Bandung – Amid the evolving dynamics of higher education, the ITB Mechanical Engineering Student Association (HMM ITB) has taken a groundbreaking step by launching the revolutionary HMM ITB Scholarship Program. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the world of scholarships, where the management and selection processes are entirely handled by students for students, bringing about a transformative change in how scholarships are awarded and managed.

As pioneers of this initiative, HMM ITB introduced a new concept that addresses various challenges in scholarship management. The entire process, from initial screening, selection, disbursement of funds, to evaluation and monitoring, is independently managed by HMM ITB under the guidance of Dr.Eng. Pandji Prawisudha, ST., MT., Head of the Undergraduate Program in Mechanical Engineering at ITB. This concept eliminates reliance on external parties and promotes greater transparency and accountability.

To ensure the success of this pilot project, Yayasan Persada Hati (YPH), represented by Mrs. Ina Dewayani, alongside Dr.Eng. Pandji Prawisudha, ST., MT., signed a sponsorship agreement on September 3, 2024. Yayasan Persada Hati, part of the Persada Group’s CSR initiative, is committed to community empowerment and fully supports this innovative initiative by HMM ITB. This commitment not only reflects corporate social responsibility but also strengthens networks and provides a tangible impact on the student community.

The HMM ITB Scholarship Program has a long-term vision of creating a sustainable “cycle of networking.” Scholarship recipients are expected to give back by offering scholarships in the future, creating a continuous cycle of assistance that supports financially struggling students. This initiative aims to establish a scholarship program that not only endures but also evolves to meet students’ needs.

William Nathan (MS 2021), Chairman of HMM ITB for the 2024 – 2025 term, stated, “This scholarship concept provides a concrete answer to the common questions raised by students, such as ‘What relevance does the Student Association have now?’ or ‘What can HMM ITB offer us?’” His statement highlights the importance of HMM ITB’s relevance and contribution to the education and well-being of students.

YPH also emphasized that this pilot project is more than just a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity or sponsorship. “This is true community empowerment. HMM members learn to manage, evaluate, and report on all disbursed funds. It’s a valuable learning process for students and HMM ITB members,” said Mrs. Ina Dewayani.

With the launch of this pilot project, HMM ITB is not only striving to establish a sustainable scholarship program but also aims to inspire other student associations to follow their lead and encourage alumni to contribute to the success of this program. “I believe, with the strong alumni network of HMM ITB, true to its slogan ‘Solidarity Forever,’ we will achieve the long-term goals and dreams of the HMM ITB Scholarship Program,” concluded Mrs. Ina Dewayani, representative of YPH.

The HMM ITB Scholarship Program is a real example of how innovation in scholarship management can bring about a significant positive impact. With the support of Yayasan Persada Hati and the strong commitment of HMM ITB members, this program not only provides financial assistance but also creates networks and opportunities for the future of students. It is a bold and visionary step that underscores the strength and privilege of FTMD ITB in the world of higher education.