ITS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng, when delivering his lecture during the Alumni Leader Series webinar on the topic of “Increasing Competitiveness Through Digital Transformation”, discussing methods to increase competitiveness in the digital age

ITS Campus, ITS News – Digital transformation has been causing a major impact on the business world in Indonesia. Therefore, it is important for business actors to increase their competitiveness. In response to this, the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) shared insightful tips to increase the competitiveness of people in business during the digital era.

According to the ITS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng, digital transformation is the revolutionary shift towards smart machine technology, such as computers and wireless connections. “Examples of such changes are the news that can be read online, online learning facilities, as well as digital transportation services,” he revealed.

Ashari, as he is familiarly called, continued that this change has proven to be beneficial for individuals, companies, and also the government. Examples are self-branding opportunities through social media, the usage of digital advertising to increase company consumers, and the dissemination of information from the government. “In addition, efficiency is another benefit exerted by digital transformation,” he informed.

However, this Professor of the ITS Electrical Engineering Department added that in the business world itself, digital transformation also raises many challenges, which goes hand-in-hand with the many new start-ups formed. This challenge poses a threat in the fields of infrastructure, regulation, and security. “To face these challenges, competent human resources are needed in the respective fields of business,” explained Ashari.

Not only the competence of the members, the role of a leader is believed to be a huge influence in responding to these challenges. Of course, this role cannot be separated from the birth of digital-based innovation. “In order to survive in this era, coming up with innovations is the right solution,” he conveyed.

In agreement with the rector, Ir Dian Rachmawan MSc, Director of Wholesale and International Service of PT Telkom Indonesia, confirmed that leadership and innovation are two important things that cannot be separated. “Moreover, the existence and direction of the leader are very influential in making and developing these innovations,” stated Dian, as he is familiarly called.

This alumnus of the ITS Electrical Engineering Department emphasized that to be able to compete through the invention of innovations, business entities must answer three basic questions. Namely, answers to where are we, what is the purpose, and what to do. Through answering these three things, it then can be determined what kind of innovation is needed. “Most importantly, never forget the most fundamental things that underlie the birth of the company,” he added.

Through this webinar held on Thursday (22/10), Dian hoped that students, alumni, and the community will be more prepared in facing the digital transformation. It is aimed that they can build a business that is able to compete and survive in the digital era. “Hopefully, from here, business actors will emerge with innovation and good fundamental principles,” he concluded. (dil/hen/ory)

Ir. Dian Rachmawan MSc, Director of Wholesale and International Service of PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, when delivering his lecture