FKIP – The Mechanical Engineering Education Study Program (PTM), in collaboration with the Informatics and Computer Engineering Education Study Program (PTIK), Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, organized an international guest lecture featuring speakers from Precious Plastic Monash (PPM), Monash University, Australia. The event was conducted offline on February 3, 2026, at the Hall Room of Campus V, JPTK FKIP UNS.
This guest lecture featured the Precious Plastic Monash team, consisting of students and academics from multidisciplinary backgrounds, including engineering, design, materials, and management. Precious Plastic Monash is part of the global Precious Plastic movement, which focuses on transforming plastic waste into valuable products through educational, innovative, and community-based approaches.
Moderated by the Head of the Informatics and Computer Engineering Education Study Program, FKIP UNS, Cucuk Wawan Budiyanto, S.T., Ph.D., the event began with an introduction to the speakers, followed by presentations from the Precious Plastic Monash team on the background of the Precious Plastic movement, PPM’s core mission, and various research and engineering projects they have developed. The speakers emphasized that plastic waste can become an opportunity for learning, research, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
One of the most engaging topics for participants was the explanation of the Integration Unit, a portable recycling machine that combines shredding, injection, extrusion, and compression processes into a single system. This project, developed by students of Monash University, highlights project-based learning through collaboration, research, and real-world problem solving. In addition, the Precious Plastic Monash team also presented their educational and community outreach initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability awareness and plastic waste management, which were considered highly relevant to the context of vocational education in Indonesia.
Participants demonstrated strong enthusiasm by actively asking questions and engaging in discussion sessions. Lecturers and students explored various opportunities to apply Precious Plastic concepts in vocational learning, student project development, and potential research collaborations. This high level of participation reflected a strong interest in authentic learning approaches that connect theory with real-world practice.
The event concluded with the presentation of a token of appreciation to the speakers from Precious Plastic Monash in recognition of their contributions and knowledge sharing.
The collaboration between PTM and PTIK FKIP UNS in this event represents a form of interdisciplinary synergy. Students gained new insights into the integration of mechanical engineering, information technology, and design in addressing global issues, particularly environmental sustainability. Through this international guest lecture, FKIP UNS hopes to strengthen students’ global perspectives and prepare future vocational teachers who are adaptive, critical, and responsive to the challenges of the 21st century.