Collaboration for the future: Monash University, Indonesia addresses innovation issues at HR Gathering May 2025
Group photo: the speakers and participants attending the HR Gathering May 2025
South Tangerang – Amid rapid changes in the business world, many companies face significant challenges, including technological advancements such as Generative AI (GenAI). According to PwC’s 2024 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears survey, these transformation demands have caused 76% of Indonesian workers to experience significant changes in their roles over the past year. Interestingly, 91% of them demonstrated readiness to adapt. The success of this adaptation depends on transformative leadership that encourages continuous learning and development.
This survey also shows that employees planning to change jobs in the next 12 months are 1.5 times more likely to prioritize upskilling. This fact presents an opportunity for companies to retain their best talent. By investing in employees’ professional development, companies not only strengthen their competitiveness but also build loyalty amid increasingly fierce labor market competition.
Employees’ readiness to adapt and improve their skills shows that change is not only a challenge but also a great opportunity for companies. Innovation plays a crucial role, not only in technology but also in leadership, talent development, and corporate strategy. This focus was the background for Monash University, Indonesia in organizing HR Gathering 2025 with the theme "Embracing New Ideas: How Innovation Drives Progress." Speakers and participants agreed that innovation is an urgent need to maintain company relevance and competitiveness in this fast-moving era.
Professor Matthew Nicholson delivering his welcoming speech.
Professor Matthew Nicholson, Pro Vice-Chancellor & President of Monash University, Indonesia, said, "At Monash University, Indonesia, we are committed to bridging the academic and industrial worlds through collaboration and dialogue. HR Gathering 2025 reflects our vision to promote thought leadership in an era when companies must continuously innovate to survive and thrive. This event is not just a place for networking, but also a space for sharing ideas and creating progress together."
He also underscored the importance of innovation-focused organizational cultures, encouraging experimentation, embracing technological change, and remaining responsive to evolving customer needs.
Dr. Yessy Arnold Perangin Angin presenting the keynote speech
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Yessy Arnold Perangin Angin, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator of Master of Business Innovation, provided valuable insights on maintaining agility and inventiveness amid volatility. Titled "Innovate Through Uncertainty," the address offered frameworks for embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for progress and presented real-world examples of successful innovation in uncertain times. She said, "Innovation is no longer just an option, but has become a mindset and capability that must exist at every level within the company. Through the Master of Business Innovation program, we equip professionals with the skills to lead adaptively, think creatively, and be confident in facing various changes."
Bridging Academia and Industry for Better Human Resource Development
For HR practitioners, supporting employee competency improvement through postgraduate education programs can be a strategic step. Such programs equip workers with relevant skills and mindsets to survive and thrive amid industry dynamics.
In the HR Gathering 2025 discussion, practitioners discussed various innovations ranging from restructuring leadership, adopting adaptive mindsets, to encouraging cross-functional collaboration and decentralized decision-making. Leaders from various industries shared experiences about how creating space for new ideas can improve work culture, performance, and overall company agility.
Monash University, Indonesia, through programs such as the Master of Business Innovation, facilitates these discussions to help HR practitioners stay relevant to changes in the business and employment world. HR Gathering 2025 affirms Monash’s commitment to bridging higher education and industry. This program is designed to equip professionals with future leadership skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities that align with modern business needs.
Talkshow 1: Adaptive Leadership in the Age of Uncertainty
From left to right: Hendro Triendarto, Mario Kristiono, and Dr. Ivan Butar
The event featured two engaging talk shows that delved deeper into the evolving landscape of leadership and personal development in times of change. The first, "The Adaptive Leader: How to Lead in an Age of Uncertainty," featured Hendro Triendarto, Dean of Leadership at Bank Mandiri and an alumnus of the Master of Business Innovation at Monash University, Indonesia, and Mario Kristiono, Senior Group Head Product Innovation at PT Paragon. Moderated by Dr. Ivan Butar, VP of Education & Associate Professor in Business Innovation, the discussion highlighted the importance of leaders focusing on assisting and growing their teams rather than micromanaging. They also emphasized the importance of adaptive leadership to face uncertainty. Today’s leaders must be proactive, flexible, empathetic, and committed to continuous learning.
In addition, the speakers shared insights on successful organizational transitions, such as ParagonCorp’s move to a Dual System: Cross-functional Organization Model, emphasizing the significance of empowerment and trust in preserving an agile founder’s mentality.
This session involved Monash faculty and alumni, demonstrating how academic expertise can be directly applied in developing leadership in the real world. Adaptability is viewed not just as a soft skill, but a strategic necessity. Institutions like Monash help bridge capability gaps by forming leaders who can thrive amid disruption, embrace innovation, and move companies forward with a clear vision.
Hendro Triendarto as guets speaker at HR Gathering May 2025
Hendro Triendarto added, "As a professional in the banking industry, I have seen firsthand how innovation can change culture, systems, and how we interact with customers. Today's discussion affirms the importance for leaders to remain adaptive, resilient and forward-thinking. Innovation is not just about technology, but also mindset, and how each individual can drive change from within their organization."
