Yogyakarta, June 4, 2024 — Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has reaffirmed its commitment to digital innovation through the Digital Transformation Training Program: Developing Literacy, Culture, and Skill Capacity for Supporting Staff (Batch 3). Organized by the Directorate of Human Resources (DSDM) in collaboration with the Bureau of Digital Transformation (BTD), this program is tailored to equip UGM’s supporting staff with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The event welcomed 103 participants, focusing on fostering digital literacy, culture, and future-ready skills essential for their roles.
Dr. Mardhani Riasetiawan, S.E., Ak., M.T., Head of the Bureau of Digital Transformation, opened the session on June 3, emphasizing the strategic importance of human resources in digital transformation. “In this program, supporting staff are considered long-term assets and investments. They have the potential to be future leaders and agents of change. Designing a digital transformation strategy is not as easy as we wish—it involves overcoming significant challenges, which require innovative ideas and solutions from participants. We aim for inclusive digital transformation that creates value and promotes cross-unit collaboration,” Dr. Mardhani explained.
This training, now in its third iteration, underscores the human-centric approach to digital transformation by positioning UGM’s supporting staff as pivotal drivers of change. The program is part of UGM’s broader initiative to integrate technology into its operational and academic ecosystem, ensuring not only technological advancements but also shifts in mindset, culture, and behavior within the institution.
Empowering Staff Through Comprehensive Training
The program began with a briefing by Erna Kartini, S.E., MBA, Head of the Subdirectorate of Assessment and Training, who outlined the rules and objectives of the training. She stressed that digital transformation extends beyond technology, encompassing changes in mindset, culture, and work behavior. “Supporting staff play a vital role in this transformation, which is why this program goes beyond technical skills to include cultural and behavioral change. We hope participants will fully engage in this training and apply the skills they gain to their daily roles,” Erna stated.
The training’s first session, Initiating Digital Transformation, was delivered by Dr. Mardhani Riasetiawan via Zoom. In this session, participants explored the foundational principles of digital transformation, including its challenges, opportunities, and strategies for implementation. To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, subsequent modules, covering a wide range of topics, were made available asynchronously through UGM’s eLOK learning management system.
Participants were required to complete pre-tests, quizzes, and post-tests for each session, ensuring active engagement and understanding. These assessments provided a structured approach to measure the participants’ progress, while the interactive format encouraged them to relate the material to their respective roles within the university.
Driving Inclusive and Collaborative Change
Dr. Mardhani’s session highlighted the need for inclusivity and collaboration in digital transformation efforts. He urged participants to view their roles not just as supporting staff but as catalysts for innovation within their departments. “The success of digital transformation at UGM depends on creating value that benefits everyone. This program is an excellent step toward fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can be shared and implemented across units,” he remarked.
The training’s flexible design, which blends synchronous and asynchronous sessions, ensures that participants can balance their learning with their daily responsibilities. This approach also reflects UGM’s commitment to accessibility and adaptability in professional development programs.
A Future-Focused Investment
The third batch of the Digital Transformation Training Program underscores UGM’s dedication to preparing its workforce for future challenges. By equipping supporting staff with the necessary digital literacy, technical skills, and cultural adaptability, UGM is not only investing in individual growth but also strengthening its institutional capacity to navigate the complexities of a digital world.
As the program continues to expand, UGM aims to refine its content and delivery methods, incorporating feedback from participants to ensure that its initiatives remain impactful and relevant. This training is a testament to the university’s vision of achieving academic and operational excellence through strategic digital innovation, driven by the talent and commitment of its supporting staff.
