The academic world is inhabited by scholars who continually contribute to various achievements, ranging from research breakthroughs to community service, embodying the spirit of academia in advancing knowledge for the betterment of the nation.

One of the distinguished figures at Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA) is Dr. Arie Pangesti Aji, who holds a double degree from Universitas Indonesia (UI) and Shizuoka University, Japan, focusing his research on new concepts and designs for Terahertz (THz) antenna-coupled bolometers. His dedication extends beyond scientific contributions, as he also serves as a professional lecturer at UNDIRA. Dr. Arie has been leading the Electrical Engineering Study Program since February 15, 2024, while actively engaging in various national and international electrical engineering organizations.

From April 22 to April 24, 2025, Dr. Arie attended the IEEE VIC Summit & Honors Ceremony Gala 2025 in Tokyo, Japan—a prestigious gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and top professionals in the field of engineering and science. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is an international non-profit organization based in the United States, uniting electrical engineering enthusiasts from academia, industry, and government sectors worldwide. The IEEE VIC Summit & Honors Ceremony Gala is an annual event celebrating innovation and excellence in engineering, science, and technology for the greater good of humanity. Notably, this marks the first time the event is being held in Asia, specifically Tokyo, Japan.

An exciting addition to this year's event was the introduction of the IEEE Young Professionals (YP) & Laureate Forum, a new initiative recognizing the remarkable achievements of young professionals, emerging technologists, innovators, and researchers worldwide. Through this program, participants gain valuable recognition for their work while fostering meaningful connections with IEEE Medal of Honor recipients and other distinguished awardees.

Dr. Arie revealed that his involvement in IEEE began during his Master's studies at UI in 2016, initially joining as a graduate student member. Over time, upon completing his doctoral studies, he became a regular IEEE member, later earning the opportunity to serve as part of IEEE Indonesia Section's Young Professional (YP) Affinity Group leadership. Through a rigorous selection process, Dr. Arie was chosen as Vice Chair of the YP Affinity Group, representing IEEE Indonesia Section at the IEEE VIC Summit 2025.

One of the key topics discussed at the IEEE VIC Summit was the future impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Arie summarized that AI advancements in the coming years will dominate technological progress, significantly influencing government policy frameworks. Additionally, he highlighted the development of 6th-generation telecommunications (6G)—a race among global superpowers to refine and perfect the next-generation communication technology. Looking ahead, 6G technology is expected to radically transform human interactions, revolutionizing communication and technology adoption worldwide.

Dr. Arie emphasized that accelerating adaptation to technological changes is a necessity for all stakeholders, including students and faculty members. He cautioned that technological advancements could potentially reduce students' critical thinking skills due to the conveniences they now enjoy. However, while technology continues to evolve, it cannot fully replace the direct interactions between educators and students in the learning process. The role of lecturers in the future will be crucial in maintaining students' critical reasoning and analytical abilities, ensuring that they wisely leverage technology for meaningful and productive purposes.