Lecturers of Information Technology Study Program, Ir. Widhy Hayuhardhika Nugraha Putra, S.Kom., M.Kom., and Moch. Chandra Saputra, M.Eng., PhD visited the Applied Physics and Advanced Science Laboratory of Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. This visit was carried out in the context of a research collaboration between the Faculty of Computer Science, Universitas Brawijaya (FILKOM UB) and the School of Advanced Science Waseda University. The FILKOM delegation was received directly by the Dean of the Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering Waseda University, Professor Nobuhiro Asahi, Ph.D. On that occasion, Prof. Nobuhiro said that Waseda University was very pleased to collaborate with FILKOM UB, especially in the fields of research and education. Waseda University also opens up wide opportunities for young FILKOM lecturers who are interested in continuing their studies at Waseda University.
He also hopes that there will be more research initiatives from young lecturers carried out by both parties. Widhy said that FILKOM UB has great potential in collaborating with universities in Japan, many young lecturers and students are interested in continuing their studies in Japan.
“FILKOM UB has signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) covering collaboration in the fields of information technology and human resource development. Cooperation has been established through various programs, such as student and lecturer exchanges, as well as joint research with institutions such as the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) and Tohoku University,” explained Widhy.”
At the meeting, Widhy and Chandra also had the opportunity to discuss research with Doctoral and Masters students under the guidance of Professor Hideyuki Sawada. As the head of the Sawada Laboratory, Professor Sawada has various research topics related to Soft Computing, Robotics, and Machine Learning. At that time, Professor Sawada introduced the latest developments in his research in the field of robotics regarding the spread of vibrations, a technology that visualizes objects through vibrations. This research is being developed to help individuals with disabilities in identifying objects.
Chandra also had the opportunity to watch a presentation from a doctoral student under the guidance of Prof. Sawada. Chandra had the opportunity to try out the research results of one of the doctoral students from China and Thailand, namely the 3D Maze Simulator using a Virtual Reality (VR) device. This research was developed to create a three-dimensional VR-based game device.
Widhy and Chandra also met with one of the doctoral students from Indonesia, Prasetya Hutama, who is conducting research on robotics. Prasetya is a doctoral student from Surabaya who has just been conducting his research for a week under the guidance of Prof. Sawada.
At the end of the session, Widhy and Chandra attended a Lab seminar held by Professor Sawada regarding the research progress report from doctoral and master students who are members of the Sawada Lab. The seminar lasted for about two hours where the students who presented their research results were very inspiring with various interesting topics around Machine Learning, Robotics, and other fields.
“With this seminar, students can exchange information and experiences, and get valuable input from Prof. Sawada and fellow researchers. This is a very useful opportunity for them to continue to develop their knowledge and skills in their respective research fields,” said Prof. Sawada.
In this meeting, Prof. Sawada really hopes that there will be close research collaboration between FILKOM UB and Waseda University. The potential for research development between the two institutions is very large and promising to be developed further. For example, collaboration in research on artificial intelligence or natural language processing can provide extraordinary results. In addition, this research collaboration can also broaden the horizons of students and researchers from both universities.
By sharing knowledge and experience, a more productive and innovative academic environment will be created. For example, FILKOM UB students can take part in a student exchange program to Waseda University to get a different and interesting learning experience. With close research collaboration, it is hoped that new breakthroughs will be created in the world of science and technology. This will also open up opportunities for researchers from both institutions to gain international recognition for the research works they produce. Thus, this collaboration is not only beneficial for both universities, but also for the development of science as a whole.
The next day, the delegation of FILKOM UB departed for Tsukuba University to meet with Dr. Fatwa Ramdhani, a lecturer at the university. This meeting was an opportunity for Widhy and Chandra from FILKOM to discuss potential research collaborations and student exchanges between the two institutions. Dr. Fatwa Ramdhani, who has extensive experience in computer science, was very enthusiastic about establishing a collaboration that would be beneficial for both parties. During their visit, FILKOM delegation and Dr. Fatwa Ramdhani discussed various research projects that could be carried out together. They also planned a student exchange program that would enrich the learning experience of students from both universities. Examples of such exchange programs include FILKOM students participating in an internship program at Tsukuba University’s computer lab and vice versa.
“With this collaboration, it is hoped that there will be an in-depth exchange of knowledge and experience between FILKOM and Tsukuba University. This will not only improve the reputation of both institutions, but also provide real benefits for the development of science and technology. The spirit of collaboration and the desire to continue learning and developing are the main keys to establishing a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship for both parties,” said Widhi. (wh/rr/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
