Webinar Organized by:
Women in Engineering IEEE Indonesia Section, in collaboration with the British Council

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, the Women in Engineering (WIE) IEEE Indonesia Section successfully hosted a webinar titled “Sharing Session: Scholarship for Women in STEM”, aimed at encouraging greater participation of women in STEM fields and broadening access to higher education through scholarship opportunities. The event was held via Zoom and attracted a diverse audience of professionals, students, and community members interested in advancing careers in science and technology and leveraging innovation for social impact.

The session featured esteemed speakers and experts from the IEEE WIE Indonesia Section, Queen Mary University of London, and a Women in STEM scholarship recipient, who shared their experiences studying in the UK, along with practical tips and proven strategies for submitting successful scholarship applications.

The event commenced with an opening speech by Dr. Kurnianingsih, Chair of the IEEE Indonesia Section, who welcomed all participants and expressed appreciation to the WIE IEEE Indonesia Section for organizing this impactful event. She introduced IEEE as the world’s largest technical professional organization, with five core focus areas: publications, conferences, standards, membership, and e-learning. Dr. Kurnianingsih also highlighted the active role of IEEE Indonesia in fostering collaboration and promoting inclusivity in STEM.

The first speaker, Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, M.M., M.Sc., Professor of Computer Engineering at Universitas Indonesia and a prominent UK alumna in engineering, representing IEEE WIE, presented on the topic “Innovating for Inclusivity: Bridging the Gender Gap in Engineering and Biomedical Technology.” Prof. Riri emphasized the critical role of increasing female representation in STEM as a catalyst for scientific advancement, economic development, and inclusive innovation. She shared her academic journey and study experience in the UK, offering valuable inspiration for participants to pursue higher education and meaningful careers in STEM.

The second speaker, Dr. Stefaan, Lecturer in Medical Technology at the School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, presented on the topic “Biomedical Engineering at QMUL.” Dr. Stefaan explained recent advancements in biomedical engineering, including biomaterials, 3D printing, and digital twins, which have significantly impacted the healthcare sector. He emphasized the importance of international research collaboration and highlighted the strategic role of biomedical engineering in addressing healthcare disparities in developing countries. He also encouraged Indonesian women to actively participate in health technology innovation.

The session continued with an inspiring story from Annisa Dinulislam, a Women in STEM Scholarship awardee. Annisa shared her journey—from the application process to her experience studying at a leading university in the UK. She offered practical tips for preparing a strong scholarship application and encouraged participants to pursue internships, engage in research, and build international networks to maximize their scholarship opportunities.

In closing, Jessica Wong, PGR Recruitment, Partnerships, and Sponsor Relations Manager at Queen Mary University of London, provided an overview of the university and the outstanding study programs available through the Women in STEM scholarship. Jessica emphasized the interdisciplinary strengths of the Biomedical Engineering and Medical Technology programs and the comprehensive support offered to international students, including academic services, internship opportunities, and access to a global professional network.

The webinar was moderated by Huriyatul Fitriyah, M.Sc., who guided the event with clarity and enthusiasm. With her expertise and experience in the STEM field, she ensured a seamless flow of discussion, facilitated smooth transitions between speakers, and encouraged active participation from the audience throughout the session.

The event concluded with remarks encouraging participants to fully embrace the opportunities provided by the Women in STEM scholarship program. The WIE IEEE Indonesia Section also reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women through academic and professional development in science and technology.

The webinar was a great success and received enthusiastic responses from participants, who appreciated the diverse range of content, scholarship application guidance, and inspiring experiences shared by the speakers. More than just an educational forum, the event served as a significant platform to introduce the Scholarship for Women in STEM as a tangible opportunity for Indonesian women to pursue advanced studies and build professional careers. The program not only opens access to international education but also strengthens the role of women as agents of change in strategic sectors.

The WIE IEEE Indonesia Section hopes this initiative will serve as a bridge for more Indonesian women to access higher education aligned with global challenges. WIE remains committed to supporting the development of a strong and visionary generation of women capable of driving impactful innovations for society.