UGM’s Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM) hosted the Global Innovation & Future Technology Summit (GIFTS) 2024 on Nov. 14-15, 2024.
This event, themed “Women in Stream,” was a collaboration between UGM and two renowned international universities: the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Tsinghua University (THU) in China.
GIFTS opened on Thursday (Nov. 14), and dozens of academics, experts, and industry professionals participated.
UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching Professor Wening Udasmoro commended the collaboration between the three universities in developing the technopark concept, which integrates academics with technology.
“We want to address socio-cultural, environmental, and inclusivity issues. The hope is that we produce innovations and impact society,” said Professor Udasmoro.
She further explained that UGM aims to create a platform for industry players to collaborate with the academic sector.
GIK UGM is one way to implement this commitment. Through this initiative, academics can align their perspectives with the industry, leading to innovations that contribute to national development.
She also highlighted technology as the largest channel for innovation capable of driving change.
Brian Koh from NUS echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized that universities are centers for innovation, technological development, and evaluations for the future.
The academic sector must collaborate across countries and disciplines. Koh stated that innovation is meaningless if it is not realized for society’s benefit.
“Innovation is the process of transforming and finding solutions. There’s always a problem that needs solving. This element is essential for our innovation to have an impact,” Koh explained.
Moreover, he hopes that GIFTS 2024 will inspire further collaborations in addressing the various global crises of today.
In line with this, Wang Xiaoxiao from THU emphasized the need to promote the role of women in academics and information technology.
“We aim to create real-world solutions, and that is the purpose of our collaboration. We want to create an inclusive world, which is our theme,” Wang stated.
The THU representative added that this collaboration is intended to be sustainable and impactful, not just limited to one or two programs.
GIFTS 2024 focuses on inclusivity, particularly the role of women in technological advancements.
This urgency stems from data showing that women’s involvement in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Management (STREAM) industry is only 28%, and the field is still largely dominated by men.
GIFTS 2024 hosted seminars and various science and technology skills training sessions for women in response to this issue.
It featured a series of programs, including seminars, talk shows, workshops, and exhibitions, aimed at opening opportunities for women to contribute according to their interests and talents.
Bringing together experts in their respective fields, it focused on discussing social issues, particularly the role of women in technology, science, entrepreneurship, the arts, and management.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya