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This study aims to investigate the skill gaps experienced by bachelor’s degree graduates in Indonesia when facing the dual demands of Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0. The method applied in this research is a systematic literature review, synthesizing findings from 21 scientific articles focusing on the dynamics of skill gaps and the effectiveness of higher education interventions in Indonesia. The study findings reveal two main categories of competency gaps. In the context of Industry 4.0, the most significant deficiencies are observed in specific hard skills, particularly data literacy, artificial intelligence proficiency, and automation across various sectors. Meanwhile, within the Society 5.0 dimension, deeper gaps emerge in soft skills and human-centered competencies, including complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, creativity, and environmentally sustainable skills. These human-centered skill gaps play a critical role in enhancing graduate value as AI technologies increasingly replace routine tasks. Although the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka program shows positive outcomes in improving sustainability skills and digital certification, it has not fully succeeded in driving fundamental transformation of higher education learning outcomes, limiting alignment with sustainability principles and the Society 5.0 approach. It can be concluded that Indonesian higher education faces the challenge of undertaking fundamental curriculum reform to integrate human-centered competencies as a foundation for preparing future human resources.

This community service program aimed to strengthen national insight and soft skills among ADik scholarship students through a participatory and reflective mentoring approach. Many students come from underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost regions with diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, requiring contextual guidance to internalize national values and develop essential interpersonal competencies. The program combined interactive socialization, group discussions, and value reflection activities to encourage active participation and personal engagement. The method emphasized dialogic learning rather than one-way lectures, allowing students to relate national values to their lived experiences. The findings revealed noticeable behavioral changes, including increased confidence in expressing opinions, stronger participation in discussions, improved communication skills, and heightened awareness of ethical conduct and financial responsibility as scholarship recipients. The emergence of several students as informal local leaders during discussions indicated early signs of social transformation at the individual level. This program demonstrates that reflective and participatory mentoring can effectively foster character building, leadership, and contextual national awareness among university students. The implications suggest that similar approaches can be adopted in student development programs to promote sustainable character formation, especially for students from diverse and remote regions.

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using vlogs as a Project Based Learning (PBL) media in the Fantasy Makeup course to enhance students’ soft skills, particularly in communication, public speaking, creativity, and problem solving. This research employed a pre-experimental design with a one group pre-test and post-test design. The sample consisted of 25 students selected through a census sampling technique, in which the entire population was used as the research sample. Data were collected through observation and questionnaires administered in two stages: a pre-test before the implementation of the learning model and a post-test afterward. The data were analyzed using a Paired Sample T-Test to identify the mean differences in students’ soft skill scores before and after the learning treatment. The results showed a significant improvement in communication, public speaking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities after the implementation of the vlog-based PBL model. Therefore, the use of vlogs is proven to be an effective and innovative learning medium to strengthen students’ soft skills in the context of the Fantasy Makeup course.

This community service was carried out at the Sebesi Island Coconut Brown Sugar Artisans Group, South Lampung Regency, which faced the problem of low product competitiveness due to the use of conventional plastic packaging that was simple, unattractive, and environmentally unfriendly. This topic was chosen because it is relevant to the issue of the plastic waste crisis and the urgency of implementing a circular economy in island regions that are vulnerable to environmental pollution. The objective of this activity was to improve the hard and soft skills of partners through the innovation of environmentally friendly packaging designs based on local materials, while also increasing the economic value of coconut brown sugar products. The community service was carried out using a participatory approach through socialization, training, co-design of packaging, and assistance with production and marketing for 40 partners consisting of brown sugar craftsmen, BUMDes administrators, and local natural material weavers. The results of the activity showed an increase in the partners' skills in product design and packaging, strengthening of soft skills in the form of confidence and marketing readiness, as well as an increase in the selling value and image of the product in the local market. This activity confirms that environmentally friendly packaging innovation based on local resources is an effective strategy in empowering MSMEs as well as implementing a circular economy at the village level.

