Writer: Duke Paopathon Pardede (2461001) | Editor: Ambarwulan, S.T.
Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB), in collaboration with Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT), Taiwan, successfully conducted the Design Thinking Competition as part of the Global Sparks Cultural Exploration and Design Thinking Program held in Batam on 24th – 30th October 2025. The competition brought together students from both universities to collaboratively develop innovative solutions based on cultural observation and real-world challenges. This activity formed the second main stage of the program and served as a platform for applying design thinking methodologies in an international and interdisciplinary setting. The competition reflected the shared commitment of UIB and MCUT to promoting experiential learning and global academic engagement.
The Design Thinking Competition was conducted following an intensive cultural observation phase, allowing participants to build solutions grounded in local context. Students were grouped into international teams consisting of UIB and MCUT participants from various academic backgrounds, including business, management, tourism, and postgraduate programs. Through this collaborative structure, students were encouraged to practice empathy, critical thinking, problem identification, ideation, and solution development. The competition emphasized process-based learning rather than focusing solely on final outcomes.
Throughout the competition, participants presented innovative project ideas addressing themes related to cultural heritage, creative industries, digital innovation, and sustainable development. Each team demonstrated the ability to translate field observations into structured concepts supported by clear problem statements and proposed solutions. The evaluation process assessed creativity, feasibility, relevance, and the integration of cultural and business perspectives. This approach ensured that the competition maintained strong academic rigor while remaining accessible to students from diverse disciplines.
Several teams received recognition for their outstanding ideas, highlighting the effectiveness of cross-cultural collaboration in generating impactful concepts. The awarded projects showcased innovative approaches that combined local insights from Batam with international perspectives brought by MCUT students. These achievements reflected not only individual creativity but also the strength of teamwork and intercultural communication fostered throughout the program. Importantly, the competition acknowledged collective learning rather than emphasizing competition alone.
Beyond the awards, the Design Thinking Competition served as a meaningful learning experience for all participants. Students gained firsthand exposure to international teamwork, learned to negotiate different perspectives, and developed confidence in presenting ideas to a diverse academic audience. The collaborative environment encouraged mutual respect and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the value of global competence in higher education. Such experiences are essential in preparing students for future professional and academic challenges in an international context.
In addition, the Design Thinking Competition reinforced the importance of integrating cultural sensitivity into innovation processes. By engaging directly with local contexts and working alongside international peers, participants learned that effective solutions must be socially relevant, culturally informed, and adaptable to real conditions. This experience encouraged students to move beyond theoretical problem-solving and embrace a holistic approach to innovation. As a result, the competition not only enhanced technical and analytical skills but also fostered ethical awareness and responsible innovation, which are essential competencies in today’s global landscape.
From an institutional perspective, the competition strengthened the academic partnership between Universitas Internasional Batam and Ming Chi University of Technology. It demonstrated how joint programs can effectively combine cultural exploration with innovation-based learning. The success of the Design Thinking Competition also opened opportunities for future collaborative initiatives, including joint workshops, student exchanges, and interdisciplinary projects. Through this program, UIB and MCUT reaffirmed their shared vision of nurturing globally minded graduates equipped with creativity, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding.
International Relation Office
Universitas Internasional Batam
