AI is not a threat — it's time for IT students to become innovators

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) today is outpacing the general public’s ability to understand it. Technologies once confined to science fiction films are now part of everyday life. AI is used in business, education, healthcare, creative industries, and public services. The question is whether young people will merely be technology users or become creators of AI-based solutions. As the Head of the Informatics Study Programme at Universitas Nusa Mandiri, I view AI not as a threat to students but as a significant opportunity to be seized. The digital workforce now demands more than basic technical skills; industries need talent capable of creative thinking, understanding real-world problems, and translating them into relevant, impactful technological solutions. This is why informatics education can no longer focus solely on programming theory. Students must be equipped with problem-solving skills, logical thinking, creativity, and practical experience aligned with digital industry needs. Mastery of AI, machine learning, and data analytics will be crucial competencies for the future. Through the seminar ‘Building Smart Applications: Implementing AI for Business Digital Transformation’ organised by the Informatics Study Programme at Universitas Nusa Mandiri at the UNM Margonda Hall, we aim to broaden students’ perspectives on AI developments. The presence of AI and data analytics practitioner Arief Rama Syarif serves as a vital bridge for students to understand how AI is applied in industry. Students’ enthusiasm at the seminar shows young people have a strong interest in future technologies. They want to learn, experiment, and innovate. Universities must create a learning ecosystem that nurtures such digital talent. As a Digital Business Campus, UNM continues to offer adaptive learning aligned with industry trends. Students are not only taught theoretical AI concepts but also encouraged to build real-world AI projects. Practical experiences such as seminars, workshops, research, and industry collaboration are integral to the learning process. I observe many students still view AI as merely an automation tool. However, AI is far more significant. It can enhance efficiency, accelerate data analysis, predict market needs, and create more personalised service innovations. In business, AI is a decisive factor in corporate competitiveness. Therefore, IT students need the courage to step out of their comfort zones. They must actively build digital portfolios, participate in tech competitions, engage in collaborative projects, and continuously develop adaptability to rapidly changing technology. In the digital transformation era, companies seek more than coders. Industry needs individuals who understand business needs, read technology trends, and create innovative data- and AI-driven solutions. These competencies must be cultivated from university onwards. I believe the future belongs not to those afraid of AI, but to those who understand and manage it wisely. Universities have a major responsibility to produce graduates who are not just job-ready but also prepared to be digital innovators. Through UNM’s spirit as a Digital Business Campus, we aim to produce superior, adaptive, and innovative IT graduates capable of competing in the global AI era. After all, AI is merely a tool. The future is determined by humans who can think, innovate, and drive change.