The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta again presented a Visiting Lecture entitled “Navigating the Post-Pandemic Digital Economy: Future Jobs and in-Demand Skills,” Wednesday (07/06/2023). The hybrid event was held at Konimex Hall of Bachtiar Effendy Building FEB UNS and virtually through Zoom Cloud Meeting.

In the visiting lecture agenda, FEB UNS in collaboration with the University of Newcastle Australia, invited Professor Caroline Chan, Strategic Leader, Global Future Initiatives, Office of DVC Global Engagement & Partnerships, as a guest lecturer. Prof. Caroline Chan, who also serves as Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Partnerships of the University of Newcastle Australia, delivered the material entitled “Thriving in a Transformed Workforce Landscape.”

“I am happy to be here. Because when I meet you I feel young again. Today, I will convey information and share knowledge related to skills needed in the digital economy sector after the pandemic,” said Prof. Caroline.

Before entering the main material, Prof. Caroline introduced Newcastle University to the attendees. She also revealed that UNS and Newcastle University have established a collaboration agreement or MoU. Therefore, students can study or take part in the lecture process at Newcastle University through the MBKM scheme, or ‘Study Abroad’ program for one semester.

Furthermore, she explained the growth of digital services, which developed during the Covid pandemic. Not only in the trade sector, teaching and learning activities have also been transformed, especially in the field of digital learning. Students inevitably have to learn new skills related to this digital development. “Today employers are no longer asking for academic degrees. They focus more on whether you can do the task given and whether you can do the task given. That’s why you need to learn a new skill set to support your future job,” she explained.

This transformation, according to Prof. Caroline, could not be separated from the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, where many workers lost their jobs and had to find new jobs. In the future, there are four skills needed to be able to survive in the workplace. These skills include AI/ML, cloud computing, social media, and product management. Meanwhile, for the employment sector that will be widely available in the future, among others are, the digital economy (digital economy), care economy, and green economy.

She added that sometimes the education curriculum is out-of-date. Indeed, curriculum amendment takes a long time. However, education provides the basic skills needed by students. By relying on these basic skills, students can learn many additional skills. This skill will then prepare students as lifelong learners. Because there is a possibility that the skills they learn today may no longer be relevant in the future. Students seemed enthusiastic about interacting with Prof. Chan, especially during the question and answer session. The session then concluded with a token of appreciation handover and a photo session with participants.