The "Entrepreneurial Mindset" Connecting PENS and MIDS — An Invited Talk in Surabaya, Indonesia
On February 6, 2026, an Information Session titled "Local Insights to Global Intelligence" was held at Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya (PENS) in Surabaya, Indonesia, to introduce Musashino University's new Musashino International Data Science (MIDS) faculty. The session featured presentations by Prof. Yasushi Kiyoki and Dr. Shiori Sasaki from Musashino University, Dr. Hestiasari Rante from PENS, and Mr. Prasetyo Wibowo, who is affiliated with both institutions. This article covers the Invited Talk by Dr. Yusuke Takahashi, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Data Science, Musashino University, titled "Entrepreneurial Mindset that connects PENS and MIDS."
Figure 1. This article covers the Invited Talk by Dr. Yusuke Takahashi, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Data Science, Musashino University, titled "Entrepreneurial Mindset that connects PENS and MIDS."
PENS: Indonesia's Innovation Engine
Dr. Takahashi began by highlighting PENS's remarkable achievements. PENS ranked #1 in Indonesia for innovation in the SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) 2024. This recognition demonstrates that PENS is more than just a technical and engineering institution — it bridges the gap between technical excellence and real-world innovation. Dr. Takahashi described PENS as "the Stanford of Indonesia," portraying it as an innovation hub where engineering meets entrepreneurship.
An analysis of PENS's program portfolio reveals that approximately 97% of its programs cover engineering (Eng), about 31% involve AI, and around 44% include business (Biz) — a well-balanced blend of technology and business. Dr. Takahashi emphasized that creating innovation requires not only technical capability but also the ability to connect technology with society and business, and that PENS excels at both.
The Equation: {Your Expertise} × AI = Innovation
Dr. Takahashi then presented MIDS's vision through a powerful equation: {Your Expertise} × AI = Innovation. He illustrated how the combination of any domain of expertise with AI and data science — whether sports × AI, music × AI, or entertainment × AI — holds the potential to create unprecedented innovation.
Every field around the world faces a critical shortage of "{Something} × AI" specialists, and this situation is filled with limitless opportunities comparable to the early days of the Internet — this is the core message MIDS wants to convey to prospective students. What matters is not just learning existing methods, but finding your own unique questions, creating your own unique solutions, and pioneering your own academic domain, Dr. Takahashi argued.
The MIDS Student Profile: Three Keywords
Dr. Takahashi outlined the ideal MIDS student through three keywords.
The first is "Be international from day one." MIDS cultivates global leaders through joint research with international institutions, study abroad at overseas partner universities, and collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds.
The second is "Focus on your expertise." By combining your passion and domain knowledge with AI and data science, you can build a globally unique competitive advantage.
The third is "Be entrepreneurial." Importantly, "entrepreneurial" here does not mean starting a company. It means being proactive, thinking critically and independently, solving problems creatively, and taking action — this mindset is at the heart of MIDS's education.
Why Data Science Is Called "Science"
One of the most memorable moments of the talk was when Dr. Takahashi quoted MIDS Dean Prof. Yasushi Kiyoki: "Data Science is a science that imagines real-world phenomena — social phenomena, natural phenomena, and human phenomena — and materializes those imaginations. It is about giving names to data; in other words, it is a science that gives meaning to numbers." This definition illustrates that data science is not merely a technical discipline but a field with a mission to create impact in collaboration with society and industry.
The PENS–MIDS Double Degree Program: A Perfect Bridge to Innovation
Dr. Takahashi positioned the PENS–MIDS partnership as a "perfect bridge to Innovation." PENS's strength in bridging technology and business, combined with MIDS's mission to create real-world value through data science, forms a perfect combination.
Specific collaboration initiatives were presented, including the launch of a Double Degree Program (a 2-year fast track for Bachelor's + Master's), a scholarship program inviting two PENS graduates to join MIDS, and personnel exchanges bringing talent from Tokyo and Silicon Valley to PENS while inviting PENS students to Tokyo. Additionally, a joint mentoring collaboration with PENS SKY Venture was newly proposed, raising expectations for the expanding scope of the partnership.
Dr. Takahashi concluded by calling on the audience: "Let's conduct research and collaborate together at MIDS," reaffirming the commitment of both institutions to jointly strengthen the framework for creating innovation.
MIDS: Your Gateway to Collaborating with the World's Best
The partnership with PENS is just one example of MIDS's international collaborations. By enrolling in MIDS, students gain opportunities to collaborate directly with students and faculty at top-level polytechnics and research institutions across multiple countries — through double degree programs, joint research, and international internships.
This environment is naturally attractive for working professionals and international applicants, but it also holds tremendous appeal for Japanese high school students. Imagine starting your university journey working alongside top-level peers from around the world, challenging yourself on the global stage with "your expertise × AI" — MIDS offers a new possibility that didn't exist in traditional university choices. Here, you stand on the global stage from day one.
MIDS is currently accepting applications for its inaugural class entering in April 2026 — not only from PENS, but from students worldwide. For more details, please visit the admissions page.
Contact: Asia AI Institute, Musashino University 3-3-3 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8181, Japan Ariake Campus, Musashino University Associate Professor Yusuke Takahashi yusuke@ds.musashino-u.ac.jp
Related Resources: MIDS Official Website
