Salemba, Jakarta – Center for Spatial Data and Analysis (CSDA), School of Strategic and Global Studies (SSGS) Universitas Indonesia (SSGS UI) organized the Webinar Series 4 in theme Information Technology and Innovation in Facing Strategic and Global Challenge: Three Countries Perspective. The webinar was held virtually on October 22, 2020, using the Zoom platform and live broadcast on Youtube. The CSDA Webinar Series 4 was attended by around 657 participants from 14 countries, 45 universities, 23 schools, 32 government institutions and many private sectors.

The event was opened by the Rector of Universitas Indonesia, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D. The Rector pointed out that innovative technology-based research is an alternative solution for the complexity of human and primer problem. CSDA, as a research platform, need to build comprehensive collaboration and significant development to achieve the vision and mission of the university to elevate the innovative research culture. CSDA is expected to accommodate postgraduate research with multidisciplinary approach at global level.

Dr. Lin Yola, as the CSDA Chairman, whom also the Chairman of The Division of Research, Community Service, and International Collaboration of SSGS UI also remarked a message from the CSDA that this year, CSDA does not just work on behind of the wall of lab but extending into more interdisciplinary approach and collaboration with international university partners, government institutions, and private sectors. She highlighted that besides the Information Technology and Innovation is a must ticket in this Industrial Revolution 4.0 era, the perspective of cross nations would definitely pinpoint the alternatives of strategic solutions in facing the Global Challenges. She underlined that the further significant point of the event is bridging the dialog between the Government and Academic Actors.

In this event, CSDA presented three Keynote Speakers and three Discussants from leading institutions from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan. The Keynote Speakers are Honorable Minister Prof. Bambang Permadi Soemantri Brodjonegoro S.E., M.U.P., Ph.D (Ministry of Research and Technology, Republic of Indonesia), Honorable Datuk Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir (Secretary General of Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia), and Honorable Satoshi Kogure (Executive director for QZSS development, National Space Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office, Japan).

In his speech, Honorable Minister Prof. Bambang explained about Indonesian research and innovation in the digital economy. The Minister also explained about triple helix system of three main actors of innovation: government, (as the regulator and facilitator), academia, and industrial sector. He specifically stressed that the three actors should work together to make sure the research can be downstream into the industry and commercial section.

Honorable Datuk Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir brought up the topic of the situation of Covid 19 as a global pandemic. Datuk Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah also explained that nations and communities need to work together in facing the challenge of new normal. The innovation in technology is needed to empowering the people, propelling business, and stimulating the economy in the pandemic era.

Honorable Satoshi Kogure as Executive director for QZSS development, National Space Policy Secretariat, Japan, explained high accuracy positioning and EWS from QZSS and disaster management. Honorable Satoshi Kogure also mentioned three main points in his speech: the future expansion to 7SV Constellation, high accuracy positioning and EWS, and the Disaster Management Applications.

This webinar also presented three discussants from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan and was moderated by Dr. Hendricus Andy Simarmata, the lecturer of Urban Studies Department, SSGS-UI.

Athor Subroto, Ph.D is the Director of School of Strategic and Global Studies, Universitas Indonesia. The Director presented the issue regarding Facing Digital Economy Challenges in Indonesia. The Director also explained about Indonesian condition, challenges and opportunity, and strategies in facing digital economy challenges.

Prof. Dr. Kurunathan AL Ratnavelu, the Director of Institute of Computer Science and Digital Innovation, UCSI University, Malaysia presented the issue regarding Human Resources Challenges in Industrial Revolution 4.0. Prof. Dr. Kurunathan AL Ratnavelu also mentioned three main points in his speech: the future of work in 2030, Malaysia preparedness for IR 4.0, and big data status in Malaysia in 2020.

Dr. Dinesh Manandhar, the Project Associate Professor at CSIS, University of Tokyo, Japan discussed the issue regarding High accuracy positioning and EWS from QZSS for Spatial Planning and Disaster Management. In his presentation, Dr. Dinesh Manandhar focused on the usage of navigation satellites for the early warning systems.  

A message from the collaborator was delivered by Vice Chancellor and President Dato’ Khalid Yusoff, UCSI University Malaysia. In his warm message, Dato’ Khalid Yusoff mentioned that Malaysia and Indonesia have similar expression and common challenges for the future as an emerging economy and harmonious community. Dato’ Khalid Yusoff also emphasized that the speakers of the webinar has successfully delivered the essential role of universities in creating the future.

The closing remark was delivered by Abdul Mutaali PhD as The Vice Director of SSGS UI. The Vice Director stated that.Covid is global disaster and influence our life from economic to education. This webinar series is the cooperation of three countries to know the innovation that had been done in facing global challenges, especially in the pandemic situations. The technology and economy construction is needed as the object and subject of innovation for us in facing the pandemic situation.