As knowledge and technology rapidly advance, the world continues to evolve. This transformation affects industries and compels universities to cultivate highly skilled human resources, as resilient human capital is a nation’s primary strength.
The President of the National University of Singapore (NUS), Professor Tan Eng Chye, emphasized this during the “Future Ready Graduates” symposium at the UGM Senate Hall on Monday (Sep. 2).
President Tan highlighted how quickly the world is changing. He pointed to Singapore, where a strong focus on human resource development and higher education investment is the nation’s key strength.
Higher education institutions must adapt to the significant changes in the global industry, especially with the advancements from Industry 1.0 to Industry 5.0. Nearly 50% of jobs are predicted to change in the next five years.
“We don’t set the rules; the global market does,” said President Tan.
To address these challenges, NUS has implemented strategic measures to ensure its graduates are well-prepared.
One of President Tan’s key points is the need for an interdisciplinary approach to education. NUS applies this through a curriculum with broad training in data literacy, digital literacy, and community engagement.
“Today’s problems are complex and require collaboration between different fields. Students need training and understanding of how various disciplines interact,” he explained.
President Tan also underscored the importance of lifelong learning. President Tan encourages its alumni to return to the university to update their skills and adapt to the latest developments in their fields. By doing so, NUS aims to ensure its graduates remain relevant in a dynamic job market.
“The world is changing fast, so learning must continue throughout life,” he stressed.
With a spirit of collaboration and innovation, President Tan believes that partnerships between NUS and Universitas Gadjah Mada can be strengthened to advance higher education and prepare future generations for global challenges.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie
Post-editor: Afif