USU PR – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), through its Faculty of Vocational Studies, organized EXPO Vokasi 2025 on Friday (21/11/2025) at the Pancasila Building, USU. The event carried the theme “Vocational Future Fair: Bridging Talent for Future Industry” as a form of USU’s commitment to preparing vocational graduates who are adaptive and competitive in the world of work and the creative industry.

The event was designed as a collaborative platform that brings together students with creative industry players, designers, and business partners. Over the three days of implementation, EXPO Vokasi 2025 featured various competitions and performances, including the Innovative Product Competition, Scientific Poster Competition, Reels Content Competition, Got Talent, Fashion Show, as well as Acoustic Band performances. This series of activities served as a medium for vocational students to express creativity and develop innovative, application-oriented competencies.

The Secretary of Universitas Sumatera Utara, Prof. Dr. dr. Muhammad Fidel Ganis Siregar, M.Ked(OG), Sp.OG, Subsp.F.E.R., FICS, in his remarks expressed appreciation for the development of the Faculty of Vocational Studies as the youngest faculty within USU. He assessed that the Faculty of Vocational Studies has shown significant progress through various collaborations, applied research, and practice-based learning.

“Vocational education has a very strategic role as a bridge between strengthening local traditions, creativity, and the needs of modern industry. The Faculty of Vocational Studies demonstrates great potential in producing graduates who are able to respond to the challenges of the world of work,” he said.

The keynote speaker, Torang Maruli Tua Sitorus, an entrepreneur and creative industry practitioner, also emphasized the importance of courage to experiment and innovate in facing current industrial developments.

“Vocational students must utilize digital technology, practical knowledge, and local wisdom as strengths to create competitive creative works. Industry needs agile and adaptive talent,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the EXPO Vokasi 2025 Organizing Committee, Jane Melita Keliat, S.Si., M.Si., stated that this year’s EXPO was prepared over the course of one month and became the largest event since the Faculty of Vocational Studies was established. She expressed hope that the activity would expand student networks and open opportunities for collaboration with industry.

“EXPO Vokasi 2025 is the first event to be held openly and on a large scale at the Pancasila Building. We hope this activity can encourage the spirit of innovation, foster an entrepreneurial mindset, and enhance the capacity of vocational students,” she said.

Through EXPO Vokasi 2025, USU demonstrates its commitment to strengthening the integration between academic competencies and industry needs. This activity is expected to motivate vocational students to continue creating, innovating, and contributing as professional young talents for the future of the creative industry and the world of work.