Talkshow 2: Unlocking Potential, Fresh Perspectives on Organizational Change
From left to right: Dr. Harriman Samuel Saragih, Fajri Aryuanda, and Sagita Pratiwi Wacik
The second talk show, "Fresh Perspectives: Unlocking Your Potential Through Change,” featured Sagita Pratiwi Wacik, Commercial HRBP Director at Danone, and Fajri Aryuanda, VP Digital Management at PLN ICON Plus. Moderated by Dr. Harriman Samuel Saragih, Assistant Professor in Business Innovation, this session explored transformation as a core strategy for growth in dynamic environments. The speakers discussed the importance of empowering employees through structured talent development programs, cultivating a strong corporate culture starting from top management, and leveraging customer focus and innovation through digitalization. They also highlighted the value of using advanced data analytics for gaining strategic insights.
Positive Feedback from Participants
This HR Gathering event also received positive feedback from participants, reflecting the strong engagement and meaningful connections made throughout the program. Attendees appreciated the insightful discussions, collaborative atmosphere, and practical takeaways that addressed current HR challenges and future trends. This positive response highlights the importance of creating spaces where HR professionals can share experiences, exchange ideas, and grow together.
"Thank you Monash University, Indonesia for organising this insightful event. I learned from the distinguished speakers from Danone Indonesia and PLN Icon Plus. From Danone, I gained knowledge on managing innovation while maintaining a balance across the three sustainability pillars: People, Planet, and Profit. PLN Icon Plus inspired me with their clear execution strategies within the organisational process and their approach to building a culture that sets the tone from the top," said Muhammad Agus Salim, SOF Program Strategist at PLN Icon Plus.
"This was my first time attending an HR Gathering event, and it was truly enlightening. The event facilitated connections with a lot of great people and offered profound insights from the speakers. Thank you so much to Monash University, Indonesia for hosting this event and looking forward to another event in the future," added Fatimah Hasna, International Business Manager at Rain Tech.
Monash Partners with Sinar Mas Land to Develop Talent and Leadership Through Global Business Competition
The students presenting their final project in the classroom
During the HR Gathering 2025, Monash University, Indonesia announced a collaboration with Sinar Mas Land to hold a Global Business Competition, with the theme "Turning Ideas into Impact: Mastering Global Business & Digital Strategy.” This commitment is part of Monash’s dedication to creating resilient and adaptive leaders through supporting various initiatives that give talents opportunities to apply their skills.
This prestigious competition is open to recent graduates and professionals, inviting participants to select and analyze social issues through four main focuses: sustainable business and green innovation, digital transformation and AI in business, financial inclusion and social impact, and global market expansion and strategy. The main prize offered is a full scholarship for study at Monash University, Indonesia.
Through this competition, Monash University, Indonesia aims to bridge academic excellence with industry challenges through innovative ideas that have real impact and are relevant to industry needs.
"This competition also affirms Monash’s commitment to creating future leaders who are creative, adaptive, and visionary to face global challenges. With a focus on empowering the younger generation, this initiative encourages positive change for society and the business world," concluded Professor Matthew.
The winner of the Monash University, Indonesia and Digital Hub by Sinar Mas Land: Global Business Competition will receive a 100% scholarship and will begin their study journey in July 2025. Registration for this competition will be open until June 7, 2025.
About Monash University, Indonesia
Officially operating in October 2021, Monash University, Indonesia, is a manifestation of the commitment of Monash University and the Indonesian government to create knowledge that can contribute broadly to the development of Indonesia's social, technological, and economic sectors.
Monash University, Indonesia, offers Master's degree programs majoring in Business Innovation, Global Business , Data Science, Cybersecurity, Marketing and Digital communications , Public Health, Public Policy and Management, Urban Design , Sustainability, and PhD, along with various executive and micro-credential programs aimed at specific sectors.
Monash University, Indonesia, has learning facilities according to Monash University Australia standards and is currently opening applications for new student admissions and scholarships for study in July 2025 and January 2026 intakes, which are now open for registration. Visit our intake periods to learn more.
Monash also has a proud long-term relationship with Indonesia and is a foreign university with the most significant number of Indonesian graduates compared to other foreign universities. Monash's track record of good relations with Indonesia is manifested in collaboration between parties such as the Herb Feith Center, RISE, World Mosquito Program, and Citarum Action Research Program (CARP).
With a presence on three continents, international partnerships, and study abroad programs worldwide, Monash is Australia's largest university, ranking in the top 100 universities worldwide. Monash has a dynamic network of research and teaching locations in Australia, Italy, Malaysia, China, and India.
The unique alliance with the University of Warwick (UK) sits alongside international collaborations with leading universities and companies worldwide, expanding the University's global network.
For more information, visit our Monash University, Indonesia website. Information regarding academic profiles, visit our academic staff page. Impact 2030, Monash University's strategic plan for the next ten years, can be accessed here.
More Information and Collaboration
If you have any inquiries regarding Monash University, Indonesia’s industry partnership programs, please do not hesitate to contact Armyna Paramita (Nana), B2B Marketing Manager at +62 822 1012 3407 or email: armyna.paramita@monash.edu.
MEDIA INFO:
Suryo Danuwinoto
Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
Monash University. Indonesia
Email: danu.danuwinoto@monash.edu
Oprilia S. Visca
Media Relations
Burson Indonesia
Phone: +62 812-9775-0057