INSPIRASI-NTU Summer Program, Sustainability Studies

Nanyang Technological University


Jul 2025




I had the distinct opportunity to participate in the fully-funded INSPIRASI-NTU Summer Programme on Sustainability & Renewable Energy 2025. This intensive 2.5-week international mobility program was a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya, Indonesia. The program was designed to immerse participants from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) backgrounds in the core principles of sustainable development and innovation.

This cohort was highly selective, with only 15 students from UI, ITB, UGM, and ITS, along with 6 students from NTU joining the program.

  • Duration: July 3 – July 18, 2025

  • Hosts: NTU, Singapore (July 3-11, 2025) and ITS, Surabaya, Indonesia (July 13-18, 2025).

  • Theme: Sustainability & Renewable Energy, with a focus on Smart City and Circular Economy concepts.

The program was divided into two main segments, blending academic theory with practical, real-world application.

  • NTU Segment (Singapore) The program began with a 1.5-week course at NTU led by faculty experts. The curriculum focused on:
    • Core Concepts: In-depth lectures and discussions on Sustainability, Smart City infrastructure, Renewable Energy, and the Circular Economy.
    • Educational Field Trips: Learning was reinforced through site visits, including the URA Singapore City Gallery Tour, the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore, and a talk/virtual tour of the Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm.
    • Academic Credit: Upon successful completion, I was issued an academic transcript from NTU for the MA5032 course.
  • ITS Segment (Surabaya, Indonesia)
    • The program then transitioned to ITS, where the focus shifted to applying knowledge within a local, real-world context.
    • Lectures and Workshops: Sessions covered topics such as “Smart City: Surabaya Case,” “Smart Eco-campus,” “Renewable Energy,” and “Circular Economy”.
    • Applied Learning: I participated in field visits to significant local sites, including the Waste Processor to Electric Energy (PSEL) Benowo, the Surabaya Smart City - Control Room, and local Eco-Schools.
    • Final Project: The segment culminated in a final project, poster preparation, and an exhibition, providing an opportunity to synthesize and present solutions to sustainability challenges.

The program strongly emphasized international collaboration and cultural exchange, fostering a global perspective on sustainable development:

  • ASEAN Cultural Night: A dedicated evening event for participants to share and celebrate the diverse cultures of the ASEAN region.
  • Cultural Excursions: Activities such as the Surabaya City Tour, including visits to the Monument of Heroes, 10 November Museum, and Tunjungan Street, provided deep insights into local heritage and urban development.
  • Socio-cultural Activities: The Singapore segment included activities like a Neighbourhood Tour, an Amazing Race, and a general Singapore Tour.

Participation in the INSPIRASI-NTU Summer Programme significantly enhanced my understanding of global sustainability challenges and cross-cultural problem-solving. It provided a unique platform to collaborate with international peers and faculty, sparking new ideas and fostering a commitment to making a positive, sustainable impact in my community and beyond.

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