The Surabaya Institute of Applied Science and Technology (ISTTS) Informatics Student Association held an Even Semester Informatics Open Talk event on March 22 2024 in room E-402. This event invited Mr. Dr. Yosi Kristian, S.Kom. M.Kom., as Head of the Informatics Study Program at ISTTS. Open Talk Informatics functions as a forum for channeling the aspirations of students majoring in Informatics to the Head of Informatics Study Program with the aim of advancing the Informatics department at ISTTS. This event is an event that is held once every semester, usually at the end of the Mid-Term Examination (UTS). Attended by around 50 enthusiastic participants, this event proved to be a valuable forum for exchanging insights, updates and opportunities in the field of informatics.

Mr. Yosi, as the main speaker at Open Talk, started the event by encouraging ISTTS students to take part in the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) and attend various seminars and workshops organized by ISTTS both internally and in collaboration with ISTTS external parties. These opportunities are designed to broaden students' horizons and prepare them for a brighter future. Therefore, Mr Yosi appealed to all participants who attended to actively take part in activities to broaden their knowledge and expand their networking.

One of the highlights of Open Talk Informatics is the dissemination of information about career opportunities. Participants were informed about job vacancies at Bank Central Asia (BCA) that female students could obtain through the Independent Campus Certified Internship and Independent Study program. Collaborations with large companies such as Djarum, Dicoding, and Bangkit Academy are also highlighted. This partnership is proof of the dedication of the ISTTS Informatics study program in providing real-world experience and networking opportunities to students. In April, Mr Yosi also plans to invite managers from PT. Djarum to provide workshops for students at ISTTS.

The 2024 curriculum for the Informatics study program is also in the process of being prepared, with a focus on revising several courses and their practicum components. This proactive approach ensures that female students receive the most up-to-date education that aligns with industry demands, ultimately increasing their competitiveness after graduation. Curriculum preparation is also adjusted to the body of knowledge from the government and other curriculum regulators. In this way, the curriculum which becomes the learning reference for students of the ISTTS Informatics study program becomes relevant to the demands and developments of the times. However, courses at ISTTS can still be exchanged through the Merdeka Campus MSIB program which can be taken starting from the current 4th semester. Female students can also study abroad at leading universities.

Apart from that, the Open Talk discussion also touched on campus facilities available to female students. ISTTS spares no effort in providing a conducive learning environment starting from important facilities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi and electrical outlets, to certain rooms at ISTTS such as the honesty canteen, gym facilities and student lounge. In addition, considerations for practical aspects such as parking facilities are also discussed, ensuring that students' needs are well met. Mr. Yosi invited female students to register as assistants if they wanted to get free parking facilities via free-parking cards.

From an academic perspective, various subjects were also explored during the Open Talk. Starting from digital systems and computer organization, to specialized fields such as game programming, computer vision, and machine learning. Participants gain valuable insight into various aspects of computer science. Additionally, basic courses such as operating systems, desktop application programming, and programming techniques are also covered, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the curriculum.

Open Talk Informatics Even Semester 2024 is a dynamic forum for female students to enrich their academic journey and prepare for future careers by facilitating collaboration with industrial partners, updating the curriculum, and providing the latest facilities. ISTTS also emphasized its commitment to continue developing female students so they can compete in accordance with the demands of the times. Such initiatives not only empower students to thrive academically, but also equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving technological world.