"First, we need to start with understanding what the industrial sector needs," Minister of Manpower Yassierli stated during a public lecture for the Studium Generale Series #1 on Artificial Intelligence and Soft Skills at Andalas University here on Friday.
He explained that the government and educational institutions, such as universities, play a crucial role in identifying industry requirements in the future, given that skill demands can differ across digital manufacturing and service sectors.
"We must determine the specific skills that the industrial sector requires," he emphasized.
He further noted that once these needs are assessed, the next step is to prepare the workforce, particularly ensuring that university graduates possess the necessary skills and competencies.
In his speech, the minister highlighted that each university bears the responsibility of evaluating how effectively its graduates meet industry demands and job opportunities.
"We see reports indicating a skills mismatch between university graduates and industry needs," he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Andalas University's Rector Efa Yonnedi stated that the university has designed academic programs focused on producing graduates who are well-equipped for the workforce and aligned with industrial demands.
Yonnedi noted that his side continuously improves and updates its curriculum to meet these demands better.
"By updating the curriculum, we hope to reduce the gap between the needs of the working world and the skills of our graduates," Yonnedi explained.
He also acknowledged how advancements in technology and information, especially artificial intelligence (AI), have significantly transformed people's lives over the past few decades.
"Understanding AI and developing relevant soft skills are essential for graduates to succeed in the job market," he remarked.
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Translator: M Zulfikar, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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