Taman Pintar - Indonesia, Yogyakarta 

Engaging Indonesian youth in science and tech

Taman Pintar is a Science and Technology education centre that aims to develop the interests of children and young people in science through imagination, experimentation and fun.

At Taman Pintar, students have an opportunity to design and deliver training workshops in a cross-cultural and collaborative environment, whilst contributing to Taman Pintar's aim of promoting science.

The programs build on their existing science and technology promotion activities and help Taman Pintar showcase that they are at forefront of innovative education to both students and the general public.

PACE activities

Engineering

Students designed and delivered simple robotics training workshops for young Indonesians in the use of Edison robots and in the context of robotics in general.

Students worked collaboratively to deliver engaging educational workshops relating to robotics and programming for Indonesian students aged between 10 and 12 as part of Taman Pintar’s science, engineering and technology promotion activities.

Student experiences

Austin Cheung

Q: What do you study and where did you go on your PACE International activity?
A: I am an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student, in my fourth and final year of my degree. In January of 2018, I travelled to the Special Region of Yogyakarta, in Indonesia. While in Yogyakarta, I worked with Taman Pintar, a learning centre situated in the centre of the city.

Q: What was your role or project at your host organisation?
A: I, along with seven highly capable engineers, were sent abroad with the goal of educating primary and high school students on the field of robotics. My role as an educator; was to mentor, teach and inspire these students, to learn and open their eyes to the world of robotics. For the four weeks we worked with Taman Pintar, we taught several classes of students the basics of robotics. The team also represented Macquarie University and Australia, during events or when greeting organisation officials.

Q: What attracted you to the PACE International program?
A: I personally always wanted to immerse myself in cultures that I was completely foreign to. Living as part of a new culture exposes you to new and diverse perspectives, and helps you better understand why certain people act the way they do. I also wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Going abroad meant that I would have to take extra responsibility with my own health, finances and general well-being, becoming more independent in the process. Lastly, I knew it was a great opportunity to explore the world, make new friends and share memories that would last a lifetime!

Q: What advice would you give a student who is thinking of applying for a PACE International activity?
A: PACE is easily the best way for students in taking their first steps towards their future careers. Through PACE, I was able to develop and learn several new skills, which would have been impossible in a classroom environment. The memories and friendships I created during my activity, are ones I will never forget. I believe we are very fortunate to attend a university which provides us students with such amazing opportunities. Lastly, it will be extremely difficult to find the time to go abroad once you leave university and start your career, so now is the best time, while you still have the time and energy!

Q: What was the best part of your PACE International experience?
A: Embarking on a PACE International activity is full of great experiences that will last a lifetime. Making friends, new experiences, travelling, experiencing new cultures and learning, just to list a few! However, for me, the best part of my PACE International experience was getting to know some of the students I had the pleasure of teaching. Bonding with the students, despite the language barrier, was a unique and memorable experience. I remember seeing the excitement in my student’s eyes as their robot did a simple task. Seeing such a trivial toy for me, bringing such joy to these kids, was definitely a feeling I won’t forget.

Joel Berta

"PACE is one of, if not the best, way to kickstart your professional career in the degree of your choice. I have gained so much confidence in terms of working in a professional environment and loved every moment I was over in Indonesia."

Luke Magri

"The overall experience was great. I learned many things and it provided me with a better-developed view of the world as a whole. I would recommend the program to anyone who was interested. Truly an 11/10 experience."

Winston Ong

"Working with PACE and our host organization, Taman Pintar, in Indonesia has got to be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences I have had. Professionally, I have grown a lot, with a greater desire to work on engineering projects as well as work for companies internationally. I have never felt more excited about the prospect of working professionally than after my PACE International project."