Hi, I’m Rama, an HR representative at Bukit Vista, and I’m thrilled to share my experience from our recent guest lecture session with the Faculty of Informatics Engineering (FTI) at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN). On November 21, 2024, I had the privilege of joining our CTO, Bayu, and our HR lead, Furqon, to represent Bukit Vista in a unique and inspiring session.
This wasn’t just a lecture—it was a vibrant collaboration where students presented their final projects, gained valuable insights from industry professionals, and participated in dynamic discussions. It was a testament to the power of connecting academic learning with the practical demands of the industry, and I’m proud to have been part of this meaningful initiative.
A Unique Collaboration with UMN
The session was part of UMN’s Project Management and Software Engineering classes, where students worked on real-world challenges and presented their solutions to us. Over the course of the event, we reviewed ten group projects that ranged from app-based innovations to platform solutions designed to tackle various campus and societal problems.
Guided by their lecturer, Ms. Eunike, the students demonstrated exceptional creativity and a willingness to learn. It was exciting to witness the synergy between their academic groundwork and the feedback we provided as industry practitioners.
The Spirit of Innovation: Highlights from the Projects
The guest lecture at UMN was an inspiring showcase of student creativity, with ten groups presenting projects that tackled real-world challenges. Each group brought its unique perspective to the table, and as mentors, we provided feedback to help refine their ideas.
One of the standout projects was “UMN Eats,” which addressed the problem of finding seats in a crowded campus cafeteria. The team proposed an app that allowed students to reserve tables in advance. Bayu, Bukit Vista’s CTO, encouraged the team to rethink their approach, suggesting simpler alternatives like smart table tagging, which could achieve the same goal without unnecessary complexity.
Another exciting project was “Jadwalku,” a scheduling app for students with packed routines. The team proposed advanced scheduling features, but Bayu emphasized the importance of focusing on measurable organizational value (MOV). He encouraged them to explore AI-driven natural language processing to create a user-friendly and innovative scheduling experience.
“Step-Up” brought a playful approach to solving elevator congestion on campus by gamifying stair usage. The app rewarded students with points and badges for using the stairs instead of the elevator. While Furqon questioned whether the problem warranted an app, Bayu saw potential in the gamification aspect, suggesting enhancements to make the experience more engaging and rewarding.
One of the most creative ideas came from the Unifind team, which aimed to streamline the process of reporting and recovering lost items on campus. Bayu praised the concept but encouraged the team to simplify the app’s reporting features, which he felt were overly complicated. He also proposed introducing gamification elements, such as awarding points or badges for returning items, to motivate users and make the process more engaging.
The most engaging session came during “Roast My Design,” an activity where students critiqued each other’s projects with guidance from Bayu. One memorable project during this segment was “VoltDrive,” a platform for sharing information about electric vehicles. While the idea was promising, Bayu and the group discussions emphasized the need for strong branding and PR strategies to stand out in a competitive market.
Key Takeaways: Insights and Suggestions from the Lecture
The session revealed several overarching lessons that can guide students not only in their current projects but also in future endeavors:
- Not Every Problem Needs Technology:
A common thread throughout the session was the importance of simplicity. “UMN Eats,” for example, could avoid the complexity of app development by using simpler systems like smart table tagging. A great solution doesn’t always need to rely on technology—it just needs to solve the problem effectively. - Start with the User in Mind:
Bayu stressed that projects should focus on user needs and benefits. For “Jadwalku,” this meant identifying measurable outcomes like time saved or improved productivity. The suggestion to integrate AI for natural language scheduling exemplified how a project can address user pain points while standing out from existing solutions.
- The Power of Gamification:
Gamification can turn everyday tasks into rewarding experiences. In “Step-Up,” the concept of gamifying stair usage showed promise, but Bayu emphasized that rewards like badges or points must align with user motivation. Fun and usability must go hand in hand to encourage sustained engagement. - Engagement Over Information:
Static delivery methods, such as newsletters, often fail to captivate audiences. “U-vent” demonstrated the potential for shifting toward interactive features like polls or Q&A sessions, which foster deeper user engagement. Bayu’s insights highlighted the value of designing platforms that facilitate two-way communication. - Feedback is a Catalyst for Growth:
The “Roast My Design” activity showcased the impact of peer critiques. For “VoltDrive,” student feedback highlighted areas like simplifying the interface, while Bayu added industry insights about branding and visibility. Peer collaboration, combined with professional guidance, is key to refining and improving any idea. - Strong Branding is Essential for Success:
A good product is just one part of the equation. For “VoltDrive,” Bayu emphasized the importance of creating a compelling narrative, supported by PR and branding strategies. A well-positioned project with a clear target audience can stand out even in competitive spaces.
The Closing Moments: Mentorship and Opportunities
As the session drew to a close, we shared insights about Bukit Vista’s approach to integrating technology and innovation into our operations. This naturally led to a discussion about internship and career opportunities, which sparked enthusiasm among the students. It was inspiring to see their excitement as they imagined contributing to real-world projects and applying their skills in meaningful ways.
For me, the most rewarding part of the day was seeing how our feedback inspired the students to think beyond their immediate ideas. It wasn’t just about critiquing their work—it was about empowering them to believe in their potential and approach their projects with confidence and creativity.
Reflections and a Call to Collaborate
Reflecting on this guest lecture, I feel grateful to have been part of such a dynamic and enriching experience. The creativity, passion, and willingness to learn that the students displayed were incredibly motivating. This event reaffirmed the importance of industry-academia collaboration in fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of change makers.
If you’re a university or student passionate about driving innovation, we’d love to collaborate with you. Whether it’s through guest lectures, internships, or joint projects, Bukit Vista is committed to inspiring and empowering future leaders. Visit our community initiatives or explore our career opportunities to get involved. Together, let’s build a brighter future.