Diki Fahrizal: A Beacon of Excellence at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

by Ruswan Dallyono

Bandung, UPI

In the heart of Bandung, amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), one graduate stood out among the 6,815 students who celebrated their academic achievements during the Wave III Graduation Ceremony held from October 28 to 31, 2024. Diki Fahrizal, a diligent and ambitious young man from Majalengka, graduated with a cum laude predicate and a GPA of 3.91 from the Electrical Engineering Education Department, Faculty of Industry and Technology Education (FPTI) UPI, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey. What stands out about Diki Fahrizal is that he is only one of two students out of the 6, 815 students who published articles in 15 Scopus-indexed journals. The two students happened to be under the supervision of Prof. Dr. H. Jaja Kustija, M.Sc., namely Diki Fahrizal and Irgi Surya currently studying for a master’s degree in  National Taipe University of Technology, Taiwan.

Diki, born on May 15, 2002, in Majalengka, West Java, was raised in a supportive household by his parents, Dedi Haryono and Ijoh Hadijah. From an early age, Diki exhibited a keen interest in technology and engineering, a passion that would shape his educational path. His journey began on September 1, 2020, when he enrolled in the undergraduate program at PTE FPTI UPI, specializing in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in Industrial Electronics.

The graduation ceremony, which took place at the Gymnasium Building on the UPI campus, was a momentous occasion not just for Diki but for his family and friends who had witnessed his relentless pursuit of excellence. As he donned his cap and gown, the pride in his parents’ eyes was evident. “We always believed in him,” said his father, Dedi. “Diki has always been curious about how things work, and we encouraged him to follow his dreams.”

Diki’s academic journey was not without challenges. Balancing rigorous coursework with practical applications in the fast-evolving field of technology required immense dedication and time management skills. Over the course of eight semesters, he had been able to produce a variety of software tools and mastered programming languages essential for his field, namely Arduino IDE, Multisim, Proteus, and Python. His proficiency in these tools not only set him apart academically but also prepared him for the demands of the industry.

Organizationally, Diki is currently listed as part of the team of experts in a programming community called the Bandung Society of Informatics, Electrical Engineering, and Robotics which is better known as BSIEER (pronounced as “busier). In this organization he has been actively involved in training young people how to develop software, websites, and LLMs such as chatbots used to teach and learn English. His experience being a trainer here has surely contributed to his maturity and expertise in the area of computer programming and machine learning.

One of the highlights of Diki’s studies was his focus on the development and implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning technologies. “These are the future of engineering,” he explained. “Understanding how to integrate technology into everyday life is crucial, and I wanted to be at the forefront of that innovation.” Diki’s final project, which involved creating a smart home system using IoT principles, received accolades from faculty members for its creativity and practicality.

Diki’s commitment to his studies was complemented by his ability to collaborate effectively with peers. Throughout his time at UPI, he participated in various group projects and workshops, fostering an environment of teamwork and shared learning. “Working with others taught me the importance of diverse perspectives,” he shared. “It’s not just about being the best individually; it’s about how we can all contribute to a common goal.”

In addition to his academic pursuits, Diki was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including serving as a member of the Himpunan Mahasiswa Elektro FPTI  UPI from 2021 to 2022. His leadership and teamwork skills were further honed through this organization, where he engaged with fellow students and participated in various events aimed at promoting electrical engineering.

Diki’s professional experience is equally impressive. He has served as a Teaching Assistant for Prof. Dr. H. Jaja Kustija, M.Sc., since 2022, contributing to the development of course materials for subjects such as Mechatronics, Circuit Theory, and Electromagnetic Fields. His role involved not only teaching but also helping to publish educational materials, including textbooks. Additionally, Diki worked as a Research Assistant, participating in projects focused on developing remote control systems and electronic learning media, resulting in several publications in both national and international journals.

One of the most notable aspects of Diki’s career thus far is his role as a Machine Learning Specialist with the Bangkit Academy, a collaboration involving Google, Tokopedia, Gojek, and Traveloka. In addition, he developed predictive models for tourism destination recommendations and supported small and medium enterprises in West Java through the mobile application “ChillGo App.” This experience allowed him to apply artificial intelligence capabilities in practical applications, enhancing user experiences and showcasing his ability to bridge technology and real-world needs.

