Foundational pillars are needed for these endeavors to enhance the nation’s welfare. One crucial effort involves improving the quality of the nation’s education. By developing education quality that aligns with international standards, progress in this area will be directly proportional to the enhancement of human resources, competitiveness, productivity, and national economic growth, ultimately contributing to the nation’s advancement. To realize this, the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD) at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) continues to elevate its quality to meet world-class standards. One key initiative in this regard is collaborating with Arizona State University (ASU) through the United States Agency for International Development-Higher Education Partnership Initiative (USAID-HEPI).

The USAID-HEPI initiative is a collaborative effort between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Arizona State University. It aims to enhance collaboration between higher education institutions in the United States and Indonesia. This initiative concentrates on improving academic programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is applied at various Indonesian universities, including ITB. The primary goal is to raise higher education standards in Indonesia to an international level and meet industry needs by enhancing these programs.

On December 14, 2023, representatives from USAID-HEPI visited FTMD ITB to monitor and control the Maker Innovation Space (MIS) or Innovation Corner program within FTMD. They delegated a Technical Expert, Marketing and Communication Specialist, as well as an Administrative Assistant/Coord Ass. who is in charge of the MIS equipment. USAID-HEPI monitored the progress of the development of the Innovation Corner during this visit. Additionally, they expressed plans to add equipment to the MIS for those that are already operational and those that are yet to be acquired.

The purpose of this visit is also to review the planned location for the Management Information System (MIS), the placement of equipment (based on process types/equipment categories), and discussions regarding the design of operational plans (plans, staff, and others else), as well as the planned/confirmed brand layout.

Through the collaboration between ITB and ASU within the framework of the USAID HEPI program, it is expected that the quality of education in FTMD and various faculties and schools at ITB will be enhanced, thus meeting international standards. It is hoped that there will be comprehensive opportunities for FTMD ITB graduates to obtain better job quality, competitiveness, and an improved international reputation for the higher education system in Indonesia.