In conjunction with the celebration of 35^th years of BINUS, BINUS Group held series of events with the theme “BINUS for a Greater Nusantara”. One of the events was BINUS UNIVERSITY 1^stPresidents Forum: “Transformations and Innovations of Higher Education as Enablers of Start-ups’ Growth”.

Held on October 24^th 2016 at BINUS Alam Sutera Campus, this theme was chosen according to regional interest and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) that have been determined by the government. The stakeholders – the government and industries – have to be able to collaborate to ensure employability and innovation in rapid development era. In fact, Indonesia needs approximately 113 million skilled workers in 2030. In this case, there are 4.000 colleges that make efforts to achieve the target.

The government nowadays finds capacity enhancement as a development priority in facing two major challenges – market relevancy and stakeholders from various circles. The developing ASEAN and global world are also facing challenges in providing qualified resources in growing economy and maturating population. Based on these reasons, capacity building becomes a priority for Indonesia government, same goes for education institutions that currently are in the process to change their development model to support start-ups’ growth.

As the pioneer of 3+1 Program that require students to take studies in campus for three years and then for one year gaining experiences outside the campus for capability equalization that is needed in working world through internship program, start-up incubator, study abroad, community development, or involvement in research, BINUS has proved its capability to produce 89% graduates who already worked when finishing their study.

To maintain the entrepreneurial spirit, BINUS has developed incubator programs and discussion activities with the experts about the employability and sustainable economic growth supporting framework, in line with the need for entrepreneurship. For example, BINUS got an opportunity to collaborate with Padjajaran University in the 5^th UNESCO-APEID Meeting on Entrepreneurship Education.

This BINUS UNIVERSITY 1^st Presidents Forum gathered approximately 100 participants, consists of rectors, vice-rectors, start-up owners, government representatives, and industries, to create a program to support start-ups’ development and also focused on capacity building in university level and to build cooperation among stakeholders. The Presidents Forum was closed with written declaration signing to show the participants’ commitment as enablers of start-ups’ growth.

“We wish that this activity can give awareness and massive impact for education world, government, industries, and community,” said Prof. Dr. Ir. Harjanto Prabowo, M.M, the Rector of BINUS UNIVERSITY.

(ERON)