The young generation is currently one of the epicenters of a nation's development. Today, alongside academic prowess, a country's progress is also influenced by the interest of its youth in creating and innovating to advance not only the nation's governance but also the civilization of its society.

However, stemming from the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technology, which increasingly appear to be a threat to societal continuity, the young generation is also increasingly faced with doubts about the future. We now see that almost all jobs can be replaced by AI and machine automation, from Photographers, Videographers, and Programmers, to even an attempt proposed in Albania: a Minister in the form of AI.

Addressing the role of the young generation amidst the current wave of digitalization, Dr. H. Sandiaga Salahudin Uno, B.B.A., M.B.A., delivered a scientific oration titled "Opportunities and Challenges for the Young Generation in the Business and Industrial World in the Digital Era" during the 3rd Graduation and 6th Anniversary (Dies Natalis). In his oration, he conveyed that AI is not, in fact, a threat to the younger generation.

In reference to this, he highlighted the outstanding achievements of Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA). Despite its relative youth, the university has successfully produced more than 1,000 competent graduates who are ready to become the future architects of the nation and state.

“Universitas Dian Nusantara is extraordinary. I was very impressed when I saw from UNDIRA's tracer study that 90% of you (graduates) are already employed. However, what truly makes me proud of you is your willingness to continue pursuing knowledge at UNDIRA. The university now serves not only as a bridge for knowledge but also as an incubator for the spirit of LIVE LONG LEARNING, where you can acquire the upskilling, reskilling, and new skilling needed for future survival.”

He emphasized that the key lies in the spirit of innovation and contribution to the nation to find its golden path. Mr. Sandiaga Salahudin Uno advised the young generation, particularly the graduates now entering the dynamic "real world," to be steadfast in making contributions. He stated that with the hope entrusted to them as members of the academic community, he invites the youth to carry that hope forward and transform it into tangible contributions for the nation and state. These tangible contributions are what will guide our beloved homeland toward Golden Indonesia 2045.

“Humans are beings endowed with an aspect that technology does not possess: we have intuition and, most importantly, creativity! AI is undoubtedly a tool that can help us, but its capabilities end there. We have an 'education of the heart' (pendidikan hati), and the heart is the true 'qolbu' (inner self) that can guide human civilization amidst the rapid development of AI today,” he stated.

With great conviction, he assured the UNDIRA generation, who are guided by the principles of being visionary, having integrity, and remaining professional (VIP), to collectively develop Indonesia. According to Mr. Sandiaga Salahudin Uno, Indonesia possesses immense potential. Although Indonesia is still classified as a developing country, he encouraged the graduates to continue striving towards a brilliant Indonesia.

“Based on statistics, the country with the largest contribution is America, whose technology and finance sectors dominate 15% of the global market, followed by Korea, whose manufacturing sector drives 12% of the technological innovation cycle. This data should not discourage you. If we look closely, Indonesia has one element that other countries lack: we have creativity,” he re-emphasized.

He stressed that this potential will not be realized merely through effort and the passage of time. It requires the active role of the youth as a "mobile generation"—a generation that continuously moves, innovates, and utilizes their individual creativity to grasp the future.

“What does Indonesia have? Creativity! Many musical works and films, such as Jumbo, have penetrated foreign markets. My message to all of you is to be a generation of players and be part of the learning journey towards Golden Indonesia 2045. Let us open the gates of innovation and creativity together, to raise Indonesia's name on the international stage,” he concluded.

UNDIRA's achievement of having already graduated over 1,000 alumni—and today graduating 971 more who are high-quality, high-class, and competent—stands as a concrete answer to the needs of future industries. As Mr. Sandiaga Salahudin Uno stated, the young generation is now re-engaging in the world of education not merely for a diploma or knowledge, but also for upskilling, reskilling, and new skilling in the midst of today's dynamic life.

At Universitas Dian Nusantara, students can learn through digital, online, and face-to-face (in-person) methods, enabling them to pursue a high-quality, high-class higher education. UNDIRA has also established various collaborations with domestic and foreign institutions and has achieved "Baik Sekali" (Very Good) accreditation.

This enables UNDIRA students to make an impact in various fields and serves as tangible evidence in Indonesia's history on its journey toward its golden era in 2045. UNDIRA is not just a campus; it is a campus guided by VIP (Visionary, Integrity, and Professional) values, capable of being our collective answer to the challenges of industry and Society 5.0.