Universitas Andalas Studium Generale Highlights the Importance of AI and Soft Skills for Graduates’ Future Careers in Support of SDG 4 and SDG 8

Universitas Andalas held a Studium Generale themed “Artificial Intelligence and Soft Skills Supporting Graduates’ Future Careers in the Job Market” at the Convention Hall on Friday, January 10, 2025. The event is closely related to SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, as the forum was designed to prepare students for the changing demands of the labor market, which is increasingly shaped by technology and new competency requirements.

During the event, Universitas Andalas Rector Efa Yonnedi emphasized that AI has already become a compulsory subject at several universities and that Universitas Andalas needs to strategically examine its application within the curriculum. He also stated that the studium generale was part of activities integrated into the educational curriculum, featuring influential figures in order to encourage students to think creatively.

West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah, who was also present, expressed hope that the event would offer ideas and solutions to employment challenges in society. In his view, university graduates are expected to respond to industry needs while also helping reduce unemployment, meaning that the role of universities should not stop at education alone, but should also extend to preparing graduates for the professional world.

In his presentation, Minister of Manpower Prof. Yassierli highlighted concerns over the potential rise in unemployment if young people fail to prepare themselves properly. He outlined a number of challenges faced by the younger generation, including the annual increase in the labor force, the composition of employment, the realities of competence and education in society, and the productivity of Indonesian workers, which he noted remains below the ASEAN average. He also stressed that the world of work is becoming increasingly unpredictable, making mastery of AI and Big Data as hard skills essential, but these must be supported by soft skills, critical thinking, and creativity.

One of the issues highlighted in the forum was the skill gap, particularly in relation to digital talent. It was noted that 63 percent of companies identified skills gaps as the main challenge they face in digital talent, meaning that graduates need to be better prepared to bridge industry needs with the competencies they possess. The presence of students from various universities across West Sumatra, regional leaders, and Universitas Andalas officials reflected a shared view that strengthening youth employability has become a common agenda requiring cross-stakeholder support.

Through this event, Universitas Andalas reaffirmed that graduates’ career readiness cannot be built solely through academic mastery. Technological competence, particularly in AI, must go hand in hand with soft skills so that graduates are able to adapt, compete, and remain relevant in the future job market. For this reason, the studium generale represents the university’s effort to connect higher education with the real and evolving demands of the professional world.