AI to WiFi 7 in Focus, UNM Strengthens Curriculum Through Cisco Networking Academy 2026
Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), a digital business campus, has reinforced its commitment to industry-aligned education through participation in the Indonesia Instructor Conference Cisco Networking Academy 2026. The national forum, held on 22-23 July 2026 at Politeknik Caltex Riau in Pekanbaru, brought together Cisco Networking Academy instructors from various Indonesian universities. The conference served as a strategic platform to update lecturer competencies, expand networks with the global technology industry, and strengthen the implementation of industry-based curricula at UNM. Over two days, participants gained insights into developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Networking, WiFi 7, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Science, and the implementation of Cisco technology solutions across various industrial sectors. The first day covered the importance of university collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy to build an adaptive learning ecosystem, featuring materials on Cisco for Industry, AI, Python Programming, Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing. The second day featured workshops titled ‘The AI Era Starts with Network: Unlocking Agility WiFi 7’ and ‘Protect Your Data at the Edge’, exploring next-generation networking and cybersecurity as foundations for AI implementation. The programme concluded with an industrial visit to PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan, where participants observed firsthand the application of Cisco technology, AI for monitoring oil well productivity, and data analytics for data-driven decision making. Andry Maulana, Head of UNM Margonda Campus and Cisco Academy Trainer, stated the experience strengthened the campus commitment to providing industry-relevant learning. He noted that AI, Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, and Data Science are now core competencies required by industry, and UNM continues to enhance learning processes so students not only master theory but also understand technology implementation used by companies nationally and globally. This commitment is also realised through the Internship Experience Programme (IEP) 3+1, a flagship programme allowing students to undertake three years of coursework and one year of professional internship with partner companies. The Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology, Dr Anton, emphasised that improving lecturer competence is crucial to maintaining graduate quality amid rapid digital transformation. He explained that participation in the conference is a strategic step to continuously update learning quality, strengthen industry-based curricula, expand collaboration with global technology partners, and deliver learning in AI, Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Cloud Computing to ensure graduates are ready to compete nationally and internationally. Through its Informatics Study Programme, which holds Superior Accreditation, along with Information Systems and Data Science programmes, UNM as a Digital Business Campus continues to develop an adaptive learning ecosystem. Support from Cisco Networking Academy, professional lecturers, industry-based curriculum, and the IEP 3+1 programme provide students with the competencies and work experience demanded by the industry. UNM is currently accepting new student registrations for the 2026/2027 Academic Year for high school and vocational school graduates seeking careers in information technology.