency and sustainability. According to him, this profession demands a combination of technical proficiency, managerial capability, and effective cross-cultural communication.
Daniel Sinaga also emphasized the importance of specialized expertise as a key competitive advantage in the global job market. “Major companies in the Middle East highly value candidates with clear specialization who can demonstrate measurable competence. This is what sets them apart in the midst of global competition,” he explained.
In addition, he highlighted the urgency of international certifications as a crucial aspect of enhancing professional competitiveness. Certifications such as Certified Procurement Professional, Project Management Professional (PMP), and other relevant credentials are considered effective in strengthening credibility and demonstrating commitment to global professional standards.
The seminar concluded with an interactive discussion and Q&A session, where students took the opportunity to seek insights on preparing for careers abroad, understanding work culture in the Middle East, and strategies for building a competitive professional portfolio.
Through this event, the Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia hopes that students gain broader insights into global career opportunities and become more motivated to continuously develop their competencies. This seminar is part of FTUI’s ongoing efforts to equip students with knowledge, skills, and global perspectives to help them compete in the international job market, particularly in the Middle East region such as Qatar.
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Public Communications Office
Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia
