USU PR – The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU), held the peak celebration of its 66th Dies Natalis on Thursday (05/12/2025) at the Faculty of Engineering Hall. This year, FT USU adopted the theme “New Energy of the Faculty of Engineering: Innovation, Creativity, and Collaboration,” which reflects the faculty’s direction in responding to technological challenges and the needs of today’s industries.

USU Vice Rector IV, Prof. Dr. Drs. Opim Salim Sitompul, M.Sc., delivered strategic guidance related to enhancing the competitiveness of engineering graduates in an era of rapid technological advancement. He highlighted the fast-paced development of artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy, and big data, which require graduates to be adaptive and innovative.

“Technological change demands that engineering graduates be well prepared to enter strategic sectors. I hope this Dies Natalis momentum encourages FT USU to strengthen collaboration and partnerships toward USU’s global recognition,” he stated.

The Dean of FT USU, Prof. Dr. Ir. Fahmi, S.T., M.Sc., IPU, presented the faculty’s developments ranging from accreditation and human resources to international networking. Currently, all undergraduate study programs have achieved Excellent (Unggul) accreditation, with five programs internationally accredited through IABEE and KAAB. The faculty has also strengthened its academic structure through the establishment of five new study programs.

The Dean of FT USU added that the faculty is currently designing a master plan for the development of internationally standardized laboratories as well as a 2026–2031 vision to position FT USU as a globally relevant faculty of engineering.

“We want to ensure that quality enhancement and innovation continue to become a living culture within the Faculty of Engineering,” he expressed.

The Chair of the 66th Dies Natalis Organizing Committee, Ir. Muhammad Agung Putra Handana, S.T., M.T., explained that the theme is not merely a slogan, but a spirit of renewal driven by the establishment of five new study programs at the Faculty of Engineering. He noted that the entire series of events, ranging from the Engineering Talk Show to the Engineering Show, was designed to be simpler yet still meaningful, including social activities as a form of solidarity for disasters that occurred in several regions.

During the Engineering Talk Show session, one of the speakers, Ir. Romi Ramadhan, S.T., MBA, Director of PT Citra Marga Lintas Jabar, emphasized the importance of mastering digital technology in the development of modern infrastructure. He illustrated that the utilization of digitalization can accelerate the design process, improve construction efficiency, and support disaster mitigation, especially in vulnerable areas such as Sumatra.

The celebration of the 66th Dies Natalis is expected to serve as an initial step for the faculty in strengthening a culture of innovation and cross-sector collaboration toward international recognition.