Higher education is an essential foundation in preparing future generations for global challenges and opportunities. In the face of the complexity of the modern world, ambitious steps are needed to transform university governance and spark innovation in higher education systems around the world, especially Indonesia.
This was conveyed by Professor Mark Considine, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Melbourne, who is also the Rector of the University of Melbourne (2018-2020) at the Symposium on University Governance: How to Make Entrepreneur University which took place yesterday (14/5) at the Auditorium Faculty of Administrative Sciences (FIA) Universitas Indonesia (UI) Depok.
He added that preparing a “Work Ready Graduate Package” at the university is an important milestone in the journey towards university governance transformation. Focusing on the theme of “University Governance Transformation & Innovation”, this includes a series of measures that embrace the need for innovation in the digital age. “Through funding restructuring, funds are strategically allocated to support disciplines with high job growth, such as engineering, science, and information technology. This aims to ensure that graduates have the relevant skills required by industry,” said Prof. Mark.
Autonomy and flexibility for Universities means that each university is given more authority to manage their own funds, including determining education and research programs that suit local and global needs. This flexibility allows universities to respond quickly to changing markets and societal demands. “Through the establishment of strategic partnerships with international institutions, universities encourage cross-border collaboration in research, teaching, and academic exchange. This not only enriches students’ learning experience, but also promotes global knowledge exchange that is essential for innovation,” he said.
Prof. Mark also discussed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. “The integration of AI in teaching and research opens up new opportunities to improve the efficiency and quality of education. AI technology helps universities provide a more adaptive and personalized learning experience for students,” he said.
The “Ready to Work Graduate Package” is not only a step towards improving the quality of higher education, but also a vision to create a dynamic and innovative education ecosystem. Through collaboration between the government, universities, and other stakeholders, he hopes to create university graduates who are determined to become leaders in the transformation of higher education in the digital era.
At the event, which was attended by around 100 participants, Professor of FIA UI, Prof. Dr. Eko Prasojo, Mag.rer.publ. said in his speech that FIA UI and the University of Melbourne have established various previous collaborations. Among them is the implementation of the Double Degree Public Policy and Management program which has been running for 4 years. “Today we discuss the importance of university governance and how to build a university that focuses on entrepreneurship. We need to manage planning, digital transformation, and human resources well to compete with other universities. Let’s also pay attention to financial resources such as endowment funds and tuition fees. With cooperation and international standards, we can make the university a global center of innovation,” said Prof. Eko.
