UMN’s 2026 Open Senate Session and Inaugural Lecture Focus on the Theme, “Navigating Uncertainty, Building Your Path in the Age of AI”

2026 Induction Ceremony for New Students in Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Programs (Photo: UMN)

Tangerang, (July 21, 2026) – Kicking off the 2026–2027 academic year, Multimedia Nusantara University (UMN) welcomed thousands of new students through an Open Senate Session titled “Navigating Uncertainty: Building Your Path in the Age of AI.”

Focused on the overarching theme of technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), the 2026 Open Senate Session gave new students an opportunity to understand the changes underway while learning how to uphold humanistic values amid technological progress. The Open Senate Session was opened by Ir. Teddy Surianto, Chairman of the Multimedia Nusantara Foundation (YMN).

Remarks by the Chairman of the Multimedia Nusantara Foundation (Photo: UMN)

“This is a moment of pride, as the new students have become part of the extended UMN family under the Kompas Gramedia umbrella. Of course, as part of this family, we must continue to uphold the values left by our pioneers, one of which is the 5C values (Caring, Credible, Competent, Competitive, and Customer Delight),” Teddy said.

For Teddy, these 5C values must be cultivated throughout the students’ time studying and pursuing their education at UMN. This is crucial because, in the future, students will be expected not only to achieve their best academically but also to demonstrate good character and noble moral values.

“I hope the new students will gain new knowledge and develop new skills. My message is this: make the best use of your time and college experience so that you’ll be well-prepared for the future,” Teddy concluded.

Continuing the welcome ceremony for new students, UMN Rector Dr. Andrey Andoko also expressed pride that new students have the opportunity to pursue higher education at UMN, given that many young Indonesians do not have the chance to continue their academic journey.

UMN Rector’s Address at the Open Senate Session (Photo: UMN)

“Of course, being a student is not just about going through the learning process at a university but also about preparing oneself for the future. This is particularly important amid various changes and uncertainties—from the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, to dynamic national and global economic conditions, to shifting demands in the industrial world,” Andrey emphasized.

Andrey also urged students not to worry about being replaced by AI amid such rapid technological advancements. Instead, students should view technology as an opportunity to boost productivity, while using it ethically and responsibly. At the same time, we must continue to hone human skills—those that go beyond AI—such as communication, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and empathy, as reflected in UMN’s 5C values.

“I hope that the new students will take advantage of every opportunity available during their time at UMN and strive to achieve their best. Of course, they should also maintain academic integrity and foster a collaborative environment by respecting one another’s differences. In this way, students are expected to help create an inclusive, safe, and comfortable campus environment at UMN for the entire academic community,” Andrey concluded.

The welcome ceremony featured the induction of 20 UMN freshman representatives—one from each program at the D3, S1, S2, S3, and Professional levels—by the UMN Rector. Following this, all freshmen recited the Student Pledge as an official symbol marking the start of their academic journey at UMN.

Inaugural Lecture with Rickent Putra Haki: “Building Your Path in the Age of AI”

Presentation by Keynote Speaker Rickent Putra Haki (Photo: UMN)

On the same occasion, the new students also attended a presentation by Rickent Putra Haki, a 2014 graduate of UMN’s Information Systems program, who currently works at InJourney Hospitality as Vice President of Technology.

“Since graduating, I’ve always been active in the field of data—from PeduliLindungi and SATUSEHAT to my current role at One Data InJourney Hospitality. But above all, what matters most isn’t just the knowledge I’ve gained, but how I want to continue leaving a legacy wherever I work,” Rickent said.

According to Rickent, achievements in one’s career journey are not determined solely by success in building a product ecosystem. More than that, achievements also stem from the ability to think big, understand the vision, and see the impact one aims to create.

“Speaking of AI, my field also intersects significantly with this technology. Of course, AI itself won’t replace humans, but it’s the people who don’t use AI who will be replaced because they’re no longer relevant to current developments,” he added.

For Rickent, the advancement of AI also opens up various new opportunities, not only in careers but also in the development of human capabilities. Some skills that are still considered crucial amid AI advancements include leadership and team building, stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication, and decision-making.

“My message to UMN’s incoming freshmen: your career journey can begin right now through various activities—from student clubs to active participation in organizations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and building your personal brand. Focus on what you want to build for your future,” Rickent concluded.

Welcome and congratulations to the new UMN students of the 2026/2027 academic year! Let’s begin this new journey at UMN by continuing to grow, exploring your potential, and building the competencies needed to face various challenges and opportunities in the future.

By Rachel Tiffany | UMN News Service

English translation by Levina Chrestella Theodora

Kuliah di Jakarta untuk jurusan program studi Informatika| Sistem Informasi | Teknik Komputer | Teknik Elektro | Teknik Fisika | Akuntansi | Manajemen| Komunikasi Strategis | Jurnalistik | Desain Komunikasi Visual | Film dan Animasi | Arsitektur | D3 Perhotelan , di Universitas Multimedia Nusantara.