UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to strengthen its role in supporting the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 by advancing strategic collaborations among higher education institutions. This commitment was reiterated in a public dialogue titled “Strengthening Higher Education Partnerships Toward Indonesia Emas 2045,” held virtually on Friday, April 25, 2025. The event was organized by UNAIR’s Start-up and Incubation Business Development Board (BPBRIN) in partnership with Suara Muslim TV.
Business incubation with open access
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nafik Hadi Ryandono, SE, M.Si, Head of BPBRIN, emphasized that character development and soft skills are now key priorities in higher education. Through its student business incubator, BPBRIN offers students the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial ventures from their early semesters.
“Since 2024, there has been no cap on the number of students entering our incubation program. The goal is for students to graduate not in search of jobs, but already equipped to expand the businesses they’ve started,” he said. Prof. Nafik also noted BPBRIN’s success in producing innovative products, such as Sativa Toothpaste—a collaborative effort between faculty and students—which has entered international markets including Turkey.
Also speaking at the event were Dr. Eko Supeno, M.Si, Chair of UNAIR’s Board of Partnerships and Development Management (BKMP), and Prof. Dr. H. Suparto Wijoyo, SH, M.Hum, Vice Director III of UNAIR’s Postgraduate School.
Soft skills: Solution to Gen Z’s challenges
Prof. Nafik addressed the rising unemployment rate among Generation Z, which he estimated at 10 million. He argued that the core issue lies not in a lack of technical training, but in a deficiency of essential life skills. “Hard skills matter, but what truly sets individuals apart are soft skills—resilience, determination, and adaptability. These are the competencies most needed in the real world,” he explained.
In outlining UNAIR’s vision for 2045, Prof. Nafik stressed the importance of producing graduates who excel not only in academics and professional fields, but who also embody strong national values and moral principles. This aligns with the university’s motto: Excellence with Morality.
“Indonesia has the potential to become one of the world’s top five economies. But in doing so, we must preserve our identity. We aim to shape well-rounded individuals—strong in both body and spirit, grounded in worldly knowledge and spiritual integrity,” he added.
Promoting partnerships and national insights
Dr. Eko Supeno and Prof. Suparto Wijoyo further enriched the discussion by underscoring the importance of cross-institutional partnerships. They noted that collaboration is critical for meeting global challenges while remaining rooted in national identity and values.
The event underscored UNAIR’s proactive stance in serving as a leading institution committed to preparing a generation of excellence in support of Indonesia Emas 2045.
Author: Panca Ezza Aisal Saputra
Editor : Ragil Kukuh Imanto
