Don't Just Be a Spectator of the AI Revolution, It's Time to Become a Creator
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed how humans work, interact, and make decisions. However, behind the popularity of generative AI—which can create text, images, and even videos in seconds—lies another technology that is equally strategic and is gradually becoming the backbone of global digital transformation: Computer Vision. This technology enables computers to understand, recognise, and analyse visual information from images and videos much like humans do. If generative AI helps machines ‘speak’, then Computer Vision helps machines ‘see’.
The question remains: will Indonesia merely be a user of such technology, or will it be capable of creating its innovations? I believe that the future competitiveness of the nation is heavily determined by the ability of the younger generation to master strategic technologies like Computer Disvision. Almost all industrial sectors are currently beginning to rely on the ability to process visual data automatically and accurately. In healthcare, Computer Vision is used to assist in detecting diseases through medical imaging. In the transport sector, this technology serves as the foundation for smart vehicles and modern traffic management systems. In manufacturing, Computer Vision assists in real-time product quality control processes. Even in agriculture, this technology can identify crop conditions and predict potential harvest failures faster than conventional methods.
This phenomenon demonstrates that visual data has become a highly valuable new asset. Unfortunately, many students still believe that the field of information technology is limited to creating applications or developing websites. In reality, the digital world is moving towards much greater complexity. Industry requires talent capable of integrating various disciplines, such as machine learning, deep learning, image processing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, to produce impactful solutions. Therefore, universities have a responsibility not only to teach theory but also to provide students with access to global technological developments. Students need to be introduced to the technologies shaping the future of industry, not just the technologies that are popular today.
This is where building an adaptive and future-oriented learning culture becomes essential. Students must begin to courageously develop AI-based projects from an early age. A portfolio of real work will be far more valuable than a mere list of academic grades on a transcript. Currently, many technology companies are more interested in seeing problem-solving abilities and practical experience than the memorisation of theory. They seek individuals capable of translating business needs into effective technological solutions.
As a Digital Business Campus, Universitas Nusa Mandini (UNM) is committed to providing a learning ecosystem relevant to global industrial developments. One such effort is realised through an international seminar titled ‘Building Object Detection and Classification Systems Using Computer Vision and Deep Learning Technology’, featuring academics from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Activities like this are not merely academic agendas but important bridges connecting students with global technological advancements. Through direct interaction with experts, students can understand how research and innovation evolve at an international level. Furthermore, international collaboration opens opportunities for new research capable of addressing various local challenges using global technological approaches. Indonesia needs more innovators capable of creating AI-based solutions for the health, education, environment, agriculture, and digital business sectors.
However, one thing must be understood: mastering technology is not just about technical ability. More important is the ability to think critically, creativity, and the courage to continue learning. Technology will continue to change, but the ability to adapt will always be the primary advantage. Amidst the heavy flow of digital transformation, the younger generation has two choices: to be users of technology or to be creators of technology. The second choice is indeed more challenging, but it also offers much greater opportunities. Therefore, I invite students and prospective students not to merely follow the developments of AI and Computer Vision as spectators. Become part of those who create innovation, solve problems, and provide beneficial solutions for society. The AI revolution is underway. The question is no longer whether we are ready to face it, but whether we are ready to take a role in it. It is time for Indonesia’s younger generation to become creators, not just users, of future technology.