Author: Sari Tilawah, S.T. | Editor: Ambarwulan, S.T.
Batam, Indonesia – December 18, 2025 — The 5th Conference on Community Engagement Project 2025 (ConCEPt 2025) was successfully held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, via Zoom Meetings and YouTube live streaming. The full-day conference ran from 09.00 to 16.00 UTC+7 and brought together participants from various institutions across several countries.
With the theme “Sustainable Future through Digital Innovation in Community Development”, The 5th ConCEPt 2025 provided a platform for academics, practitioners, and community partners to share ideas and experiences related to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. The conference featured five keynote speakers and was conducted in two main sessions: an opening plenary session, moderated by Desty Febria, S.Pd., M.Tesol., followed by parallel sessions in eight rooms, each guided by a chair-session.
The keynote speakers came from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, offering diverse perspectives on community development. The speakers were Tessa Neo from Reactor School, Singapore; Zurina Ismail, MBA, from Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia; Ana Cristina G. Fortes, PhD, from Sorsogon State University, Philippines; Dr. Ratih Anggraini, S.Pd., M.M., from Universitas Internasional Batam, Indonesia; and Dr. Pandu Prasodjo, S.Pd., M.Pd., also from Universitas Internasional Batam, Indonesia.
(The Opening Plenary Session)
Tessa Neo spoke about digital innovation in education and how mentorship helps students create solutions that benefit communities. She emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial thinking, stating that while not every student becomes an entrepreneur, every student should be entrepreneurial. Zurina Ismail, MBA highlighted the importance of connecting technology with sustainability, especially in village communities. She stressed the need to listen to community members first, co-create solutions with them, and empower them through technology. Meanwhile, Ana Cristina G. Fortes, PhD discussed how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can guide efforts to build sustainable futures for small and vulnerable communities through stewardship, innovation, and digital integration.
(The Keynote Speakers Gave Their Insights through Presentation, Discussion and QnA Session)
From Indonesia, Dr. Ratih Anggraini, S.Pd., M.M. emphasized understanding community needs and characteristics, promoting village potential through social media and websites, and sustaining programs through ongoing mentorship and collaboration with academia, government, communities, and industry. Lastly, Dr. Pandu Prasodjo, S.Pd., M.Pd. discussed the role of English for community development, particularly for young learners. He shared innovative teaching approaches that shift from traditional methods to audio-based learning and physical responses. The keynote presentations were followed by a lively Q&A session, which lightened up the atmosphere and encouraged participants, allowing them to ask questions, and engage directly with the speakers. Together, these discussions reflected the conference theme by demonstrating how digital innovation, education, and collaboration can work hand in hand to empower communities and ensure sustainable development.
Following the end of plenary session, presenters joined parallel sessions across eight rooms, providing a focused space for in-depth discussions, project presentations, and the exchange of ideas on community engagement and collaborative initiatives. The research papers and projects presented during these sessions are set to be published in the UIB Proceedings, Conference on Community Engagement Project ensuring that the knowledge and insights shared during the conference are accessible for wider academic and professional audiences. After the breakout sessions concluded, the conference recognized outstanding contributions by announcing the best papers and presenters. The event concluded with closing remarks and documentation via Zoom, marking the successful completion of The 5th ConCEPt 2025 and capturing the collaborative spirit and achievements of all participants.
(Closing Documentation)
Overall, The 5th ConCEPt 2025 highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and digital solutions in building sustainable communities. The organizing committee extends its sincere appreciation to all keynote speakers, moderator, chair-sessions, presenters, and participants for their valuable contributions. Gratitude is also expressed to all partners and audiences who joined the conference via Zoom and YouTube. Through shared commitment and collaboration, The 5th ConCEPt 2025 reaffirmed a collective effort to create a sustainable future through digital innovation in community development.
Institute of Research and Community Service (Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat)
Universitas Internasional Batam
