"Keep the Gas Up!" Interview with Immanuel Deo, STEI's Outstanding Student of 2018
The ITB Outstanding Student selection process took place last March. After several stages since January 2018, the Outstanding Student from six faculties competed in the final round on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Although the event is over, let's get to know the STEI Outstanding Student, Immanuel Deo, better.
Deo, who is a student of the study program Electrical Power Engineering, won third place in the ITB Outstanding Student selection event.
The following is STEI's interview with Deo in mid-May.
What major are you currently majoring in and what year are you in? Why are you majoring in that major?
I chose Electrical Power Engineering because it offered the ideal combination of energy conversion studies and dynamic career opportunities in the field. The curriculum specifically aligns with both of my interests.
What was it like for you in high school? Is it any different than it is now, as a college student?
In high school, I enjoyed studying science, particularly physics. Outside of academics, I was a music lover and actively played classical piano. These two pursuits remained my two main activities throughout my college years.
Apart from being a student, what are your activities on and off campus?
have internship experience in Supply Chain. Since this field isn't specifically taught in college, I was trained to independently explore end-to-end manufacturing process analysis and data efficiency.
In addition, I have developed a leadership program to train students' mindsets in organizing and how to execute projects effectively with other stakeholders.
During your studies, what was the most difficult/biggest difficulty/problem you ever faced and how did you overcome it?
The fifth semester was the most challenging period of my academic journey. Amidst the burden of lab work requiring dozens of pages of handwritten assignments within very short deadlines, I still had to shoulder the responsibilities of a division leader in a campus organization and be active in external activities.
To deal with this pressure, I implemented a precise time management system by preparing detailed weekly and monthly timelines.
This discipline, coupled with strategic use of rest time through power naps, has proven effective in maintaining optimal academic performance and organizational professionalism.
What topics were presented in the Outstanding Student selection process? Why were you interested in choosing those topics?
My topic was energy innovation through the design of a portable lighting device that utilizes a combination of solar cells and a hybrid electric pedal system. By combining multiple energy sources into one, this system offers a robust electrification solution for remote areas.
This topic is one of the important pillars in the study of power systems, because the principle of energy integration is the main foundation for the evolution of smart grid and super grid technologies.
Can you describe the stages you went through during the Outstanding Student selection process? What did you find interesting about the selection process?
The Outstanding Student (Mapres) selection process I went through began at the department, faculty, and university levels. In the initial stages, selection was based on academic achievement and the quality of written work on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
After successfully representing the department, I competed at the faculty level and made a unique impression by opening my presentation in French. One of the most challenging moments in the ITB level selection process was when the judges questioned the competitiveness of my innovation against cheaper and superior foreign products.
I emphasize that lower prices won't last long if they don't have strategic value for national technological independence. This is supported by a convincing Return on Investment calculation.
Being named STEI's Outstanding Student is certainly a proud honor, but it certainly doesn't stop there. What are your plans for the future?
I'm currently considering entering an industry that offers extensive field experience, such as the oil and gas sector or energy generation. Through this experience, I hope to broaden my career perspective and solidify my focus on future specialization.
What is your message for those who are interested in entering STEI, or juniors who are currently pursuing their academic life at STEI?
As an STEI student, your identity is shaped by strong analytical and reasoning skills in problem-solving. Use your time at university to strengthen these skills, both through organizations and through technological practices like robotics and AI.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes; use them as valuable experiences to hone your maturity and insight. With extensive knowledge and a learner's mentality, you have the best capital to conquer future challenges. Keep going!