TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Leadership program seeks to prepare younger generation for Industry 4.0
“We should see technology as something that helps us be more productive to achieve a better outcome. That’s the challenge."
Change Size
Skills such as communication, problem-solving, self-organization and collaboration are necessary to face the challenges of industry 4.0. (Shutterstock/Yuttana Jaowattana)
T
he World Economic Forum predicted last year that 133 million new jobs would replace 75 million existing jobs in the next four years as the result of technological development. Hence it is crucial for Indonesia to develop human resources with relevant skills to face the challenges in Industry 4.0.
A 2017 survey by the Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization focusing on education, found that 20 percent of its scholars were still unemployed six months after they graduated. “We limited [the survey] to only six months because they’re supposed to get a job within that period,” said Satrijo Tanudjojo, CEO global of the Tanoto Foundation, during a leadership forum in Jakarta on July 3.
Aiming to solve the problem, the organization established Teladan in 2018, a leadership development program in which scholars learn self-development, leadership and get an opportunity to gain global exposure. The program will recruit talented freshmen from its nine partner universities, among them are Brawijaya University in Malang, East Java; Andalas University in Padang, West Sumatra; and University of Indonesia in Depok, West Java.
Read also: Tanoto Foundation: Giving the rural poor a chance for a better future
During the Teadan Leadership Forum, the foundation invited representatives of 40 companies to discuss the competencies that a fresh graduate should have to prepare for the Industry 4.0 revolution challenge.
Mari Elka Pangestu, a senior economist who was the event’s keynote speaker, said people should not be pessimistic about the change.
“We should see technology as something that helps us be more productive to achieve a better outcome. That’s the challenge,” said Mari, adding that youngsters nowadays often worked from cafés, coworking spaces and other places.
Mari, who is also a former trade minister, mentioned several skills needed to adapt to these changes, including communication, problem-solving, self-organization, leadership and collaboration.
“In Industry 4.0, there’s lots of data and units that have to be connected and it would be impossible to do if we didn’t collaborate,” she said.
Furthermore, emotional intelligence is necessary since it won't be just about technology but also self-awareness and care for others. Emotional intelligence, she added, should be taught as early as possible, especially the importance of socialization, teamwork and appreciating differences. The learning process should be done in such a way that ignites students’ creativity, instead of merely memorizing the subject. (kes)
