On Thursday, June 20th, the Faculty of Economics and Business, Yogyakarta State University (FEB UNY), hosted a Reflection event to mark its 13th Anniversary. The event was held in the Theater Room of the Masters and Doctoral Program (PMD) Building, FEB UNY, and gathered around 150 participants, including the Dean of FEB, the former Dean of FISE (2006-2011), Vice Deans, lecturers, and educational staff, both active and retired. The event featured a keynote reflection by Prof. Suyanto, Ph.D., Chairperson of the UNY Board of Trustees (MWA).

In his opening remarks, the Dean of FEB UNY, Prof. Dr. Siswanto, M.Pd., shared his joy at witnessing the reunion between junior and senior lecturers. "It's heartwarming to see young lecturers reconnecting with their seniors, showing respect, and sharing stories. This Theater Room, created by UNY alumni through PT IKA Usaha Ngesti Yogatama, can now serve both the university and the broader community," he expressed.

Prof. Dr. Siswanto also highlighted FEB UNY's academic advancements, including the successful launch of three new study programs—Master’s in Accounting, Master’s in Management, and Doctoral in Economics and Business Education—that have welcomed students over the past year. Additionally, FEB UNY is preparing to introduce three more programs covering educational and non-educational fields: Business Education, Business Administration, and Islamic Economics. "This reflection event allows us to look back on our journey and evaluate our achievements over the past year," he added.

Prof. Suyanto, Ph.D., in his reflection, encouraged attendees to engage in deep introspection. "Is our excellence genuine? Do others perceive us as truly great? Reflective thinking is crucial. We must constantly challenge ourselves with these questions. The future is uncertain, with new jobs emerging and artificial intelligence (AI) becoming more advanced than ever," he remarked.

He shared insights from his visit to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1979. "I came across an article in a bookstore that said, ‘computers are human partners in decision-making.’ Today, AI uses complex algorithms and vast data to continuously learn and adapt. It’s clear that students are now integrating AI into their academic activities," he shared.

According to Prof. Suyanto, the evolving nature of AI necessitates a shift in teaching methods. "AI's impact is widespread, even challenging our understanding of intellectual property. FEB must remain vigilant and adaptive. I've advised the Rector to explore AI in-depth with experts across Indonesia. For our institution's future, we must adopt a mindset focused on 'growth'," he concluded.

This reflection event served as a meaningful opportunity for the FEB UNY academic community to contemplate their progress, celebrate their achievements, and prepare for the challenges ahead. (Fdhl/Is)