EduAsiaNews, Jember – The rapid advancement of science and technology is transforming the world at an unprecedented pace. One of the most significant developments today is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is reshaping the global labor market. While some occupations are expected to disappear, new career opportunities will emerge. At the same time, competition is becoming increasingly intense as geographical boundaries no longer limit the global workforce. Against this backdrop, how should university graduates prepare for the future?
Addressing 800 graduates at the First Graduation Ceremony of the 2026/2027 Academic Year, the Rector of the University of Jember (UNEJ), Prof. Iwan Taruna, encouraged graduates to respond wisely to the changing employment landscape. He emphasized that lifelong learning is the key to navigating an increasingly uncertain world. Although information is now readily accessible and AI has become an indispensable workplace assistant that is transforming the way people work, critical thinking and intellectual capability will remain essential skills throughout one’s career.
“There are things that AI cannot replace—wisdom, empathy, and responsibility. Integrity and honesty remain the anchors of character that enable us to withstand even the most challenging times,” Prof. Taruna said.
He also urged graduates to strengthen their adaptability and cultivate interdisciplinary collaboration while continuing to foster patriotism and a strong sense of nationalism in an increasingly borderless world.
“Finally, I hope every UNEJ graduate embraces compassion by prioritizing empathy and solidarity based on humanitarian values. After all, the best among us are those who bring the greatest benefit to others,” he remarked before the graduates at the UNEJ Auditorium on July 25, 2026.
Among the graduates, Asiya Audah, a graduate of the Doctor of Medicine Program at the Faculty of Medicine, was recognized as one of the university’s top graduates for achieving one of the highest Grade Point Averages (GPAs). She also had the honor of leading the Graduates’ Pledge during the commencement ceremony.
Asiya shared that she never relied on complicated study methods or set ambitious daily study-hour targets. Instead, she attributed her success to consistently practicing simple habits from the beginning of her studies, including setting priorities, carrying out every responsibility with dedication, willingly sharing knowledge with others, and believing that every sincere effort will yield results at the right time.
For Asiya, her parents’ prayers were far more than words of encouragement. She described her mother as the person who had the greatest influence on her academic journey, while the unwavering support of her family gave her the confidence to persevere throughout her studies.
“Everything I have achieved is by the grace of Allah SWT and through my parents’ prayers. Beyond that, I don’t think there is any special formula. What is meant for you will never miss you, and what is not meant for you will never reach you. The most important thing is to give your best effort and never regret the journey,” she said.
This principle guided Asiya throughout her medical education, a program widely recognized for its demanding academic workload. Rather than trying to participate in every activity, she chose to focus on responsibilities she could perform to the best of her ability. For her, success is measured not by how busy a person is, but by the commitment shown in fulfilling chosen responsibilities. She also believes that knowledge becomes more meaningful when shared and has never hesitated to discuss lessons or explain course materials to her peers.
“The best way to learn is by teaching others,” she remarked.
Her consistency in upholding these principles was reflected in numerous achievements during her time as a student. She served as a member of the National Team of AMSA-Indonesia, won Second Place in the Scientific Poster Competition at the Pre-Conference Competition for the East Asian Medical Students’ Conference (PCC-EAMSC Egypt 2025), and became a co-author of a scientific paper presented at the International Conference of the Korean Movement Disorder Society (ICKMDS 2025) in South Korea. For Asiya, these accomplishments were not the ultimate goal but rather the outcome of a learning journey pursued with dedication and responsibility.
She believes that being named one of the university’s best graduates is not the end of her journey but the beginning of her commitment to serving society through her knowledge. After graduating from UNEJ, she hopes to continue developing her professional competence as a physician while remaining actively engaged in scientific research so that her expertise can benefit a wider community.
In addition to honoring outstanding undergraduate graduates, the University of Jember also recognized exceptional graduates across various academic levels.
At the doctoral level, Dr. Anas Ma’ruf Annizar, S.Pd., M.Pd., from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education’s Mathematics Education Doctoral Program, completed his studies in 2 years, 5 months, and 8 days with a perfect 4.00 GPA.
At the master’s level, Refika Uswatun Muhafaroh, S.P., M.Si., from the Graduate School’s Agricultural Water Resources Management Program, earned a 3.98 GPA after completing her studies in 1 year, 11 months, and 12 days.
Among bachelor’s degree graduates, Aida Firzanah Iffah Traptita, S.P., from the Faculty of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Program, graduated with a 3.98 GPA after 3 years, 5 months, and 9 days of study. At the applied bachelor’s level, Alifah Maula Nisa, S.Tr.T., from the Faculty of Engineering’s Building Construction Engineering Technology Program, graduated with a 3.81 GPA in the same study period.
Completing the list of distinguished graduates, Rachelta Annika Dewi Savitri, A.Md., from the Faculty of Economics and Business’s Secretarial Studies Program, represented the three-year diploma program, graduating with a 3.54 GPA after 2 years, 11 months, and 9 days of study.
