Universitas Andalas and Pegadaian Inaugurate The Gade Creative Lounge to Foster Student Creativity in Support of SDG 4 and SDG 9

Universitas Andalas, in collaboration with PT Pegadaian, has inaugurated The Gade Creative Lounge (TGCL) as a creative space for students to support the development of ideas, innovation, and academic collaboration. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), which emphasizes improving the quality of education, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), which encourages the strengthening of innovation ecosystems and youth creativity.

The inauguration of The Gade Creative Lounge took place on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, on the second floor of the Universitas Andalas Library Building, Limau Manis Campus, Padang. The facility is the result of a collaboration between Universitas Andalas and PT Pegadaian through the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in the field of education. The inauguration ceremony was marked by a ribbon-cutting and a digital signing by PT Pegadaian’s Director of Network, Operations, and Sales, Eka Pebriansyah, together with Universitas Andalas Vice Rector IV, Dr. Hefrizal Handra.

The Gade Creative Lounge was designed as a creative space where students can gather, discuss, collaborate, and explore a wide range of ideas and innovations. The facility is equipped with discussion areas, computers, a meeting room with a projector, bookshelves, and various supporting amenities that can enhance both academic activities and the development of student creativity.

PT Pegadaian Director of Network, Operations, and Sales, Eka Pebriansyah, stated that TGCL is part of Pegadaian’s CSR program aimed at supporting education while also encouraging the growth of creative ideas and entrepreneurial potential among students. He expressed hope that the space would not only serve as a meeting place, but also as a platform for business ideas that could be further developed and potentially receive financial support in the future.

Meanwhile, Universitas Andalas Vice Rector IV, Dr. Hefrizal Handra, expressed appreciation for PT Pegadaian’s contribution in providing the facility. According to him, this creative space, with its comfortable and modern concept, is expected to become a “gateway to creativity” for students, enabling them to produce innovative works while also enhancing their enthusiasm for learning and collaboration.

In addition to the inauguration of the facility, the event also featured a talk show on the theme “Career Development in the Digital Era” as well as an exhibition of MSMEs fostered by Pegadaian and Universitas Andalas. Through this series of activities, students not only gained access to a more creative learning space, but also an opportunity to broaden their perspectives on careers and entrepreneurship in the digital era.

The presence of The Gade Creative Lounge at Universitas Andalas is expected to become a collaborative space for students to develop their potential, strengthen their creativity, and generate innovative ideas that benefit society. With the support of more modern and collaborative learning facilities, Universitas Andalas continues to strengthen its role in shaping a generation of young people who are creative, innovative, and competitive.