The Department of Informatics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) proudly celebrates the participation of Dr. Eng. Ir. Zulkifli Tahir, S.T., M.Sc. as Indonesia’s leading delegate in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The three-week program, held from 23 August to 13 September 2025, carried the theme “Artificial Intelligence: Policy and Innovation,” providing a deep exploration into how the United States shapes AI governance, ethics, and technology development.
The program commenced in Washington, D.C., where Dr. Tahir was introduced to the U.S. federal structure and the country’s approach to adopting ethical and trustworthy AI. Key engagements included discussions with the U.S. Department of State, Congressional Research Service, and staff of Congressman Jay Obernolte, along with knowledge exchange at CAIDP and CSET on responsible regulatory frameworks and the development of global AI standards.
The journey continued to Albany, New York, shifting focus toward public–private partnerships and state-level oversight. Meetings at the Center for Technology in Government – University at Albany highlighted strategies for preparing society to thrive alongside AI-driven advancements. A significant highlight of this phase was a visit to the Rensselaer–IBM Artificial Intelligence Research Collaboration (AIRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where the delegation observed how collaborative innovation accelerates AI breakthroughs. In policy discussions, he engaged with the New York State Comptroller’s Office and Senator Pat Fahy, examining the RAISE Act as a comprehensive state-level model for AI transparency and accountability.
The Boston segment strengthened perspectives on AI ethics, digital education, and cross-sector innovation. Meetings with the AI Research Initiative at Boston University and EOTSS Massachusetts highlighted efforts to integrate AI responsibly within government infrastructure while maintaining cybersecurity resilience. Dialogues with legal experts at McDermott Will & Emery LLP offered insights into litigation and cyber protection related to emerging AI risks. An inspiring visit to the Boston Public Library showcased how AI-driven digitization is preserving and democratizing access to historical government records for global public benefit.
The final destination, Dallas, Texas, placed strong emphasis on advancing equitable and human-centered AI. Dr. Tahir engaged with experts from the SMU Center for Virtualization and the Center for Applied AI and Machine Learning at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) to understand current approaches in mitigating algorithmic bias. Further exposure to technological entrepreneurship was facilitated through meetings with WhitegloveAI and Perot Jain, demonstrating how innovation ecosystems accelerate responsible technology. The program concluded with a policy dialogue with Representative Capriglione, followed by a synthesis session reflecting on key lessons and future collaboration strategies.
Dr. Zulkifli Tahir’s participation in IVLP stands as a testament to Unhas’ global commitment in advancing responsible AI development, shaping technology policy, and strengthening Indonesia–United States collaboration in the digital innovation era. His contributions reinforce the university’s vision of leading ethical and sustainable AI initiatives for the future of Eastern Indonesia and beyond.