UNAIR NEWS Nicolas Cikho Entsanerga, better known as Nico, a student from the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM), is currently in the United States as part of the prestigious Global Leadership Program 2024. Organized by the USA Chapter of Alumni Association (IKA UNAIR), this program focuses on career and leadership development.
Nico檚 participation in the program follows his achievement as runner-up in the Global Career Challenge 2023, an initiative designed to empower UNAIR students in advancing their careers. This year檚 Global Leadership Program is sponsored by Indonesia Lighthouse, a nonprofit organization founded by IKA UNAIR USA members Ari Sufiati and Dian Widhiati.
The program features a month-long series of in-person mentoring sessions, running from October 31 through November 30, 2024. During the first week, Nico explored California under the guidance of Ari Sufiati, a Communication Science graduate who now serves as a Senior Project Manager at Apple.
Immersed in California檚 cultural diversity
Nico arrived in California on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, and the following day experienced a lively Halloween celebration. In Morgan Hill, California, homes were adorned with spooky decorations, transforming neighborhoods into festive Halloween settings. As night fell, children in costumes visited homes for Trick-or-Treating.
Throughout his first week, Nico immersed himself in California檚 cultural diversity. The state, long recognized as one of the most multicultural in the United States, serves as a melting pot of global influences.
This diversity is especially evident in its culinary offerings, with restaurants serving authentic dishes from Korea, Thailand, Mexico, the Middle East, and many other regions. 淐alifornia檚 diversity is incredible攊t makes the state so colorful and unique, Nico remarked.
Meeting inspiring diaspora leaders
Nico also had the opportunity to meet prominent members of the Indonesian diaspora in California. Among them was Prof. George Anwar, a highly regarded professor in UC Berkeley檚 Department of Mechanical Engineering. Prof. Anwar, whose given name is Djoji Anwar, earned dual bachelor檚 degrees in Nuclear and Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and later pursued master檚 and doctoral degrees in Mechanical Engineering.
During their meeting, Prof. Anwar shared his extensive experience in engineering, particularly in the field of mechatronics. This resonated with Nico檚 academic background in Robotics Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. Their discussion covered a range of topics, including robotics advancements in the U.S. and Indonesia, career prospects, and Prof. Anwar檚 inspiring academic journey.
Nico also connected with Victor, an Indonesian-born AI engineer from Kalimantan who formerly worked at Apple, contributing to projects like Siri and Apple Intelligence. Victor is now employed at a California-based startup specializing in AI and transportation technologies.
Together, they discussed the challenges and opportunities of advancing AI in Indonesia, with Victor offering Nico valuable career advice. 淚t was an honor to meet Prof. Anwar and Victor. They檙e brilliant and approachable, and I learned so much from them, Nico said.
Author: Wahidah Mevi Nihayah
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
