UNAIR NEWS – Chairul Tanjung (CT) has advised all leaderships of Universitas Airlangga not to become the Iron Man, but to become the Avengers. CT emphasized that message when he gave a presentation at UNAIR’s Leadership Meeting and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the Ballroom of The Trans Luxury Hotel Bandung on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

According to CT, it is no longer the time to be a superhero or to have a stand-alone advantage. Now is the era for collaboration.

“Just like in the Marvel movies. (UNAIR, ed) should not just be the Iron Man, Spider-Man. But, be The Avengers, the united superheroes. Because the enemy is getting stronger, which is Thanos,” he said.

In front of all the leaderships of UNAIR faculties, directorates, boards, institutes, and centers, CT encouraged all elements to collaborate to achieve the vision. According to him, collaboration is a must to face the current challenges.

“Universities must be able to be part of ecosystem development. Just like how Google, Facebook, and Microsoft into being a university background,” he said.

CT said that it was not the era for internal competition, for example, when the Faculty of Medicine UNAIR was very superior and other faculties also excel, then they compete with each other. Openness and collaboration are needed by combining these advantages.

For example, added CT, encouraging the realization of an entrepreneurial university in the future requires at least collaboration with five elements or a hexahelic scenario: collaboration with elements of universities, industry, innovators, venture capital, media and the government.

“This collaboration is inevitable, which must be carried out in the future,” he emphasized.

Leadership

Furthermore, CT emphasized the need for responsiveness related to leadership. The pattern of leadership then and now is very different. “In the past, the orientation was results, had to follow the existing process, seniority matters, and was autocratic,” he said.

However, said CT, the current leadership pattern emphasizes the learning process. Then, focus on innovation and think outside the box. Then, communication and transparency with all team members.

“It includes encouraging creativity to allow for disruption. And, finally, be collaborative,” he said.

Education

In addition, CT emphasizes the importance of responding to the times through the revitalization of education curriculum. One of the keys is to be more open to technological developments and people’s needs.

“The focus is on developing the skills needed by the professional world or industry. It’s not just a mastery of theory,” he said.

According to CT, three case studies need attention. First, it relates to the composition of theory and scientific application. Second, focus on the skills needed in the professional world and society. And third, the educational curriculum should be developed in collaboration with industry experts.

In the end, CT emphasized that there are five takeaways from the future development of the campus. First, encourage universities to be based on innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Second, developing skills for the future and humanity. Third, the commitment of the entire academic community. Fourth, superior and highly competitive human resources. Fifth, win the competition.

Author: Feri Fenoria