FIREz January 2026: When Laboratories Become Exciting Exploration Spaces for High School and Middle School Students

FIREz January 2026: When Laboratories Become Exciting Exploration Spaces for High School and Middle School Students

                        January 2026 was a special moment for the ITS Manufacturing Systems Laboratory. During the four-day FIREz (Facing Industrial Revolution for Engineers Youth Edition) program on January 13, 14, 20, and 22, 2026, our laboratory was filled with the learning enthusiasm of 230 high school and junior high school students. Participants came from Cita Hati Christian School, Xin Zhong High School, and Gloria 2 Christian Middle School in Surabaya. Through FIREz, we presented a one-day learning experience designed to be interactive, applicable, and close to the real world of systems engineering and industry.

                      The event opened with an introductory session on 21st Century Skills with Ms. Maria. In this session, students were encouraged to understand and assess their critical thinking and initiative skills through a case study approach. The classroom atmosphere felt lively as participants not only listened but also discussed and shared their perspectives on a problem. This session provided an important foundation before they moved on to more practical material.

                        The next session featured a sharing session with Shawn Zhou and Adji Witjaksono, who shared their experiences studying and working abroad. This session provided a concrete illustration of how critical thinking and initiative play a significant role in academic and professional journeys in an international environment. In addition to sharing their stories, the speakers also offered preparation tips that students can start implementing while still in school, making their global perspectives feel more accessible and realistic.

                    Puncak kegiatan berlangsung di sesi praktikum Laboratorium Manufacturing Systems. Di sini peserta diperkenalkan pada keilmuan Teknik Sistem dan Industri melalui empat modul utama berbasis studi kasus.

TPS Module (Toyota Production System)

                        In this module, students learn to understand how a production system works. They are asked to observe the process flow, identify potential waste, and design improvements to make the process more efficient. Team discussions are lively as each group strives to find the best solution to improve the performance of the simulated production system.

OTI Module (Industrial Automation)

                        This session was one of the most engaging for participants. Students were introduced to the fundamentals of automation systems using sensors, actuators, and controllers. They had the opportunity to hands-on with assembling components and see firsthand how automated systems work. From our perspective as organizers, the participants’ curiosity was evident as they tried to understand the function of each assembled component.

DFMA Module (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly)

                        In this module, students learn that product design must consider ease of manufacturing and assembly. Participants are asked to evaluate designs, reduce component complexity, and consider production cost efficiency. This activity encourages students to think not only creatively but also rationally and structuredly, like an engineer.

Quality Module

In the Quality module, students are introduced to the concept of industrial quality control using statistical control charts. Through simple case studies, they learn to interpret data and determine whether a process is within control limits. Initially unfamiliar statistical concepts become easier to grasp because they are directly linked to real-world industrial situations.

                        The entire lab session was structured around case studies and teamwork, encouraging participants to actively discuss, try new ideas, and collaborate to solve challenges. The laboratory, which typically serves as the venue for student lab work, transformed into a learning space filled with energy and curiosity.

                        The FIREz activity concluded with a study abroad planning and reflection session. During this session, students were encouraged to summarize their learning experiences and develop their future. One participant shared that the hands-on experience in the lab gave her a deeper understanding of how school lessons can be applied in the real world.

                        Through FIREz, the ITS Manufacturing Systems Laboratory is committed to continuously providing educational programs that broaden horizons, foster 21st-century skills, and inspire young people to boldly step into a broader future.

Author: Muhammad Hilmy Hidayatullah

Editor: Brian Arga Prasidio Putra

Check out the full news on our social media:

– Website: https://www.its.ac.id/tindustri/laboratorium-sistem-manufaktur/
– Instagram: @sismanity
– LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/manufacturing-systems-laboratory
– YouTube: SISMANITY ITS