ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives technologies, reinforces its commitment to supporting human capital development and national technology readiness through the ABB Goes to Campus initiative—a collaborative industry–academia program targeting leading engineering universities in Indonesia. The program has been implemented in partnership with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Institut Teknologi Sepuluh November (ITS), Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta, Universitas Trisakti, and Politeknik Negeri Bandung (Polban), with opportunities to expand collaboration with additional educational institutions in support of Indonesia’s energy and technology ecosystem.
This program emerges amid the growing demand for industry-ready engineering talent. According to a global survey, 91% of employers consider practical experience and applied skills as key factors in recruiting engineering graduates. Meanwhile, a 2023 survey by Kumparan (kumparan.com) found that in Indonesia, over 50% of graduates work outside their field of study, highlighting a competency mismatch that can be addressed through industry–academia collaboration. These findings underscore that synergy between higher education and industry is not merely optional but a strategic necessity to develop work-ready talent.
As part of the program’s implementation, ABB conducted workshops and knowledge-sharing activities at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), involving dozens of students and members of the academic community across engineering disciplines. The activities included technology presentations, applied discussions, and introductions to industrial practices related to motion technologies, automation, and energy efficiency—areas that form key foundations in modern industrial development.
Through its comprehensive approach, ABB Goes to Campus is designed as a long-term collaborative platform between industry and academia. The program integrates product donations, technical workshops, and thought-leadership forums that help align academic learning with real industry needs, equipping students with practical insights into challenges and opportunities in the era of global industrial transformation.
Reinforcing these objectives, Chen-Kang Tan, Vice President and Head of Local Business Area Motion, ABB in Indonesia, stated that this initiative is part of ABB’s ongoing contribution to national talent development. “Through ABB Motion Goes to Campus, we aim to contribute directly to building the readiness of Indonesia’s engineering talent from their university years,” Tan said.
Tan further added, “Collaboration with universities is an essential part of our efforts to bridge the academic and industrial worlds—ensuring that graduates not only have strong theoretical foundations but also an applied understanding of the technologies used in today’s and tomorrow’s workplaces.”
Beyond an educational program, this initiative reflects ABB Motion’s role as a strategic technology partner supporting national industrial development. Through knowledge transfer and exposure to the latest technologies, ABB Motion seeks to contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of Indonesia’s workforce while encouraging the adoption of more efficient, sustainable, and future-oriented technologies.
From the academic perspective, ITB sees this collaboration as a concrete form of industry–campus synergy that aligns with the need to enhance student competencies. Dr. Eng. Ir. Arwindra Rizqiawan, ST., MT., IPM, Vice Dean of Resources at the School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (STEI ITB), stated that the ABB Goes to Campus program offers positive contributions toward strengthening student readiness for the industrial world.
“Through direct interaction with practitioners and exposure to the latest technologies, students gain a more comprehensive perspective on the competencies and technological readiness required in the future,” he said.
Moving forward, ABB Motion will continue delivering similar activities at various educational institutions, with approaches tailored to each institution’s unique character and focus. The initiative is also open to expanding collaboration with other universities and polytechnics to strengthen industry–education cooperation and support the development of Indonesia’s technology and renewable energy ecosystem.
Through ABB Motion Goes to Campus, ABB reaffirms its role in supporting the growth of Indonesia’s future workforce—building a foundation of adaptive, competent human resources ready to contribute to sustainable national industrial growth.
