Poster of the TikTok contest that was conducted by the ITS Mechanical Engineering Department

Kampus ITS, ITS News – Appeared unique and different, the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) held a TikTok contest. This competition, which was held parallel to the ITS International Mechanical Engineering Program Open Talk, was expected to be a breath of fresh air to attract and gain the public’s interest to join and get to know more about the ITS Mechanical Engineering Department.

Ir. Julendra Bambang Ariatedja, M.T., a lecturer of the ITS Mechanical Engineering Department, revealed that the TikTok contest served as a strategy to transform the reputedly formal ITS International Mechanical Engineering Program Open Talk into an event that more appealing, especially for young people today.

He also added that although this contest was considered a mini-contest, it had education beneath it. “The competition is not like any other common competition, participants need to go through a learning curve as well as independent education,” he explained, excitedly.

This lecturer, familiarly called Julendra, mentioned that there are two factors behind the success of TikTok itself, namely the aspects of useful freedom and strong topics. “In the TikTok contest that we are conducting, useful freedom certainly exists, alongside a focused topic that is not merely promoting ITS Mechanical Engineering. This needs to be further elaborated to the participants so that their TikTok video product is suitable,” he reminded.

The TikTok contest consisted of three simple stages, the first was the participants’ registration and submission of their freestyle TikTok videos. Next was the selection of TikTok submissions that were reviewed to have a positive impact, it will then be exhibited at the webinar held by the ITS Mechanical Engineering Department. “So in addition to the required appealing content about the ITS Mechanical Engineering international program, the webinar will also present positive and creative video concepts as an inspiration for future videos,” elaborated Julendra.

Several videos made by participants of the ITS Mechanical Engineering Department’s TikTok contest

The last stage was where creativity is crucial. Participants were encouraged to create as many TikTok videos as possible with the content they received from the webinar, which will be accompanied by as many hashtags as they’d like. “The main criteria for the videos are as follows: positive, attractive, innovative, and the ability to introduce and promote the ITS Mechanical Engineering Department both directly and indirectly,” he identified.

He also added that videos in the form of information, do-it-yourself, creative dance, unique photography, and innovative tricks, were greatly considered. “The number of views and likes will also be taken into account, but it is not the main criteria,” clarified this lecturer who studied at the Petronas University of Technology.

The ITS Mechanical Engineering Department hoped that this contest can become a promotional event, especially to approach prospective new students. It was also hoped that this could become a place for participants to improve their creative and positive TikTok videos and technical skills. “Due to our desire that this contest will be the trigger for the growth of TikTok’s positive videos, the contest is open for public and not exclusive for the academic community,” Julendra stated.

“There have been many TikTok competitions held by various companies in promoting their products and brands, but the number of TikTok contests that involved academic and self-education nuance minimal while maintaining simplicity, freedom, attractiveness, positivity, and especially promotion is still minimal,” concluded Julendra. (meg/id/ory/ITS Public Relations)