USK Hosts International Seminar on Internship and Job Opportunities in Japan for Mechanical Engineering Students and Alumni

Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), through its Office of International Affairs (OIA) in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, successfully organized an international seminar on internship and job opportunities in Japan. The event, specifically targeting Mechanical Engineering students and alumni, took place at the Keurukon Room, Faculty of Engineering, on March 19, 2025. The seminar attracted enthusiastic students eager to explore career prospects in Japan through the Engineering Visa program.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Muzailin Affan, Chairman of OIA USK, emphasized the significance of the program in creating pathways for students and alumni to gain work or internship experience with Japanese companies.

Meanwhile, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Iskandar, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in enabling students and alumni to secure international experience and enhance their competencies in the industrial sector. “We hope that programs like this will continue in the future,” he concluded.

The seminar featured prominent speakers, including representatives from Sanai Cooperative, Japan—Katsuaki Taniguchi and Shion Kamiya—as well as Wawan Wahyudi, Head of PT. Aichi Training Center & PT. Human Select Indonesia. They provided in-depth presentations on internship programs, application requirements, and insights into working in Japan’s engineering industry.

During the session, Katsuaki Taniguchi introduced Sanai Cooperative, a company established in 2004, which has grown into a major firm in Japan with over 300 employees and three branches across the country. While the company specializes in various fields, Taniguchi emphasized the increasing demand for skilled foreign workers in technology and mechanical engineering.

According to Taniguchi, Japan is currently seeking professionals proficient in both the Japanese language and technology. As part of their initiative, Sanai Cooperative offers internship opportunities that allow students to work in Japan while simultaneously learning the language for one to three years. Alternatively, students can opt for Japanese language courses in Aceh as a preparatory step.

Following the presentations, the seminar featured an interactive Q&A session, allowing students to gain deeper insights into the application process and necessary preparations for the internship program.

Sanai Cooperative team expressed its gratitude for the collaboration in organizing the seminar and extended a warm invitation to USK students interested in interning or working in Japan.

Besides students, the seminar also garnered strong interest from faculty members of the Faculty of Engineering, further highlighting its relevance and impact on academic and career development.