Universities are encouraged to collaborate in developing research and community service programs that bring tangible benefits to society. While higher education institutions continue to compete in international rankings, they are also expected to make meaningful contributions to their communities and produce competent, high-quality graduates.
This message emerged during the 2025 National Conference on Community Service and Empowerment (KNPPM), themed “Strategies for Developing Community Empowerment toward Innovative Independent Village Management,” held at the University Club Hotel, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), on Oct. 15–16, 2025.
Organized by the UGM Directorate of Community Service, the conference featured several distinguished speakers, including Professor Suryono, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM); Professor Marina Ng Kher Hui from the University of Nottingham Malaysia; and Professor Ali Awaludin, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM).
UGM Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, underscored the importance of collaboration among public and private universities to ensure that research and community service activities generate real impact for the nation.
“Universities must collaborate, not compete. Knowledge is not merely about improving rankings or academic positions. It should inspire and mobilize communities,” said Dr. Sujito.
Professor Suryono stated that the success of community service is measured by the extent of its benefit to others rather than by what is accumulated.
He shared various initiatives undertaken by FKG UGM, such as a waste-sorting program that transforms waste from a problem into a source of blessings and charity, which has raised more than IDR 4 billion in donations.
Other programs include the honesty canteen and a closed-loop system designed to cultivate honesty and social responsibility.
Meanwhile, Professor Marina Ng Kher Hui presented innovations in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for education and environmental conservation in Malaysia.
Examples include the Adaptive Learning System (ALS) for rural schools, which supports interactive learning; the Smart Plant Project and PlantPals App, which utilize AI to identify local plants and teach users how to care for and use them; and the Praya Lane App, an AI-based game that promotes local cultural heritage conservation.
Professor Marina emphasized that technology and communities can form a harmonious synergy in community empowerment.
“Collaboration among academics, activists, communities, and residents is what creates meaningful impact. When these elements align, the outcomes truly benefit the environment,” she explained.
Professor Ali Awaludin mentioned that throughout 2025, FT UGM conducted approximately 633 community service activities.
He highlighted several flagship projects, including technology for waste processing, the downstreaming of Gama Humat for post-mining land rehabilitation, the construction of bamboo community halls in Cianjur, bridge technology initiatives, and solar energy systems in Banyumas community schools.
He further emphasized the need for more adaptable university policies to make community service programs more targeted and comprehensive. “The key to successful community service lies in cross-disciplinary collaboration and direct community involvement. This approach ensures that the solutions developed are holistic and sustainable,” said Professor Awaludin.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photographer: Salwa