BANDUNG – Avatar Sargamantha Ndoen, a 2021 Mechanical Engineering student at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), has earned the opportunity to take part in an internship at Nakayama Iron Works, Ltd. (NIW) in Japan. The opportunity came through ITB de Labo, a collaborative program between the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD) ITB and Nakayama Iron Works, which aims to bridge academia and industry through hands-on collaboration.

Coming from Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Avatar hopes his experience will inspire other young people from remote areas to pursue opportunities on the global stage. “I want to prove that even though I come from a faraway region, I can still build a career in the global industry,” he said.

During his internship, Avatar was involved in various development projects, including industrial robotics technology, heavy equipment design, and micro-hydropower system development. His experience with the ITB Robotics Unit also enabled him to participate directly in the manufacturing process of robotic systems designed for mining applications.

One of the biggest challenges Avatar faced was adapting to Japan’s work culture, which places a strong emphasis on precision and adherence to the Japan Industrial Standards (JIS). “At Nakayama, every task is carried out according to strict SOPs and standards. It’s very different from the more theoretical approach we usually apply on campus,” Avatar shared during an interview at the Makers Innovation Space (MIS) FTMD on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Beyond improving his mechanical engineering skills, Avatar also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary learning. The program allowed him to learn a new language while working in a multidisciplinary team composed of members from different countries and fields, including electrical and mechanical engineering. “At Nakayama, I worked like a full-time employee—from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.—alongside an international team with diverse backgrounds,” he added.

Avatar is not the only ITB student who joined the program. This year, three other ITB students also participated in ITB de Labo, which not only provides real-world experience in large-scale industrial projects but also offers a glimpse into everyday life in Japan.

While staying in Takeo, a small town far from the busy metropolitan areas, Avatar enjoyed simple routines such as cycling around the neighborhood and experiencing snow for the first time.

For ITB students interested in technology, manufacturing, and robotics, the ITB de Labo program is a golden opportunity to develop technical expertise while immersing themselves in Japan’s professional work culture. With strong support from FTMD ITB and leading industrial partners, this program serves as a bridge to international careers and provides valuable experience that will strengthen students’ readiness for the professional world.

Source: itb.ac.id
Written by Syabina Er Said (Aerospace Engineering, 2020)