Mataram, University of Mataram– the Rector of University of Mataram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D. attended the 2023 Asean Higher Education Conference (AHEC) at Padjadjaran University, Bandung for three 3 days from 24th – 26th of August 2023.

AHEC 2023 was held with the aim of presenting higher education leaders, lecturers, students, as well as government and industry representatives from countries in ASEAN. The international conference became a forum for discussion regarding strategic and collaborative steps related to the role of higher education as a catalyst for growth.

Some of the main issues discussed included “Strengthening Pentahelix to Improve University Employability Rankings and Industrial Growth”, “The Future of Higher Education by Accelerating Innovation and Optimizing Digital Technology”, and “The Role of Higher Education in Building a Resilient Society and Encouraging Environmental Sustainability”.

Prof. Bambang was also present as a moderator in the topic of discussion “Strengthening Pentahelix to Improve University Workability Rankings and Industrial Growth” which took place on the second day (25/8).

“Given the intense competition for graduate roles around the world, students will seriously consider how their university can adequately prepare them for full-time employment. By connecting them with employers, including global employers and ensuring they develop the necessary skills and knowledge,” said Prof. Bambang.

He quoted from the Director General of Higher Education, Research and Technology, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, that the key is pentahelix synergy. Where synergy is the principle to reach the top.

“Like an eagle that flies, our university is like the beak of an eagle that focuses on becoming a world-class university. Its broad wing is education which is the backbone of the economic drive, as the development of skilled human resources who are ready to develop the region. And the eagle’s feet are ready to grasp to take advantage of every opportunity in order to move forward,” said the Chancellor of Unram quoting Prof. Ir. Nizam, M.Sc., DIC, Ph.D., IPU, ASEAN. Eng.

As for several panelists guided by the Rector of Unram, including Dr. Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita (Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia), Prof. Su Dinh Thanh (President of University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), and Dato Dr. Low Tuck Kwong (President Director of PT. Bayan Resources Tbk).