USU PR – The Faculty of Engineering of Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU) once again brought together multidisciplinary researchers through the 6th TALENTA Conference on Engineering, Science, and Technology (TALENTA CEST) 2025. Carrying the theme “Sustainable Energy, Environmental Science, and Green Technology,” the conference was held at the Digital Learning Center Building of USU on Tuesday (11/11/2025).

Representing the Rector of USU, Vice Rector III of USU Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., stated that TALENTA CEST 2025 is a tangible manifestation of USU’s commitment to fostering a culture of research and innovation that directly impacts scientific advancement and public welfare. TALENTA CEST 2025, which focuses on the fields of engineering, science, and technology, serves as evidence of USU’s consistency in supporting national development in the era of digital transformation and Industry 4.0, grounded in these three disciplines.
“This conference is a tangible expression of our shared commitment to fostering a culture of research and innovation,” she said.

Through this conference, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., emphasized that USU seeks to promote collaboration among academics, industry, government, and even the wider community in order to generate innovative solutions to global challenges. Therefore, this conference aligns with USU’s vision of becoming a World Class University oriented toward research and innovation.
“Through this conference, we are not only disseminating research results, but also fostering collaboration among academics, industry, government, and society,” she stated.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of USU, Prof. Dr. Ir. Fahmi, S.T., M.Sc., IPU., explained that TALENTA CEST 2025, which is the faculty’s annual conference, is held with the aim of bringing together researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to address various issues with specific targets. He congratulated all participants and expressed his hope that collaboration among researchers would generate a wide range of solutions to the issues discussed.
“Once again, I would like to congratulate all of us for joining this conference,” he said.

The Head of the Integrated Research Laboratory Technical Implementation Unit of USU, Dr. Ir. Rahmi Karolina, S.T., M.T., IPM., GP., as Chair of TALENTA CEST 2025, stated that the shared commitment to advancing research for a sustainable future is reflected in the spirit of collaboration and sustainability embraced by this year’s conference. She also expressed her gratitude to all parties who contributed to the success of the event.
“This year’s conference carries the spirit of collaboration and sustainability, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing research,” she said.

Dr. Ir. Rahmi Karolina, S.T., M.T., IPM., GP., noted that no field of knowledge can stand alone and that research collaboration across disciplines is essential. Therefore, she expressed her hope that this conference would strengthen academic networks, inspire cross-disciplinary collaboration, and encourage innovations that contribute to solving real local and global challenges.
“Today, we cannot stand alone. One field of knowledge must be supported by other disciplines,” she stated.

The four keynote speakers at TALENTA CEST 2025 were Prof. Reed Maxwell from Princeton University, United States; Prof. Josaphat Tetuko Sri Sumantyo, Ph.D., from Chiba University, Japan; Prof. Dr. Monita Olivia, S.T., M.Sc., from Universitas Riau, Indonesia; and Dr. Muhammad Hafeez Bin Abdul Nasir from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

In an interview, Prof. Josaphat Tetuko Sri Sumantyo, Ph.D., revealed that the direction of research in Indonesia has increasingly shifted toward the development of environmentally friendly energy. Considering Indonesia’s vast natural resource potential, he expressed hope that this collaboration would lead to new innovations to improve the efficiency of resource utilization.
“Research developments in Indonesia, both within universities and industry, can be said to have begun focusing on the development of eco green energy or environmentally friendly energy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Monita Olivia, S.T., M.Sc., stated that students can play an active role by participating in community service activities or collaborating with lecturers. Conferences such as TALENTA CEST 2025 can also serve as platforms for voicing ideas, demonstrating commitment, and sharing insights with the public and government. She encouraged students to continue learning and collaborating to help shape a green generation in the future.
“So, in addition to learning, let us also collaborate and contribute to building a green generation for the future,” she advised.