Suhendra, S.TP., M.Sc., Lecturer of the Department of Agricultural Technology UNIB Emphasizes the Importance of Skills at the Launching of KIP-PA 2026
The Official Launch of KIP-Partner in Academic (KIP-PA) 2026 which was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at the Multipurpose Building of the University of Bengkulu took place with full enthusiasm from the students who received the 2025 KIP-Lecture scholarship.
This activity was officially opened by the Rector Prof. Dr. Indra Cahyadinata, SP., M.Si, and attended by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Agustin Zarkani, SP., M.Si., Ph.D. The presence of this university leader shows a strong commitment to supporting the development of KIP-Lecture recipients in the campus environment. This event also presented the main speaker, Suhendra, S.TP., M.Sc., a lecturer of the Agricultural Industrial Technology Study Program, Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture UNIB, who delivered inspirational material related to student capacity development in the modern era.
In his presentation, Suhendra emphasized that it is not enough for students to focus only on lectures, but also to have at least one skill that has economic value. He said that the current world of work has experienced a shift towards skills-based hiring, where practical skills and portfolio are the main factors in determining the readiness of graduates. “During college, master at least one skill that can be paid. Don’t just collect courses, but collect skills that are really valuable,” he said.
Furthermore, he explained that technological developments, digitalization, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) require students to be more adaptive and proactive in developing themselves. Students are encouraged to start honing various skills such as data processing, graphic design, video editing, digital marketing, and the use of various AI-based tools.
In addition to the skill aspect, Suhendra also highlighted the importance of changing mindset for KIP-Lecture recipients. He emphasized that KIP Lecture is not a comfort zone, but a starting point to develop and achieve success. “KIP Lecture is a starting point, not a safe line. Great opportunities are always followed by great responsibility,” he said.
Based on the data presented in the activity, the KIP-Lecture program has reached more than one million students in Indonesia with the support of the state budget reaching trillions of rupiah. This is clear evidence of the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education as well as the responsibility of the recipients to make optimal use of these opportunities.
Through this activity, students are expected to not only be able to survive in the world of lectures, but also develop into superior, adaptive, and highly competitive individuals. The University of Bengkulu through the KIP-PA program continues to strive to provide guidance and assistance so that scholarship recipients can reach their best potential.
