In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Technology ITB, Prof. Ir. Tirto Prakoso, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., emphasized that women are no longer merely participants but have become key drivers in the development of STEM. This aligns with the vision of the Faculty of Technology (FTI) ITB, which focuses not only on academic excellence but also on fostering social sensitivity and real contributions that have a broad impact, both nationally and globally.

The seminar is divided into three main sessions that discuss the relationship between science, industry, and sustainability.Session 1 raise the topic “STEM in Industry and Innovation” which highlights how engineering science can be implemented into innovative, useful products. Ir. Anita Fajrin, S.T. from ParagonCorp, stated that the cosmetics industry is a very promising sector due to its close relevance to everyday life. She emphasized that ITB engineering graduates are required to possess not only technical abilities but also strong communication skills to adapt to the professional industrial world.

Meanwhile, Ir. Angelica Tanisia Jozar, S.T., from PT Avia Avian Tbk., highlighted that almost all innovations outside of God's creation are the result of STEM-based thinking. She added that creativity, supported by leadership and the ability to build relationships, is key to creating valuable products. Furthermore, experience outside the scope of the main job is also considered important for broadening perspectives, especially in building comprehensive leadership capacity.

The main focus of the seminar lies on Session 2: TEKANITA Talkshow – The Industry and Innovation, which featured an interactive discussion on the role of women in the professional world. In this session, speakers shared their experiences and reflections on the challenges and opportunities for women in the industrial sector.

Ir. Evi Afiatin, M.Sc., MAF., CPA from PT Surveyor Indonesia emphasized that a STEM background fosters a structured, data-driven, and systematic mindset. However, she emphasized that technical competence alone is insufficient without a strong character. "You won't lose to AI if you remain fully human," she said, highlighting the importance of human values amidst rapid technological developments.

The discussion also featured Arlyza Eka Wijayanti, S.T., MBA from PT Pupuk Kujang, Filda C. Yusgiantoro, S.T., MBA, MBM, Ph.D. from the Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center, and Ir. Tanti Sofia Rosyid, S.T., M.T., IPM, FS Eng. from Kangean Energy Indonesia. The speakers agreed that women have a significant role in driving industrial innovation, while also bringing an adaptive and inclusive leadership perspective.

In closing,Session 3 raise the theme “Sustainable Engineering & Women in STEM” featuring academics from the University of New South Wales, namely Prof. Cordelia Selomulya, Ph.D. and Prof. Rose Amal, Ph.D. This session highlighted the contribution of women in developing sustainable solutions through research and innovation in the field of chemical engineering.

The series of events then closed with the launch Grow Beyond Yourself Program, as a follow-up initiative to encourage self-capacity development, especially for women in the STEM field.

Through ChEFB-InspireFest V.02, it is hoped that more students, especially women, will be encouraged to take on strategic roles in the world of science, engineering, and industry, and contribute to creating innovations that have an impact on wider society.

Reporter: Vito Egi Nandriansyah (Geophysical Engineering, 2021)