Academics Must Invest Time in Learning Practical Skills, Says Dean of FMIPA UGM at the Opening of Jogja Innovator Summit 2024

Yogyakarta, October 18, 2024 – The Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. Dr. Eng. Kuwat Triyana, M.Si., officially opened the Jogja Innovator Summit 2024, held at the FMIPA UGM Auditorium. The event featured various speakers from the professional world, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the field of technology.

In his speech, Prof. Kuwat Triyana emphasized the importance of academics, especially within FMIPA, to invest time and energy in learning practical skills outside the academic environment. “Mastering theory alone is not enough; we also need to understand the practices in the rapidly evolving world of industry and technology,” he stressed.

He further highlighted that collaboration between academics and practitioners could serve as a vital bridge in promoting innovations that benefit the wider community. “The ability to apply knowledge practically in the field is one of the key strengths for UGM graduates to contribute both in industry and as entrepreneurs,” Prof. Kuwat added.

As a tangible form of academic support for innovation development, the Department of Mathematics at FMIPA UGM is also ready to take an active role, one of which is by involving Uha Isnaini, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., who serves as the Director of Innovation Development for Mathematics, Statistics & Actuarial Science. Uha Isnaini is committed to bridging the application of knowledge in mathematics, statistics, and actuarial science with the practical world, especially in supporting the achievement of applicable technology-based innovations.

The Jogja Innovator Summit 2024 was attended by prominent figures such as Prasetyo Raharjo (Senior Manager Digital Platform & Digital Service at Telkom CorpU), Djoko Hartanto (CEO of PT. Waleta Asia Jaya), Andrias EkoYuno (Chief of AI & Corporate Strategy at Kumparan.com), and Andi Boediman (Managing Partner at Ideosource Capital & Ideosource Entertainment), along with other innovators and entrepreneurs who shared their experiences in interactive discussion sessions.

Held as part of the MIPA Expo 2024, the event was enthusiastically attended by students, faculty members, and industry practitioners from various sectors. Through this event, it is hoped that synergy between academia and industry will be fostered, bringing tangible benefits to the development of innovation in Indonesia.

This agenda aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in supporting SDG Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG Goal 4: Quality Education. By strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, the event contributes to building inclusive innovation infrastructure and promoting education that is relevant to current needs.

Jogja Innovator Summit 2024 also serves as a platform for participants to gain new insights into the latest technological developments and to expand their networks with industry players. With full support from FMIPA UGM, innovation and best practices are expected to continue to grow for a better future.

 

Keywords: Innovator Summit, Academics, Industry

Author: Endanag Sulastri

Photo: Media Team of MIPA