Diki’s academic achievements are further underscored by his impressive list of certifications, including the TensorFlow Developer Certificate and various specializations in machine learning and data science from reputable institutions. His dedication to continuous learning is evident, as he has actively sought out opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills.

As he graduated with honors, Diki reflected on the journey that brought him to this pivotal moment. “Graduating cum laude is not just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the support I’ve received from my family, friends, and mentors especially Prof. Dr. H. Jaja Kustija, M.Sc. who always guided him in his pursuit of knowledge,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here without them.” His gratitude was palpable, and he expressed a desire to continue learning and growing in his field.

Diki’s research contributions have also gained recognition, with several articles published in reputable journals, including topics ranging from IoT-based environmental monitoring systems to innovative educational tools for mechatronics. His paper entitled “Design and Development of Coastal Marine Water Quality Monitoring Based on IoT in Achieving Implementation of SDGs” was indexed in Scopus, showcasing his ability to contribute to significant global conversations about sustainability and technology. Other notable publications include solutions for improving air quality monitoring systems and the development of recommendation systems for tourism destinations using neural networks.

His dedication to research and innovation culminated in his thesis titled “Implementation of Graphical User Interface for PCB Layout Defect Detection Based on Comparative Analysis of Faster R-CNN and YOLOv8 Algorithms.” This project not only highlighted his technical skills but also his ability to tackle complex challenges in electrical engineering. Diki’s work has been presented at various international conferences, where he engaged with experts in the field and shared his insights on the intersection of technology and education.

As Diki looks to the future, he is eager to embark on his professional career. He aims to work in a company that focuses on innovative technology solutions, particularly in IoT and machine learning. “I want to contribute to projects that make a difference in people’s lives,” he shared. “Technology has the power to solve real-world problems, and I want to be part of that change.” His ambition is not just to succeed in his career but also to inspire the next generation of engineers and technologists.

Reflecting on his time at UPI, Diki emphasized the importance of mentorship and community support in his journey. “I had incredible mentors who guided me and believed in my potential,” he said. “I hope to one day be that mentor for someone else, to help them navigate their own path in this field.” His commitment to giving back is evident in his volunteer work, where he has participated in initiatives aimed at introducing young students to the basics of coding and electronics. “If I can inspire even one child to pursue a career in technology, that’s a success in my book,” he remarked.

As Diki Fahrizal steps into the next chapter of his life, he carries with him the values instilled by his education at UPI—integrity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. His story serves as an inspiration not only to his peers but also to future generations of students who aspire to make their mark in the world of technology. In a world that is constantly evolving, individuals like Diki remind us of the importance of perseverance, passion, and purpose. As he looks to the future, there’s no doubt that he will continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path for others to follow. Diki is not just a graduate; he is a beacon of hope for those who dream of making a difference through technology and education.

As the ceremony concluded and the graduates tossed their caps into the air, Diki stood among his peers, filled with gratitude and optimism. “This is just the beginning,” he said, looking ahead with excitement. “I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.” With a heart full of dreams and a mind equipped with knowledge, Diki Fahrizal is poised to make a significant impact in the world, one innovative solution at a time.

As the sun began to set over the UPI campus, casting a golden hue across the faces of the graduates, Diki felt a wave of emotions wash over him. The culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and relentless pursuit of knowledge had led him to this moment. Surrounded by friends and family, he took a deep breath, savoring the sweet taste of accomplishment. At that time, he remembered all that happened during the period of his studies at his beloved University. He remembered his time reciting his dzikir, reading the Holy Qur’an,  and performing congregational prayers at the Al-Furqan mosque of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.  All his efforts and prayers has born sweet fruit. Alhamdulillah.

In the days following his graduation, Diki received numerous job offers, each one presenting exciting opportunities to apply his skills in the real world. However, up to now he has remained steadfast in his desire to find a role that is aligned with his values and aspirations, namely pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in the field of electrical engineering.