Collaboration is the Key
Collaboration is one of the most important aspects of modern-day academia. Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is setting a great example in this regard, especially with respect to creating business leaders. For instance, Gadjah Mada University (Universitas Gadjah Mada or UGM) has joined hands with Programma Uitzending Managers (PUM), a Dutch NGO founded in 1978 by the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. PUM currently maintains an expert pool of 1,200 professionals who provide voluntary leadership advice across more than 30 sectors of the economy.
UGM and PUM have agreed to renew their collaboration (ongoing since 2019) in developing entrepreneurship training programs, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and supporting the growth of the national industry. Commenting on the occasion, Professor Puji Astuti from UGM says, “We know that the current industrial issue lies in bridging the gap between industry and academia. The employment issue is not due to a lack of job opportunities but rather because what the industry needs is not being produced by academic institutions.”
In the aftermath of the new agreement, various international practitioners will be brought in to enhance the development and incubation of the MSME sector, vocational programs, and entrepreneurship. Training and practitioners from PUM Netherlands will also support UGM’s ongoing incubation programs for MSMEs. While UGM embarks on this futuristic initiative, CEO Insights, through this special issue, is looking back to the past, featuring some of the reputed alumni of UGM. Do let us know your thoughts.