Medan – The Applied Bachelor's Degree Program in Instrumentation Engineering Technology, Faculty of Vocational Education, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), hosted a "Campus to Industry" workshop titled "Readiness of Young Engineers in IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) Transformation and Factory Digitalization" on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Faculty of Vocational Education Hall. The event was attended by faculty deans, study program leaders, academic staff, and students.

The workshop was formally opened by Junedi Ginting, S.Si., M.Si., Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Internationalization of the Faculty of Vocational Education USU. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of continuously enhancing vocational student competencies to match rapid industrial technological advances. Opening remarks were also delivered by Rahmadhani Banurea, S.Si., M.Si., Head of the Applied Bachelor's Degree Program in Instrumentation Engineering Technology, who highlighted the value of connecting academic theory with practical industry applications.

The keynote address was delivered by Ir. Irwan Pambudi, S.T., Head of the Medan Area at PT Pertamina Gas Operation North Sumatera Area. Drawing from practical field experience, he shared comprehensive insights on industrial technology transformation, focusing on IIoT deployments that support integrated, efficient, and data-driven operational processes.

The workshop highlighted how IIoT enables interconnected sensors, instruments, and automation systems to facilitate real-time monitoring and process control. Gaining mastery over these smart factory ecosystems is critical for instrumentation engineering graduates preparing to enter digitally transformed industrial sectors.

By facilitating direct interaction with industry experts, the Faculty of Vocational Education USU continues to reinforce its commitment to producing highly skilled, adaptable, and competitive vocational graduates aligned with contemporary workforce demands.

This initiative directly aligns with Sustainable Development Goals SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing practical, industry-aligned technical instruction, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the promotion of industrial automation and IIoT competencies, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering strong collaboration between vocational academia and major state-owned industrial enterprises like PT Pertamina Gas.