The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), hosted the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society (MTT-S) Broadening Participation Committee (BPC): Engage South East Asia Workshop 2025 on 29 November 2025 at the Department of Electrical Engineering, FTUI. The event brought together international experts and IEEE MTT-S leaders, reinforcing FTUI’s role as a regional hub for scientific collaboration in RF, microwave, and terahertz (THz) technology development in Southeast Asia.
The workshop was officially opened by Prof. Fitri Yuli Zulkifli, serving as the Workshop General Chair. In her remarks, Prof. Fitri Yuli stated, “The IEEE MTT-S BPC 2025 Workshop serves as an essential platform to broaden participation, strengthen collaboration, and encourage innovation in RF, microwave, and terahertz technology. We hope this event inspires students and young researchers across Southeast Asia to explore advanced research, build global networks, and actively engage in the international scientific community. May this workshop become a milestone that unites our technical community and sparks future breakthroughs.”
Also attending the event were Prof. Arief Udhiarto, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering FTUI; Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, President of IEEE MTT-S; and Dr. Debabani Choudhury, Chair of IEEE MTT-S BPC & FDC. In his speech, Prof. Arief Udhiarto emphasized the importance of expanding academic access and participation in the era of AI-driven technological advancement. The opening ceremony concluded with a group photo of all participants, speakers, and invited guests.
Throughout the workshop, attendees gained deep insights from keynote speeches and invited talks delivered by international experts. Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay presented developments in MHz to THz technologies that play a crucial role in space exploration. Prof. Nuno Borges Carvalho shared perspectives on the future of SWIPT for IoT and space applications. Technical sessions were also led by Dr. Imran Mehdi, Prof. Naoki Shinohara, Prof. Jaleel Akhtar, Dr. Yusnita Rahayu, Dr. Charleston Dale M. Ambatali, Prof. Arokiaswami Alphones, and Dr. Farid Zubir, covering topics such as RF sensors, next-generation wireless systems, topological waves, and high-frequency amplifier design.
Two panel sessions were conducted to discuss strategies for enhancing academic and student involvement in MTT-S activities in Southeast Asia, as well as the challenges and opportunities for cross-country collaboration. The discussions were dynamic and demonstrated the strong commitment of all participants to strengthening the regional research ecosystem.
One of the event’s highlights was the 3 Minutes Presentation Competition (3MPC). The competition was judged by a distinguished panel: Wynona Salsabila Hafiz, Miss Hijab Indonesia 2024 and psychologist; Prof. Lydia Freyani Hawadi; and Dr. Chung-Tse Michael Wu from National Taiwan University, Taiwan. The judges evaluated the participants based on idea delivery, research impact, and time precision. FTUI representatives once again achieved outstanding results in the postgraduate category, with Rahmat Saleh named 1st Winner and Mohammad Amanta Kumala Sakti as 2nd Winner.
The event continued with a Speed Mentoring session themed “Experts Sharing Their Personal Journey and Providing Career Advice with Personal Life Balance Needs.” This session gave participants the opportunity to engage directly with experts to learn about their career journeys, challenges, and strategies for balancing professional and personal life. It became one of the most appreciated sessions, offering practical and inspiring insights for students and young researchers in planning their academic and professional futures.
The workshop concluded with the awarding of certificates to competition winners, guest speakers, and organizing committee members. Through this international event, FTUI strengthens its position as an institution actively contributing to global research development and collaboration, while also expanding opportunities for students and academics to engage in the international scientific community.
***
Public Communications Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
