JAKARTA – In a milestone event that bridged the spirit of historical nationalism with the demands of the modern digital era, the Jakarta Concert Hall at the iNews Tower became the stage for a transformative beginning. On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, MNC University officially welcomed 756 new students into its academic fold during the Pengenalan Kehidupan Kampus Mahasiswa Baru (PKKMB) for the 2026/2027 academic year. Presiding over the ceremony was Jessica Tanoesoedibjo, Chair of the Hary Tanoesoedibjo Foundation, who delivered a keynote address that resonated deeply with the audience. Her message, timed perfectly with the 98th anniversary of the Youth Pledge (Sumpah Pemuda), served as a roadmap for the incoming cohort, urging them to harmonize global ambition with local integrity. A Strategic Welcome to a New Academic Journey The atmosphere inside the iNews Tower was electric as 756 freshmen and new faculty members gathered to mark their entry into the MNC Group’s educational ecosystem. For many, this event was not merely an orientation but a formal induction into a network known for its industry-led approach to higher education. In her opening remarks, Jessica Tanoesoedibjo extended a warm welcome, emphasizing the intentionality behind the students’ choice. "Perkenankan saya untuk welcome you all, adik-adik mahasiswa baru dan tentunya dosen-dosen baru, sebagai bagian dari keluarga besar MNC University dan tentunya keluarga besar MNC Group," she stated. Addressing the competitive landscape of higher education in Indonesia, Jessica reassured the students that they had made a strategic decision. "There are many options for higher education out there, but I am confident that this is the right choice," she added. By positioning MNC University as an extension of the broader MNC Group, she highlighted a unique value proposition: the ability for students to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world industry application. Beyond the Diploma: The Holistic Development Mandate A central theme of Jessica’s address was the reframing of the university experience. She cautioned students against the "transactional" view of education—the idea that university is merely a factory for producing degrees. Cultivating the Three Pillars of Success Jessica outlined a three-pronged approach for students to maximize their three-year tenure at the university: Skill Acquisition: While academic rigor is the foundation, Jessica urged students to proactively seek out practical skills that align with the rapidly shifting needs of the global market. Character Building: In an era where AI and automation are increasingly common, she argued that soft skills—integrity, empathy, and resilience—remain the primary differentiators for human professionals. Strategic Networking: Leveraging the unique access provided by the MNC Group ecosystem, students were encouraged to move beyond the classroom to engage with industry practitioners, thereby building a professional network long before graduation. "I hope that in these three years, you do not just study, but also hone your skills, develop your character, and expand your networking connections," she emphasized. "You have an opportunity that many other students do not have: direct access to an industry ecosystem." Sumpah Pemuda: "Local Roots, Global Minds" The timing of the PKKMB could not have been more symbolic. Falling on the 98th anniversary of the Youth Pledge—a historical event where youth from diverse backgrounds unified under the banner of a single nation, Indonesia—the theme "Local Roots, Global Minds" set the tone for the entire event. Jessica drew a direct parallel between the youth of 1928 and the students of 2026. She noted that just as the pioneers of the independence movement were forward-thinking and globally minded while remaining deeply anchored in their love for the archipelago, today’s students must navigate the same duality. "98 years ago, youth from various regions gathered and pledged as one nation, Indonesia. They were forward-thinking, educated, and open to the world, but they had ‘local roots’ in their homeland," Jessica reflected. The Challenge of the Digital Age She acknowledged that the modern student lives in a state of constant connectivity. Through the devices in their pockets, they are exposed to global news, trends, and ideologies. While this global awareness is an asset, Jessica warned against the dilution of national identity. "The global progress must be balanced with character, identity, and strong national values," she argued. She urged the students to pursue their dreams with an international perspective—aiming for global standards of excellence—but to never lose sight of their duty to the Indonesian community. "No matter how bleak it might seem, never lose hope. Never lose the drive to build the country we love." The Blueprint for Student Success: Discipline and Adaptability In the final portion of her address, Jessica provided a practical framework for academic success. She distilled the complex task of surviving and thriving in university into three actionable habits: 1. Curiosity and Discipline Success is not accidental. Jessica emphasized that students must maintain a high level of discipline while fostering an insatiable curiosity. The ability to ask "why" and "how" is what separates leaders from followers. 2. Active Engagement She challenged the freshmen to move beyond the traditional "class-and-home" cycle. "Don’t just be active in class; be active outside of it," she urged. By participating in campus organizations, building professional relationships, and pursuing creative outlets, students can better prepare for the realities of the workforce. 3. Embracing Continuous Learning Perhaps the most poignant part of her speech was her acknowledgement of the rapid obsolescence of technical knowledge. "Technology will continue to change. Skills that are considered advanced today may be obsolete by next year, but that is okay," she said. She stressed that the most important asset a student can build is the capacity to learn how to learn. "We continue to grow, we continue to learn, and we continue to move forward together. Because what you are developing is not just skills, but also integrity, responsibility, and hard work." Implications: A Shift in Educational Paradigm The event serves as a clear indicator of the direction in which MNC University is heading. By emphasizing the integration of industry-standard character development and a firm grounding in national values, the university is positioning itself as a leader in private higher education in Indonesia. For the 756 students, the message was clear: the path to a successful career begins with a sense of purpose. As they start their journey in the 2026/2027 academic year, they are tasked with the challenge of becoming the next generation of Indonesian leaders—individuals who are capable of competing on the global stage without compromising their national identity. The university’s focus on the "MNC ecosystem" as a learning laboratory suggests that the coming years will see an increased emphasis on internships, collaborative projects, and industry-led mentorship. For the faculty, the challenge remains to keep curriculum development agile enough to keep pace with the rapid technological changes noted by Jessica. As the ceremony concluded at the iNews Tower, the sentiment among the students was one of both anticipation and responsibility. The "Local Roots, Global Minds" motto is no longer just a tagline; it has become the foundational philosophy for a new generation of MNC University scholars. By anchoring their academic pursuits in the history of the Youth Pledge and aiming their sights at the global future, these students are being prepared for a world that is as demanding as it is full of potential. In a rapidly changing educational landscape, the message delivered by Jessica Tanoesoedibjo serves as a beacon, reminding students that while the tools of the trade may change, the core values of integrity, service, and intellectual curiosity remain the ultimate keys to success. Post navigation Empowering Future Leaders: Angela Tanoesoedibjo Inspires 756 New Students at MNC University’s 2026 PKKMB
