Higher Education in the Digital Age and Industrial Revolution, Punang Amaripuja Encourages UNISA Students to Be Adaptive in Facing Change

Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (UNISA) Yogyakarta presented Dr. Punang Amaripuja, S.E., S.T., M.IT., from the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership as a speaker at the 2025 new student orientation (MATAF) event on Saturday (9/20). In his presentation titled Higher Education in the Digital Age and Industrial Revolution, Punang emphasized the importance of preparing the younger generation to face technological acceleration, especially in the era of industry 4.0 towards 5.0.

According to him, technological change is exponential, not linear. This can be seen from the various disruptions that have occurred, from the advent of computers and smartphones to artificial intelligence (AI). “People will be defeated not by machines, but by others who are able to use machines, including AI. Therefore, students must use it wisely,” he said.

Punang also highlighted the latest technological developments, ranging from drone delivery, bioprinting, to agentic AI that can act independently. All of these, he said, will have a significant impact on the world of work, where many types of jobs will disappear while new jobs that have never existed before will emerge.

He emphasized that universities must prepare students with 21st-century competencies: critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration (4Cs), as well as data, technology, and human literacy. “Future curricula must integrate the use of AI, because exams and challenges in the world of work will be technology-based,” he said.

In addition to opportunities, Punang also reminded students of the risks of using AI, such as plagiarism, false information, and data leaks. Therefore, students need to uphold academic integrity and use AI as a learning assistant, not a substitute for thinking.

At the end of the session, he advised UNISA Yogyakarta students to become graduates with character, adaptability, and readiness to contribute in the digital era. “Learn with technology, but always uphold the values of integrity, empathy, and social awareness. That is the foundation for becoming progressive individuals,” he concluded.