PNUP

Foto Artikel: Successful Implementation of LeX September 2025: PNUP and Singapore Polytechnic Foster Social Innovation in Gowa

Foto Artikel: Successful Implementation of LeX September 2025: PNUP and Singapore Polytechnic Foster Social Innovation in Gowa

Foto Artikel: Successful Implementation of LeX September 2025: PNUP and Singapore Polytechnic Foster Social Innovation in Gowa

(HumasPNUP) - Politeknik Negeri Ujung Pandang (PNUP) has once again strengthened its international partnership with Singapore Polytechnic (SP) through the implementation of the Learning Express (LeX) Program September 2025, a collaborative learning initiative that applies the Design Thinking approach to address real-world community challenges. The program took place from September 29 to October 10, 2025.

The 12-day program involved 30 students from PNUP, 29 students from Singapore Polytechnic, and three lecturers from each institution. Participants worked in cross-cultural teams to explore local potential, understand social challenges, and design creative solutions in Malino and Pattapang Villages, located in Tinggimoncong Subdistrict, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Learning Express 2025 focused on three main projects inspired by the potentials and issues identified within local communities: Project Tenteng, Project Coffee tea, Project Sirup Markisa.

Through these projects, PNUP and SP students collaborated directly with local residents to co-create simple yet impactful solutions, strengthening local economic potential through creativity and innovation.

The success of this program was achieved through the active guidance of facilitators from both institutions. From Politeknik Negeri Ujung Pandang (PNUP): Eddy Tungadi, S.T., M.T., Amrullah, S.T., M.T., Asri Essada Nurachmah, S.Hum., M.A.B. From Singapore Polytechnic (SP): Muzammil Bin Aziz, Mohamad Fa’izan Shah Bin Mohamad Amin, Ong Wooi-Hsen.

These facilitators played an essential role in mentoring students throughout the Design Thinking process — from the stages of Empathy, Sense and Sensibility, Ideation, to Prototyping — ensuring that each solution developed was aligned with the context and needs of the local communities.

During the opening ceremony of Learning Express September 2025, Sitti Sahriana, S.S., M.App.Ling., Head of the International Affairs Office and Chairperson of the Learning Express September 2025 Program, emphasized that this initiative is about collaboration, friendship, and cross-cultural learning.

“Over the next few days, students from both institutions will step out of their comfort zones, face real-world challenges, and create innovative ideas that can bring meaningful change to communities,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Muzammil Bin Aziz, facilitator from Singapore Polytechnic, shared his reflections on the program’s mission and values:

“In line with the spirit of LeX — Connecting, Creating, and Caring for Communities — we hope this program connects us through a meaningful journey of co-creation for the benefit of the communities we serve. To all students, we encourage you to collaborate, share, and exchange your unique perspectives, to learn to work together, and to embrace differences and expectations. Through this experience, may you all grow together,” he remarked.

Throughout the 12-day program, participants not only developed ideas and prototypes but also built strong bonds with the local community. The activities also included cultural exchange sessions, field visits, and final project presentations attended by representatives from both institutions and the local government.

Director of PNUP, Prof. Rusdi Nur, S.ST., M.T., Ph.D., highlighted that Learning Express represents PNUP’s ongoing commitment to advancing international-standard vocational education with real social impact.

“Learning Express serves as a platform for our students to innovate, collaborate across borders, and contribute directly to the community. This is the true essence of vocational education,” he said.

The Learning Express September 2025 Program between PNUP and Singapore Polytechnic not only produced socially relevant solutions for the people of Gowa but also strengthened academic and cultural ties between the two institutions.

With the spirit of innovation, empathy, and cross-cultural collaboration, this program stands as a clear example of how vocational education can become a driving force for sustainable social change and community empowerment.