MAKASSAR — Rector of Hasanuddin University (Unhas), Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa., M.Sc, stressed the importance of adapting to technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), so that Unhas graduates can compete in an increasingly competitive job market and make a real impact on society.
Prof. JJ delivered the message in a speech at the Unhas September Graduation of the 2026/2027 Academic Year, held on 7–8 September. Before the graduates, Prof. JJ reminded them that technological change has brought major disruption to the world of work.
For that reason, university graduates cannot rely on academic ability alone. They need to be attuned to the changing times and skilled in using technology to improve their own capacity.
“If our ancestors read the constellations to navigate, today’s graduates must be smart at reading trends in data and technology,” said Prof. JJ.
The Unhas Rector encouraged graduates not to view AI merely as a threat, but as an instrument that can speed up work, increase productivity, and produce better solutions.
“Make the progress of digital innovation and artificial intelligence an instrument to accelerate your productivity,” Prof. JJ stressed.
According to Prof. JJ, adaptability is increasingly necessary as AI and automation change many kinds of jobs. This demands that Unhas graduates be ready to compete with international talent while continuing to develop their knowledge in step with technology.
AI and Human Advantage
Amid the rapid development of technology, Prof. JJ reminded graduates that the advantage of Unhas graduates does not end with mastering technology. There are human qualities that must be preserved and that become even more important amid the advance of AI.
“Artificial intelligence can help people process information and complete work, but the ability to weigh values, understand feelings, and make ethical decisions remains with humans. No matter how sophisticated the computing systems we create, machines will never have a conscience, ethics, and social empathy,” said Prof. JJ.
On that basis, Prof. JJ asked graduates to make integrity the foundation when using technology. The ability to use AI must be accompanied by moral responsibility so that technological progress is truly directed toward creating benefit.
“This is where your irreplaceable advantage as human beings lies. Make the philosophy of Siri’ na Pacce the foundation of your work ethic going forward,” Prof. JJ urged.
Inheriting the Resilience of Bugis-Makassar Seafarers
Prof. JJ also called on graduates to take the maritime character of their Bugis-Makassar ancestors as an asset in facing global competition. The courage of Bugis-Makassar seafarers to explore many regions in the past was born of a sharp ability to read natural conditions, willingness to face risk, and mental resilience.
“Those cross-continental achievements of the past were not reached by chance. They were born of a sharp ability to read data from nature, calculate risk, and mental resilience,” said Prof. JJ.
These values need to be translated into the professional competencies of Unhas graduates. The ability to read situations, make decisions, face uncertainty, and dare to try new things is an important asset for surviving and growing amid rapid change.
Unhas Graduates Must Make an Impact
Furthermore, Prof. JJ stressed that the success of education does not end when a student earns an academic degree. After leaving campus, Unhas graduates have a responsibility to apply the knowledge they have gained at the local, national, and international levels.
Graduates’ achievements should be measured not only by career success, but by how much they are able to contribute to their environment and society. Every piece of knowledge, technology, and idea they hold needs to be realized through service and innovation that make a real impact.
“Make your professionalism and your work a form of service. Bring innovation that provides solutions and benefits for society,” Prof. JJ urged.
Before the graduation ceremony ended, Prof. JJ invited the graduates to pause and look at the parents and family members who had come to accompany them. Prof. JJ reminded them that the academic degrees they achieved today would not have been possible without their families’ support.
“With pride, we hand them back to their families; now as young thinkers ready to make their best contribution to society,” said Prof. JJ. (*/aya)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.