Udayana University (Unud) is preparing a long-term strategy to support the diversification of the Bali economy through human resource (HR) strengthening and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
This step was taken amid the rapid digital transformation and increasing global talent competition.
Rector of Udayana University Prof. I Ketut Sudarsana said that human resource development was the main investment so that Bali had a new source of economic growth outside the tourism sector, which had been the backbone of the regional economy.
"Bali is the showcase of Indonesia. Many international guests who come to Bali then want to see how universities in Indonesia. Therefore, Udayana University must be able to show the quality of Indonesian education to the world," said Sudarsana.
To support this strategy, Unud has three main focuses, namely expanding access to higher education, strengthening technological innovation, and maintaining cultural identity as part of sustainable development.
In the education sector, Unud continued to support the One Family One Undergraduate Program (SKSS) which was initiated by the Bali Provincial Government. After reaching 99 students last year, the number of beneficiaries is targeted to increase to 250 people this year if all requirements are met.
All study programs, including Medicine, are open to participants in the program in accordance with applicable regulations.
Sudarsana hopes that the SKSS can become a long-term investment in improving the quality of Bali's human resources through sustainable financing schemes, including the opportunity to establish an education endowment fund.
On the other hand, Unud also built the Smart System Integrated & Technologies Laboratory Building (L-SSIT) which is projected to become a center for the development of AI, advanced computing, quantum computing, and the incubation of technology-based start-up companies.
According to Sudarsana, the facility is prepared to produce digital talent as well as encourage the birth of technology startups that are able to support the economic transformation of Bali.
"We start by preparing human resources who understand technology and AI development. In the future, we hope that startups based on technology and human resources will be born that are able to support the development of Bali," he said.
In addition to strengthening technological capacity, Unud continues to integrate cultural preservation through the construction of the Prabu Udayana Manifestation Monument as a campus landmark and the digitization of lontar manuscripts. These steps are expected to maintain Bali's cultural identity in the midst of accelerating digital transformation.
Through strengthening education, innovation, and culture, Udayana University targets Bali not only to maintain its position as an international tourist destination, but also to develop as a center for the development of digital talent, technological innovation, and knowledge-based entrepreneurship that supports regional economic growth.
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