Depok-Students of the Vocational Education Program, Universitas Indonesia (UI), have successfully made achievements at the International Youth Excursion (IYEN) event. UI delegates, Muhamad Ibrahim from the Office Administration study program won first place in the Best Project Innovation category, and Utsula Rasya Ghassani Rachman from the Creative Business study program, won third place in the Best Project Innovation category. Both presented innovative ideas that were not only solution-oriented but also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this competition, Ibrahim and his team presented the GoKils project: Go Up Ur Skills, a digital education platform that aims to improve the digital skills of young people, especially those with limited access to education and training. This platform is designed to provide more affordable access to digital skills training, as well as a solution for the many young Indonesians who have difficulty getting jobs due to inadequate digital skills.
One of the main challenges faced is the limited educational infrastructure in some areas. Through a technology-based approach and an inclusive business model, GoKils aims to reach more people and open up wider opportunities in the world of work. “Many young people have difficulty getting jobs due to a lack of digital skills. Quality training is often expensive and difficult to access, especially in remote areas. GoKils is here to bridge this gap,” said Ibrahim.
(Photo: Muhamad Ibrahim, Office Administration study program student)
From a sustainability perspective, GoKils contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, specifically target 8.6, which aims to reduce the number of youth not in employment, education, or training (Not in Education, Employment, or Training/NEET). With further development, the platform can help young people acquire industry-relevant skills, increase employment opportunities, and support more inclusive economic growth.
Meanwhile, Utsula brought an idea that came from her concern about the many young people who want to be entrepreneurs but have difficulty starting. Utsula created the concept of an application that connects prospective young entrepreneurs with various established franchises, so they can start a business without having to go through a complicated process. This inspiration came from his observation of many people who have difficulty starting a business and the many franchises operating in various regions.
Utsula emphasized that her project has a significant contribution to the SDGs, especially SDGs 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDGs 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). If implemented more widely, this innovation has the potential to reduce unemployment and encourage economic growth based on entrepreneurship.
(Photo: Utsula Rasya Ghassani Rachman, Creative Business study program student)
Director of UI Vocational Education Program, Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, said that the success of these students is proof that vocational education is able to produce young innovators who excel and are ready to enter the industrial world and provide a positive impact on society. Through the technology and business-based solutions that are developed, this shows how innovation can strengthen the economy and open up new opportunities for many people, there is great hope that the young generation of Indonesia has great potential to bring about real and sustainable change.
IYEN itself is an international program that brings together students from various countries to collaborate in creating solutions to global challenges. In this event, participants not only compete in innovation, but also discuss, attend seminars, and broaden their insights into various social and economic problems facing the world today.
