FEB UMS Academic Forum Highlights Welfare and Employment Quality amid Global Challenges

The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) held an academic forum titled "Realizing a Quality Economy through Excellent and Competitive Young Talent." The event took place in the Seminar Room of the Ahmad Syafii Maarif Building, FEB UMS, on Thursday (12/2/2026).

In his remarks, UMS Vice Rector I, Prof. Ihwan Susila, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of development oriented toward comprehensive human welfare. He stated that the primary goal of development is to improve the quality of human life, strengthen human values, and foster togetherness in social life.

"This forum aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of economic conditions, welfare development, and labor market dynamics in facing global changes," he said.

The Academic Forum session featured two expert speakers: the Assistant Deputy for the Development of State-Owned Enterprises in the Manufacturing Industry, Agro, Pharmaceuticals, and Health Sector at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Mochamad Edy Yusuf, S.E., M.A., and Professor of the Management Program at UMS, Prof. Dr. Anton Agus Setyawan, S.E., M.Si.

Anton explained that economic growth does not always go hand in hand with the creation of quality employment. This phenomenon occurs in several countries in the Asia-Pacific region. He noted that stable economic growth does not necessarily address employment issues comprehensively.

"Economic growth is not always accompanied by job creation," he explained.

He added that modern economic challenges are also related to the transformation of industrial sectors, investment, and changes in economic structures influenced by global developments. Therefore, development policies need to be designed comprehensively to improve job quality and national economic competitiveness.

"What is most important is not merely increasing the number of jobs, but ensuring that those jobs are of higher quality," he explained.

Edy Yusuf also emphasized that economic progress is not determined solely by government policies, but by the quality of human resources capable of adapting to technological advancements. According to him, the world is currently moving toward an economic system based on innovation, digitalization, and technological mastery.

"If we want to progress, our human resources must progress. Education must advance, and the younger generation must be intelligent and ready to face change," he said in his presentation.

Furthermore, he encouraged students to actively read, learn, and develop themselves in order to compete in the era of digital transformation. He stressed that success is determined by competence, health, and strong character.

"To become successful, there are three important things: competence, health, and strong character," he stated.

In closing, Edy expressed hope that students would gain a broader understanding of the relationship between technological development, economic growth, and employment quality in the digital era.

Writer: Zahra

Editor: Fika Annisa’ Sholihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid