The Rector congratulated the graduates who just officially received a new degree from ITB. This degree is an acknowledgement of the graduates’ competencies after successfully completing higher education at ITB. In addition, the degree symbolized their great responsibility to contribute and devote themselves to the people and nation of Indonesia.

After departing from ITB, the graduates would return to the real world. A world full of new challenges and uncertainties. The Rector advised that in order to conquer these new challenges, one must enforce the principle of lifelong learning.

“Lifelong learning is of profound importance to every part of our lives,” Prof. Reini stated.

There is a distinction between lifelong learning and formal learning. Formal learning is officially systematized with a dedicated curriculum, structured educational stages, and clearly defined objectives. In contrast, lifelong learning is informal learning with unsystematic features, unstructured learning paths, and loosely defined objectives. Therefore, to properly implement lifelong learning, one’s personal wisdom is required.

There are many ways to employ lifelong learning, such as developing new skills from various sources, joining clubs and discussions based on specific interests, or writing diaries to make personal improvements for the future.

In imposing lifelong learning, there are numerous challenges to consider. For example, busyness and responsibilities may hinder one from doing so. “Time limitations can also be a made-up excuse to not do lifelong learning,” she stated.

Furthermore, according to the Rector, sometimes financial matters and other resources could be a challenge in becoming a lifelong learner. Other personal problems like motivation and mood fluctuations can be a great challenge to overcome as well. Moreover, the essence of one’s results has a large impact on the realization of lifelong learning itself.

“With this myriad of challenges, lifelong learning requires utmost motivation and commitment. The competencies acquired from ITB are adequate for the graduates to fully implement lifelong learning,” the Rector asserted.

Lifelong learning is important because it can bring various benefits. Humans are social beings, and lifelong learning will open up opportunities to expand our social circles and interactions. Lifelong learning also helps us to achieve better milestones, eliminate misconceptions about ourselves, increase self-confidence, and promote out-of-the-box thinking.

In addition to her statement on the importance of lifelong learning, the Rector also mentioned that solidarity, friendship, and support between each other are vital in facing the aforementioned challenges, especially in order to achieve mutual progress and sustainability. On behalf of ITB, the Rector expressed her gratitude to the parents for entrusting their children to ITB.

Reporter: Andri Maulana (Mining Engineering, 2020)
Translator: Ariq Ramadhan Teruna (Chemical Engineering, 2021)