The Communication Science Student Association (Hima Ilkom) of Universitas Padjadjaran once again held its signature program, Skill-Up, organized under the Department of Media and Information (Medfo). This event was aimed at the 2025 cohort of Communication Science students to broaden their understanding of the crucial role of design in the communication field. Through this program, participants were encouraged to develop useful skills that could support their future careers. The event featured an experienced speaker in digital design, particularly in professional visual design.
This edition of Skill-Up carried the theme “Mastering The Visual Message.” Conducted in the form of a webinar, the session featured Joshua Merentek, a 2021 alumnus of Communication Science, as the main speaker. The materials presented included the fundamental elements and principles of design, the mindset of a designer, and the importance of design in visual communication processes. In addition to the main presentation, participants also took part in interactive games and a Q&A session at the end of the event.
Joshua’s relaxed yet professional presentation style made the webinar lively and engaging. The new students appeared enthusiastic and actively participated throughout the event. The Person in Charge (PIC), Ollivia Secret Kartika, shared that Joshua successfully captured the audience’s attention right from the beginning. He opened his presentation by showing examples of “alay” (overly flashy) designs as an icebreaker to hook participants’ attention. His dynamic and energetic delivery also helped maintain the audience’s engagement throughout the session.
Despite its success, the event did encounter a few challenges. Ollivia explained that there was a sudden change in the event format. Initially planned as an in-person session, it was abruptly switched to an online webinar due to campus activity restrictions following demonstrations that took place in late August 2025. “We had prepared everything for an offline event, but for everyone’s safety, we decided to move it online instead,” she explained. Despite the sudden adjustment, the committee adapted quickly, ensuring the event ran smoothly.
In closing, Ollivia shared an encouraging message for the new students to keep nurturing their creativity. “I’m proud to see the enthusiasm and fresh ideas from our new students. I hope the insights shared by Kak Joshua become valuable takeaways. Don’t hesitate to explore the world of design, who knows, that might be where your creativity truly grows,” she said.
Through the Skill-Up program, Hima Ilkom reaffirmed its commitment to supporting students’ interests and talents in creative communication. The program also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education, by providing an inclusive, adaptive, and relevant learning space that meets the needs of the digital era. Skill-Up stands as a concrete effort to prepare young generations to thrive in the ever-evolving creative industry.
What’s On Hima Ilkom Vol #4