The Vocational College of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SV UGM) officially launched the Language Development Center for Competency, Communication, and Business on Wednesday (July 29) at the Teaching Industry Learning Center (TILC). The center was established to accelerate the employability of vocational graduates in the international job market by strengthening their proficiency in global languages and workplace culture.
Dean of SV UGM, Professor Agus Maryono, explained in his opening remarks that he envisions SV UGM creating a greater impact through the TILC building, which is expected to develop into a language center rather than merely a language course provider. It is intended to become a hub for professional communication and business language training.
“In the past, English courses were primarily intended for lecturers pursuing further studies abroad. Today, the era is different. Language learning is now aimed at preparing students for business communication and the workplace,” he said.
Agus also expressed hope that foreign language proficiency would enable UGM graduates to compete globally while opening broader opportunities for further education and employment. He noted that many countries are currently facing labor shortages, while Indonesia possesses abundant human resources. As examples, he mentioned Taiwan and Japan, which currently require tens of thousands of skilled workers.
“Both countries value Indonesian workers for three reasons: they are disciplined in following regulations, have strong endurance, and demonstrate excellent teamwork. These are extraordinary strengths,” he said.
Dr. Wiryanta, Vice Dean for Research and Community Service at SV UGM, expressed a similar view. Dr. Wiryanta emphasized that many international partners, particularly from Taiwan, China, and Japan, are seeking skilled workers from Indonesia.
Therefore, proficiency in foreign languages such as Mandarin and Japanese, in addition to English, has become increasingly important.
“Given these circumstances, promoting foreign language mastery is one of our strategic priorities. We hope the launch of the Language Development Center for Competency, Communication, and Business at the Vocational College will mark the beginning of our collective effort and motivation to seize employment opportunities abroad,” he said.
Furthermore, Wiryanta explained that three major obstacles currently prevent Indonesians from securing employment overseas: limited language proficiency, competency gaps, and challenges within society itself.
Director of Intact (International Talent Circulation) Base (Taiwan-Indonesia) Bangka Belitung, Supriyantono, B.A., M.B.A., introduced the INTENSE (International Industrial Education Special Program), which forms part of the collaboration supporting the launch of the Language Development Center. Intact Base is a representative office authorized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education to promote the INTENSE Scholarship.
The INTENSE Program professionally prepares scholarship recipients to work directly in Taiwan, focusing on STEM, semiconductor, and finance sectors through a fully funded scholarship scheme. The program is supported by three key pillars in Taiwan: the government, industry, and universities. This year, 46 UGM students were admitted to the INTENSE Scholarship Program.
In addition to living allowances, scholarship recipients receive professional work visas and can choose from 150 universities in Taiwan, offering programs from associate to doctoral degrees. Throughout the application process, Intact Base also offers free Mandarin language courses to strengthen applicants’ language proficiency.
“To help participants prepare, we offer introductory English and Mandarin classes. If you learn Mandarin, your chances of succeeding in the interview will automatically be higher,” he explained.
As part of its commitment to strengthening graduates’ global competitiveness, SV UGM also offers English and Japanese Language Training Programs. Both curricula are designed to meet current industry demands and adapt to changing workforce needs.
Besides language theory, the Japanese Language Training Program emphasizes practical language use in professional contexts. The programs are available for both employment preparation and preparation for academic study.
Author/Photo: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara