From Classroom to World Stage: UNM Data Science Student Leads IEEE Student Branch

Guntur Surawijaya, a fourth-semester Data Science student at Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), is making his mark on the global stage. He has been appointed Chair of the IEEE Student Branch at UNM and has also been entrusted as a Track-Wise Support Volunteer for the IEEE YESIST12 (Youth Endeavours for Social Innovation using Sustainable Technology) Grand Finale 2026. The international event is scheduled to take place on 2–3 October 2026 at the BSI Convention Center. Amid the rapid development of digital technology, Guntur has chosen to use his university years as a space for learning, organising, and developing leadership capacity. The second of three siblings, he grew up in a modest family with an entrepreneurial mother, from whom he learned independence, responsibility, and diligence. His organisational experience began at SMKN 39 Jakarta, where he served as Chair of the Student Leadership Basic Training (LDKS) and Secretary of the Student Council (OSIS). Guntur has also strengthened his competencies through training programmes, including the Digital Talent Scholarship in Junior Network Administrator and an English course at LIA. His interest in Data Science was sparked by training at Dicoding and the IDCamp programme by Indosat Ooredoo. ‘I found this material very enjoyable, interesting, and it has very promising long-term opportunities,’ he said. The opportunity to join the IEEE Student Branch UNM opened doors for him to broaden his horizons and build an international network. ‘I was interested in joining the IEEE Student Branch UNM because it opens up opportunities to expand my network internationally, while developing leadership and collaboration skills within the global technology community,’ he explained. The trust of his peers then led to his election as Chair. ‘We hope to build wider collaborations so that students have more opportunities to learn and grow,’ he stated. Tati Mardiana, Head of the Data Science Study Programme at UNM, expressed her appreciation for Guntur’s achievements. She noted that his success in leading the IEEE Student Branch and being selected for YESIST12 demonstrates that Data Science students possess the capacity to compete and contribute at a global level. ‘This is the graduate profile we aim to build: academically excellent, adaptive to technological developments, and possessing international leadership and networks,’ she said. She added that the programme continuously encourages students to actively participate in professional organisations, research, and international activities to strengthen non-academic competencies. ‘At UNM as a Digital Business Campus, we believe the best learning does not only take place in the classroom. Organisational experience, building global collaborations, and engaging in professional communities will shape students into digital talents ready to face industry challenges and make real contributions to society,’ she said.