Jakarta, 17 July 2024 – In a collaborative effort to prepare Indonesian youth for the future, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenpora) and Mensa Indonesia hosted an enlightening talk show titled “Navigating Tomorrow: Key Skills for Indonesians in the AI Era.” This event, part of the “Klub Berkawan” (Klub Bersama Cendekiawan) program, took place at the Media Center, Wisma Kemenpora, Jakarta, and brought together some of Indonesia’s brightest minds to discuss the essential skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.
This event marked the third collaboration between Mensa Indonesia and Kemenpora. Their previous joint efforts included a talk show supporting the manufacturing sector and an Instagram Live session introducing Mensa to a broader online audience. These events aim to bring valuable insights and knowledge to the public, fostering a well-informed and skilled youth.
The talk show featured four distinguished speakers, each an expert in their field, who shared their insights and experiences with an eager audience of students and young professionals.
Radita Sonix from IQ DEVPRO® kicked off the session with a compelling presentation on the importance of cognitive skills in global competition. Drawing from his extensive experience in engineering, marketing, and business development, Radita emphasized that thinking skills are crucial in an era where AI is transforming industries. He highlighted the kinds of jobs expected to decline and those poised to grow over the next five years, underscoring the need for continuous skill development. Radita likened intelligence to an engine, stating, “Thinking skills are the driver’s capability. They can be learned, practiced, and developed.” He cautioned that while many Gen-Z individuals are adept at technology, without cognitive skills, they risk becoming mere operational personnel rather than industry leaders.
Ray Frederick, former CTO of Traveloka and current Program Advisor at AI Institute of Progress, followed with an engaging talk on the significance of embracing AI. Ray outlined three levels of quick actions individuals can take to integrate AI into their skill set, based on their experience. He stressed the importance of self-marketing, sharing insights from his international career on how to promote oneself effectively. Additionally, Ray discussed the concept of skill stacking—combining complementary skills to become irreplaceable in the job market, with or without AI. “Don’t fear AI,” he urged. “Master it, and it will enhance your work process and open new opportunities.”
Thor Yumna, Investment Associate at Acuie, brought a different perspective to the discussion. She emphasized the necessity of lifelong learning and the importance of entrepreneurial thinking, ethical and social awareness, and practical skills. Thor highlighted how these skills are crucial not just for navigating technological advancements but for achieving overall personal and professional growth. “In today’s world, being technically proficient is not enough. We need to be well-rounded individuals who can adapt to and lead through change,” she said.
The final speaker, Anjas Pramono, Chairman of the Alumni of Sekolah Staf President, provided a Gen-Z perspective on technology. Anjas shared his insights on how his generation views and interacts with technology, stressing the need for a balanced approach that includes both technological proficiency and cognitive skills. He also emphasized the importance of inclusivity in macro programs, ensuring that technological advancements benefit all segments of society.
The session was expertly moderated by Arya Aditia Utama, who ensured a lively and informative discussion. The event’s goal was to provide young Indonesians with a clear understanding of the skills necessary to excel in a rapidly changing world. The speakers collectively underscored that acquiring new skills, particularly in cognitive and technological domains, along with maintaining an adaptable attitude, is essential for success.
Three of the four speakers, Radita Sonix, Ray Frederick, and Thor Yumna, are members of Mensa Indonesia, a high IQ society that is part of Mensa International. Their membership underscores their intellectual prowess and commitment to lifelong learning.
This collaboration with Mensa Indonesia was made possible through Mensa’s “1 Hari Bersama Mensa” (One Day with Mensa) program, which offers pro-bono expert speakers to share their knowledge and industry insights with the broader community, as well as providing special admission test to join Mensa as the international high IQ society.
The event successfully provided valuable insights into the future of work, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in an AI-dominated era. Kemenpora and Mensa Indonesia look forward to organizing more such events to inspire and educate Indonesia’s youth.
