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The Closing Ceremony of the 2025 World Friends Korea-ICT Volunteering Program (WFK-ICT) between Kyungpook National University (KNU), South Korea, and Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE), Indonesia, was held on August 19, 2025, celebrating the achievements of six international student teams who developed smart city innovations for Bondowoso.
The event began with group presentations, where six teams showcased their projects through a combination of five-minute presentations, live demonstrations, and Q&A sessions. Each group introduced their creative ICT-based solutions addressing urban challenges in Bondowoso, including smart traffic systems, pedestrian safety, flood detection, and AI-based violence prevention. These projects highlighted the integration of engineering, information technology, and real-world problem solving.
Following the project demonstrations, the ceremony was formally opened by the Master of Ceremony, leading into a series of speeches that reflected the spirit of collaboration. Representing POLIJE, the Vice Director of Collaboration Affairs, Agung Wahyono, Ph.D., delivered a welcoming speech. He expressed pride in the achievements of the students, emphasizing that this program not only strengthens academic cooperation but also aligns with POLIJE’s vision of becoming a globally recognized polytechnic through impactful international partnerships.
Representing KNU, Professor Chung Wonil also delivered remarks, emphasizing the importance of intercultural learning and the power of technology-driven volunteering in shaping sustainable communities. He praised both universities’ students for their dedication and innovative thinking throughout the program.
Student voices also took center stage during the ceremony. Azrieal Akbar, representing POLIJE, and Jung Donggie, representing KNU, shared heartfelt testimonies about their experiences. They spoke about the challenges of working in multicultural teams, the friendships formed, and the invaluable skills gained from bridging academic knowledge with community needs.
The committee then presented a wrap-up video, capturing memorable moments from the volunteering program, from fieldwork in Bondowoso to late-night coding sessions and prototype testing. This visual reflection underscored the journey of teamwork and innovation that defined the 2025 program.
One of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony was the announcement of winners, recognizing the best-performing teams whose projects demonstrated exceptional creativity, feasibility, and social impact. The announcement was followed by a photo session led by POLIJE’s PR team, immortalizing the unity and success of the collaboration.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks, officially marking the end of the 2025 WFK-ICT Volunteering Program. The event not only celebrated the innovative solutions created by the students but also reinforced the strong bond between KNU and POLIJE. The partnership reflects POLIJE’s vision of becoming a global polytechnic and highlights the role of youth and technology in driving sustainable development in local communities.