Changsha \u2013 Muhammad Apri Yansyah, an Indonesian student in China,\naspires to become a bridge for applying science, technology,\nengineering, and mathematics (STEM) knowledge that he has acquired in\nChina to support industrial development in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring my eight years of university study in China, my greatest\naspiration after completing my master\u2019s degree is to bridge the gap. I\nwant to bring the technical STEM expertise I have gained in China and\napply it to Indonesian industry,\u201d Apri stated in Changsha on Tuesday, 10\nMarch.<\/p>\n
Apri is currently pursuing a master\u2019s degree in metallurgical\nengineering at Central South University (CSU) in Changsha, Hunan\nProvince. The campus is renowned for its excellence in metallurgical\ntechnology, rail transport engineering, and medicine.<\/p>\n
He views his learning experience in China as providing significant\nopportunities to build international connections that can support\ntechnological advancement in Indonesia. Many strategic projects in\nIndonesia currently utilise technology from China, making understanding\nthese systems and their development essential.<\/p>\n
Interaction with international students and researchers from various\ncountries interested in China\u2019s technological progress also provides a\nunique advantage for fostering future cooperation. Apri began his higher\neducation in China through a diploma (D3) programme in Guangxi Province\nbefore continuing his undergraduate studies with a Chinese Government\nScholarship at China University of Petroleum in Beijing.<\/p>\n
After completing his bachelor\u2019s degree, he pursued a master\u2019s\nprogramme at Central South University in Changsha. The reputation of\nSTEM studies at CSU is particularly strong, as the university is a\nprimary reference point for engineering disciplines, particularly\nmining, metallurgy, and civil and railway engineering.<\/p>\n
Apri noted that at the master\u2019s level, he requires comprehensive\nlaboratory facilities to conduct research. CSU possesses these\nfacilities, optimally supporting student research activities.\nAdditionally, the campus maintains close relationships with numerous\nmajor companies in China, ensuring that classroom materials align with\nglobal industry needs.<\/p>\n
Apri also appreciates the highly competitive academic environment in\nChina characterised by a fast-paced lifestyle. Students are accustomed\nto working hard given the demanding learning environment, yet supported\nby adequate facilities including libraries, integrated public transport,\nand a clean campus environment.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, he acknowledged facing considerable challenges,\nparticularly regarding language. Understanding scientific terminology in\nphysics and chemistry expressed in Hanzi characters presents particular\ndifficulty. Additionally, professors in China demand precise research\nresults, requiring students to work rigorously to produce accurate\ndata.<\/p>\n
He also noted that technological development in China progresses so\nrapidly that textbooks sometimes lag behind research being conducted in\nlaboratories. Apri hopes that the Indonesian government and companies\nwill establish clear placement schemes for foreign graduates so that\nknowledge gained can be utilised optimally.<\/p>\n
He also believes there is a need for collaborative platforms between\nIndonesian students abroad and domestic researchers to strengthen\ntechnology transfer. Central South University accepts students not only\nthrough regular channels but also partners with Indonesia\u2019s Ministry of\nEnergy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and Chinese nickel company CNGR.<\/p>\n
This company has established nickel processing facilities in\nMorowali, Central Sulawesi. The partnership comprises an intensive\ntraining programme for technical personnel from the ESDM Ministry and\nIndonesian CNGR employees. Participants undergo three years of training\nat CSU combining metallurgical engineering and materials theory with\ndirect practice in China\u2019s nickel industry.<\/p>\n
The collaboration, which began in 2024, was expanded in August 2025\nthrough an agreement signed between CNGR, the Bandung Energy and Mining\nPolytechnic (PEP), and the ESDM Ministry. The programme includes\ninternship and training activities for students and employees from PEP,\nthe ESDM Ministry, and CNGR.<\/p>\n
Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia, Djauhari Oratmangun,\nstated that considerable potential exists for expanding educational\ncooperation between CSU and Indonesia, particularly as the number of\nIndonesian students choosing to study in China increases. He emphasised\nthat educational cooperation should be accompanied by strengthened\ncultural exchange between the two nations.<\/p>\n
One strategic initiative that could be undertaken is opening an\nIndonesian cultural centre at CSU to serve as a hub for\nIndonesian\u2013Chinese cultural exchange in Changsha.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesian-students-in-china-seek-to-bridge-stem-technology-gap-1773201253", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }