The Material and Instrumentation Physics Expertise Group (KBK) from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), once again held a Community Service Program (PKM) on Monday, July 14, 2025, at SMA Negeri 8 Yogyakarta. This event carried the theme International Year of Quantum Science and Technology: Building a Career and Financial Future with Physics and was attended by around 270 11th-grade students.
The PKM event was divided into two main sessions. The first session began with an opening speech from the Head of the UGM Physics Department, Prof. Dr.Eng. Edi Suharyadi, M.Eng., who gave a general introduction to the department—covering academic programs, research activities, and career opportunities for physics graduates. To liven up the atmosphere, students participated in an interactive game through the Kahoot platform, answering basic physics questions. The session was met with great enthusiasm as the students eagerly competed in a fun and educational setting.
The second session was the core of the PKM activity—a talk show moderated by Dr.Sc. Ari Dwi Nugraheni, S.Si., M.Si. The keynote speaker, Prof. Dr.Eng. Kuwat Triyana, M.Si., spoke about the importance of entrepreneurship in physics and discussed career opportunities for physics graduates, including prospects in the semiconductor industry in Taiwan. He also highlighted the Industrial Physics program offered by the Department of Physics at UGM, where students receive industry-oriented courses and are placed directly in the field to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
In the following segment, Prof. Dr.Eng. Yusril Yusuf, S.Si., M.Si., M.Eng. shared information about the department’s research facilities and international collaboration networks. Dr.Eng. Ahmad Kusumaatmaja, S.Si., M.Sc. introduced the Physics Study Program and the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in Physics. The session continued with Moh. Adhib Ulil Absor, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., who delivered an engaging presentation on how quantum concepts function in everyday life.
The participants’ enthusiasm became even more apparent during the Q&A session. One student asked about the difference between the Natural Sciences (MIPA) and Engineering majors, which was comprehensively answered by the speakers, offering deeper insights into the prospects and uniqueness of each field.
This PKM activity serves as a concrete contribution from the UGM Department of Physics in bridging higher education with secondary school students, while also broadening their perspectives on the importance of physics in shaping future careers and financial opportunities in the quantum technology era.
