25 February 2026
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The meeting was led by the Director of the Directorate of Internationalization and Global Partnership of USU, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., and attended by the Secretary of the Directorate of Internationalization and Global Partnership, Dr. Arif Nuryawan, M.Hut., Vice Dean I of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (Fasilkom-TI), Mohammad Andri Budiman, Vice Dean III of Fasilkom-TI, Prof. Dr. Romi Fadillah Rahmat, B.Comp.Sc., M.Sc., Manager of Educational Service Development, Pauzi Ibrahim Nainggolan, as well as representatives from BBLSDM Komdigi Medan.
From BBLSDM Komdigi Medan, Darliandra attended as Head of the Human Resource Development Team, Widia Apri Putri as Computer Administrator, along with other representatives. This visit followed an official request letter submitted by BBLSDM Komdigi Medan regarding the exploration of collaboration in digital talent development, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In his remarks, Prof. Himsar Ambarita conveyed that USU warmly welcomes collaboration initiatives aimed at strengthening students’ capacity in strategic technology fields. According to him, the rapid development of AI requires universities to remain adaptive and responsive to industry demands as well as national policies in digital transformation. “Programs such as the AI Talent Factory are aligned with USU’s commitment to preparing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also possess practical competencies that are relevant to current needs,” he stated.
In their presentation, BBLSDM Komdigi Medan explained that the AI Talent Factory Program is designed to build a structured ecosystem for AI talent development. The program has several main objectives, including establishing a collaborative ecosystem between government and universities, producing competent AI talent, generating artificial intelligence-based solutions, and providing participants with real-world experience and direct contributions. In addition, the program emphasizes both the quantity and quality of graduates produced.
Program participants are planned to be active undergraduate (S1) and master’s (S2) students who have interest and capacity in the field of AI. The implementation of the program will be adjusted to the university’s academic calendar, both in the odd and even semesters, so as not to interfere with students’ primary academic activities.
The meeting also discussed opportunities to integrate the AI Talent Factory Program into USU’s academic schemes and student activities, including potential synergy with the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (Fasilkom-TI) as one of the faculties with core competence in information technology. Participants in the discussion also highlighted the importance of a project-based learning curriculum so that students not only understand theory but are also able to produce prototypes and concrete solutions that can be implemented.
Vice Dean I of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (Fasilkom-TI), Mohammad Andri Budiman, expressed interest in implementing the program, particularly within Fasilkom-TI. “This program is interesting and highly needed by students, especially in Fasilkom-TI. However, since this is currently the internship period, it is likely that the program can begin next year.”
