Insights from Global Experts in Product Design & AI

On October 8, 2024, SMA Unggulan Rushd hosted the highly anticipated Rushd Inspiring Seminar under the theme, "Innovating with Purpose: Insights from Global Experts in Product Design & AI." Held in the vibrant Communal Area, the event featured two renowned speakers: Yoel Sumitro, Senior and Director of Design & Research at Delivery Hero in Berlin, Germany, and Joelian Samuel, Head of Machine Learning Engineering at Kredivo.

The seminar provided an inspiring platform for the Rushd community to engage with cutting-edge ideas in product design and artificial intelligence while gaining insights into the qualities needed to thrive in these fields.

Yoel Sumitro and Joelian Samuel captivated the audience by emphasizing the importance of curiosity as a driving force in their careers. Both shared their journeys of how staying curious, embracing challenges, and building resilience shaped their paths to becoming global experts in their respective domains.

Yoel, drawing from his international experience, highlighted a key message for young Indonesian talents:

"Indonesians have incredible potential to compete globally. However, developing the right mindset—resilience, adaptability, and discipline—is crucial to unlocking this potential."

He outlined practical strategies to build this mentality, emphasizing the value of continuous learning, networking, and taking calculated risks.

Joelian echoed Yoel’s thoughts, adding insights into the transformative power of AI and how innovation can solve real-world problems. He encouraged students to leverage their passions and collaborate to make meaningful impacts through technology.

A Thoughtful Exchange: Q&A Highlights

The interactive Q&A session was a standout moment of the seminar. Students impressed the speakers with their forward-thinking questions, demonstrating a deep engagement with the topics.

One of the most notable exchanges came from Naila Aini Bahri, a Rushd student and aspiring entrepreneur. Naila shared her ambition to create a startup focusing on children’s literacy with a specialization in product research and development. She then asked:

"What experiences should I prioritize at my age to build a foundation for this dream?"

The speakers were visibly moved by Naila’s vision and curiosity. Joelian praised her clarity of purpose, while Yoel encouraged her to immerse herself in the field, volunteering or interning in literacy-focused organizations. Learn from mentors, both local and international, to expand her perspective. Cultivate empathy, as understanding her audience would be pivotal to her startup's success.

They commended her for already having a clear direction, emphasizing that she embodies the entrepreneurial spirit Indonesia needs.

A Platform for Dreamers and Innovators

The Rushd Inspiring Seminar exemplified SMA Unggulan Rushd’s commitment to nurturing global-minded students who are not only equipped with knowledge but also empowered to dream boldly and act purposefully. Events like these connect students with leading experts, bridging the gap between aspirations and actionable steps toward success.

By the end of the seminar, students left with renewed motivation, inspired to follow in the footsteps of leaders like Yoel and Joelian and ready to innovate with purpose in their own unique ways.

As the applause echoed through the Communal Area, it was clear that this was more than just a seminar; it was a call to action for the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers.