Scientific Oration by the President of Hokkaido University, Rector of IPB University Stated that Society 5.0 is a New Stage of Human Development

IPB University invited the President of Hokkaido University, Prof. Kiyohiro Houkin, to give a scientific oration in the Open Assembly of the 61st Anniversary of IPB University at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM), IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (2/9).

The event was attended by the Educational and Cultural Attaché, the Embassy of Japan for Indonesia, distinguished guests from other universities and industry partners of IPB University, and the academic community of IPB. 

In the event, the Rector of IPB University, Prof. Arif Satria said that Society 5.0, the vision introduced by Japan, represents a new stage of human development. In the 5.0 era, the digital and physical worlds integrate to face global challenges. This concept aims to create a super smart society that is inclusive, sustainable, and focused on improving the quality of life. He then emphasized the role of universities in preparing and welcoming Society 5.0.

“Higher education plays an important role in realizing Society 5.0, especially in shaping the capacity of the younger generation as the main actors of future development. Universities also have a role in producing quality knowledge and innovations needed by the market and society,” he said.

Prof. Satria added that universities must be able to produce technopreneurs, sociopreneurs, professionals, researchers, social workers, and innovators.

Realizing this need, he said, IPB University seeks to increase innopreneurship and value creation for the community. “In the framework of Society 5.0, universities must be more agile, interdisciplinary, and collaborative, by reorganizing the curriculum, investing in cutting-edge research, and building partnerships between academia, industry, and government. Technology must also be utilized as a catalyst for community transformation, not just a learning tool,” said Prof. Satria.

Prof. Satria continued that IPB University’s partnership with Hokkaido University has a rich history, with various important achievements that strengthen academic and research relations between Indonesia and Japan.

“A total of 11 IPB University teaching staff have completed their doctoral programs at Hokkaido University. IPB University also has the honor of hosting Hokkaido University’s Liason Office in Indonesia, as a testament to our shared commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence,” he said.

The President of Hokkaido University, Japan, Prof. Kiyohiro Houkin in his speech said that changes in the philosophy of modern universities in Japan at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century showed the role of universities as drivers of reform and innovation in society.

Prof. Houkin said the concept of Society 5.0, universities will give birth to a digital society. If this super-smart society collaborates with industries, it will encourage the development of startups.

“The current university research model is driven by basic and applied research. Education focuses on the convergence of knowledge, where various disciplines come together to face global challenges,” he said.

Prof. Houkin continued that the relationship between universities and politics is reflected in social innovation, where research and education are geared towards bringing about positive changes in the social order.

“Thus, universities are not only centers of learning, but also active agents of change in shaping an inclusive, sustainable, and technology-based future,” he said.

Source : IPB TODAY