Peter Andreas Timotius

Educational and Professional Journey

I graduated with an undergraduate degree in Materials Engineering from the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Indonesia, focusing on biomaterials for my final project. My aspiration was to develop materials for thigh implants, driven by a desire to contribute to people’s health. In addition to my academic pursuits, I was actively involved in various organizations. I held a position in the student union of my department (HMMT-FTI ITS) as a sports division staff and later as the chief executive of the department’s largest sports competition. I was also engaged in the university choir (PSM ITS), where I served as a coach for new students and as an art director for two annual concerts. I had the privilege of representing my country and university in international choir competitions in Gorizia, Italy (2015), and Llangollen, Wales (2017), and graduated with cum laude honors.

Currently, I am pursuing my studies in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan. Although it’s a shift from my undergraduate focus, I found a professor whose research aligns with my interests in the mechanical properties of implant materials. In my second semester at NCKU, I have been appointed as a teaching assistant for the course Engineering Physiology, taught by my professor. I continue to engage in organizational activities, including coaching the choir and angklung team for the Indonesia Cultural Day 2018 event organized by the Indonesian student union in Tainan (PPI Tainan). Currently, I am the Vice-Chairman of the PPI Tainan, responsible for sports, education, student welfare, and internal affairs.

Academic and Cultural Experiences in Taiwan

Studying in Taiwan, compared to my home country, has been an eye-opening experience. The cleanliness, safety, and orderly traffic system in Taiwan have greatly impressed me. The Taiwanese people, including professors and students, are respectful and punctual, fostering a culture of professionalism and efficiency. I found the application process to study in Taiwan to be more straightforward than in other countries. The lack of a stringent English proficiency requirement and the high ranking of NCKU compared to universities in Indonesia and Japan influenced my decision to study here.

Biomedical engineering at NCKU is an interdisciplinary field, covering biomaterials, biomechanics, biostatistics, and even business knowledge in medical device industries. I have focused on orthopedic biomechanics and am grateful to work under the guidance of a kind and knowledgeable professor. My involvement in a medical device start-up competition, where my team developed an innovative oxygen mask, was a highlight of my studies.

Challenges and Achievements

One of the major challenges I faced was obtaining my student visa and the necessary certificates. I managed this process independently, without agency assistance, due to financial constraints. I relied on various blogs and the official TETO Indonesia website for guidance. Through careful planning and perseverance, I successfully obtained my visa and official documentation.

My achievements in Taiwan are multifaceted. I have improved my work ethics, established good relationships with professors and peers, and honed my time management skills. I aim to enhance my language proficiency, particularly in Mandarin, and to obtain a TOCFL certificate. These experiences are shaping me into a well-rounded individual, capable of managing academic, organizational, and personal responsibilities efficiently.

Future Plans and Advice to Prospective Students

After completing my master’s degree, I plan to pursue a Ph.D., either outside Taiwan or in my current professor’s laboratory. My ultimate goal is to return to Indonesia and contribute to the field of biomedical engineering as a lecturer. The opportunities for biomedical engineering lecturers in Indonesia are vast, and I have already established connections that could facilitate this goal.

For students considering studying in Taiwan, I recommend preparing basic Mandarin phrases and researching universities and programs of interest. Understanding professors’ expertise and ensuring their availability is crucial for postgraduate studies. The current policies of the Taiwanese government make it easier for international students to fulfill admission requirements, and I encourage students from the “Southbound” countries to seize this opportunity.