On October 4th 2013, Trilogi University formally introduced its new rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, at an event on campus attended by several notable figures from the Indonesian education and business communities. The appointment of Dr. Saefuddin is indicative of Trilogi University’s continued commitment to producing graduates capable of tackling growing concerns over food security and social inequality; a goal central to the university’s efforts to evolve with the changing demands of the Indonesian economy. Previously Chairman of the Department of Statistics at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), Dr. Saefuddin has extensive experience in agricultural planning and community development, having served as President Director at the Centre for Regional Resource Development and Community Empowerment (CRESCENT) and Vice Rector for Planning, Development and Cooperation at IPB after obtaining his PhD in Biostatics from the University of Guelph in Canada.
In his speech, Dr. Saefuddin emphasized the importance of developing Indonesia’s human resources to meet challenges that will arise during the country’s rapid economic growth. In keeping with Trilogi University’s three pronged approach in creating work ready, innovative and socially responsible graduates, he touched upon the need to foster a deep appreciation for technology savvy entrepreneurship focused on optimizing the use of local resources (teknopreneurship), collaboration, and independence.
Trilogi University’s decision to hire Dr. Saefuddin marks another promising move by the institution to develop graduates that are able to address pressing needs in the Indonesian economy. The new rector’s expertise in achieving sustainable agricultural and community development bodes well for the creation of human resources needed to improve productivity and boost innovation in the country’s agriculture sector. The university hopes to accelerate this process through further cooperation with international educational establishments interested in engaging in joint research. Foreign investors looking to integrate their technological know-how and advanced methods of agricultural production in the Indonesian market should be buoyed by increasing signs that the country’s top business schools are actively trying to produce a skilled local labor force capable of efficiently applying new technology and production processes as well as undertaking their own research to develop a means of achieving food security.
