13–15 Dec 2025
Internet Initiative Japan Inc.
Asia/Tokyo timezone

Opening the Gate: How Volunteering at GNOME.Asia Summit 2015 Shaped My Career

13 Dec 2025, 17:20
5m
Internet Initiative Japan Inc.

Internet Initiative Japan Inc.

Iidabashi Grand Bloom, 2-10-2 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0071
Lightning Talk- IN PERSON Track A Lightning Talk

Speaker

Umul Sidikoh

Description

Ten years ago, a simple invitation to help at the GNOME.Asia Summit 2015, held near my university in Depok, marked a pivotal moment that altered my career path.

Me at GNOME.Asia Summit 2015

At first, it was just an easy option, but it soon became my entry point into the exciting world of FLOSS (Free/Libre Open Source Software). The summit introduced me to a culture of teamwork and enthusiasm, which pushed me to stop just watching and start taking part. This new energy led me to join the Indonesian open source community.

My first significant contribution was joining the documentation team for BlankOn, a local Linux distribution. My ongoing work and contributions gradually built a solid reputation in the community. This recognition was invaluable when I graduated, as my own lecturer noticed my skills and commitment, and offered me a teaching job on Open Source at the university. That job later turned into a full-time position, helping me build a solid career.

This story illustrates how a single act of volunteering can lead to significant changes, demonstrating that getting involved in a community can open unexpected doors to a meaningful and rewarding career.

Category Encourage new contributors
Talk Description Ten years ago, a simple invitation to help at the GNOME.Asia Summit 2015, held near my university in Depok, marked a pivotal moment that altered my career path.
Author(s) Bio IT Teacher & Management Specialist
Pronouns IT Teacher & Management Specialist
Where are you located? Indonesia
Do you need travel sponsorship from GNOME Foundation in order to join our event? Yes

Author

Umul Sidikoh

Presentation materials