The Rector of IPB University Invites the President of Hokkaido University: Society 5.0 as a New Stage of Human Development
IPB University invited the President of Hokkaido University, Prof Kiyohiro Houkin, to deliver a speech at the 61st Anniversary Open Session of IPB University held in the Auditorium of the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM), IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (2/9).
During the event, the Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, stated that Society 5.0, a vision introduced by Japan, represents a new stage of human development. In this 5.0 era, the digital and physical worlds integrate to address global challenges.
According to him, the concept aims to create a super-smart society that is inclusive, sustainable, and focused on enhancing the quality of life. He further emphasized the role of higher education institutions in preparing for and embracing Society 5.0.
“Higher education institutions play a crucial role in realizing Society 5.0, particularly in shaping the capacities of the younger generation as the main actors in future development. Universities also have a role in producing high-quality knowledge and innovations needed by the market and society,” he said.
Prof Arif added that universities must be capable of producing technopreneurs, sociopreneurs, professionals, researchers, social workers, and innovators. Recognizing this need, he mentioned that IPB University strives to enhance innopreneurship and value creation for society.
“In the framework of Society 5.0, higher education institutions must be more agile, interdisciplinary, and collaborative, by restructuring curricula, investing in cutting-edge research, and building partnerships between academia, industry, and government. Technology should also be utilized as a catalyst for societal transformation, not merely as a learning tool,” said Prof Arif.
Prof Arif further noted that the partnership between IPB University and Hokkaido University has a rich history, with various significant achievements that strengthen academic and research ties between Indonesia and Japan.
“Eleven IPB University faculty members have completed their doctoral programs at Hokkaido University. IPB University is also honored to host Hokkaido University’s headquarters in Indonesia, as a testament to our shared commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence,” he stated.
In his speech, the President of Hokkaido University, Japan, Prof Kiyohiro Houkin, conveyed that changes in the philosophy of modern universities in Japan in the late 20th and early 21st centuries demonstrate the role of universities as drivers of societal reform and innovation.
He said that under the concept of Society 5.0, universities will foster a digital society. If this super-smart society collaborates with industry, it will promote the development of startups.
“The current university research model is driven by both basic and applied research. Education focuses on the convergence of knowledge, where various disciplines come together to address global challenges,” he said.
Prof Kiyohiro continued by stating that the relationship between universities and politics is reflected in social innovation, where research and education are directed toward bringing positive changes to the social order.
“Thus, universities are not just centers of learning, but also active agents of change in shaping an inclusive, sustainable, and technology-based future,” he concluded. (dr/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