This study aims to analyze students’ perceptions of public speaking training in improving self-confidence at Madrasah Al Hidayah Betoyokauman. The research is motivated by the low level of students’ self-confidence when speaking in public, which is often characterized by nervousness, fear, and reluctance to express opinions. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach to explore students’ subjective experiences and interpretations after participating in public speaking training. The research activities were conducted on Thursday, January 8, 2026, through material presentations and direct public speaking practice, including roles such as master of ceremony, presentations, speeches, and stand-up comedy. Data were collected using a student perception questionnaire to capture students’ views and experiences regarding changes in self-confidence after the training. The results indicate that students generally have positive perceptions of the public speaking training and experience an improvement in self-confidence, as reflected in increased speaking courage, better control of nervousness, and stronger belief in their own abilities. The training not only enhances students’ speaking skills but also serves as a medium for developing students’ soft skills. This study implies that public speaking training can be implemented as a supportive program to improve students’ self-confidence and communication skills in the madrasah environment.

This community service activity aims to socialize the development of Human Resource (HR) competencies in the Fashion Design Department at SMK Al Ihsan to face the transformation of the fashion industry based on digital technology. The main challenge faced is the gap (mismatch) between the school curriculum, which still focuses on conventional production techniques, and the needs of an industry that is now digital and automated. The method used in this activity is a participatory and educational approach that includes four stages: needs observation, delivery of theoretical material (lecturing), focused group discussions (FGD) accompanied by application demonstrations, and evaluation. The results of the activity show an increase in participants' understanding of concepts such as eco-fashion, the creative economy, as well as the introduction of digital technologies like 3D design applications (CLO3D) and digital pattern making. Through the integration of four competency pillars hard skills, soft skills, digital skills, and entrepreneurial skills it is expected that graduate profiles can transform from operational seamstresses into competitive fashionpreneurs in the global market. The conclusion of this activity emphasizes that the Link and Match strategy and mastery of technological literacy are key to effectively reducing the skills gap of students in the Industry 4.0 era.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Management Internship Program (KKM) and its contribution to improving students' professional competence at the Medan Amplas District Office. The background of this study stems from the need for higher education to produce graduates who not only master theory but also possess practical skills appropriate to the demands of the workplace, particularly in government administrative environments. This study used a qualitative descriptive method through in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and direct observation of KKM participants and field supervisors. The results showed that the KKM program had a significant impact on improving students' professional competence. Improvements were seen in hard skills, such as understanding of government administration (88%), ability to use office applications (81%), and report preparation (76%). In addition, there was a significant increase in soft skills, including communication skills (92%), discipline (85%), and self-confidence in completing tasks (78%). Direct interaction with employees and the community and active guidance from field supervisors were key supporting factors in the program's effectiveness. However, the study also identified several obstacles such as limited supervision and high agency workload. Overall, this study concludes that KKM plays an important role as a contextual learning tool that is able to improve students' professional competence through the application of theory to real practice in the government environment.

The era of globalization demands that education systems produce human resources who are skilled, adaptable, and capable of competing in the international job market. However, several issues arise in efforts to prepare graduates who are well aligned with industry requirements. These challenges include the mismatch between competencies taught in educational institutions and those required by the workforce, limited digital literacy and technological mastery, the lack of soft skills development, and insufficient collaboration between schools and industries. Rapid technological advancements often result in curricula that lag behind the current skill demands of the labor market. Moreover, many students still lack the mindset, creativity, and adaptability needed to face global competition. This literature-based study aims to identify the main educational problems in preparing human resources for the world of work and propose strategic directions for improvement. Findings highlight the necessity of competency-based curriculum transformation, enhanced vocational training, integration of technology-based learning, and stronger partnerships between education providers and industry sectors. Enhancing teacher quality is also crucial to ensure learning processes remain relevant to global demands. By optimizing the roles of all stakeholders, education can produce graduates who possess not only technical expertise but also essential 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership. Therefore, education becomes the primary foundation for preparing a generation capable of competing globally and contributing to national development.

This study aims to examine the implementation of bureaucratic reform at the Immigration Document Section of Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, focusing on digital transformation through the M-Paspor application to realise a dynamic immigration management system. The research employed qualitative analysis to evaluate service efficiency, transparency, accountability, and staff capacity in the context of digital innovation aligned with Dynamic Governance principles. The findings reveal that digitalisation has significantly enhanced service efficiency through automated procedures, reduced physical queues, and improved transparency, whilst facilitating a shift from manual tasks to core verification and problem-solving activities, though challenges persist regarding human resources capacity and organisational culture, as staff exhibit rule-bound mindsets and defensive communication styles when addressing service delays, thereby undermining public trust and satisfaction. The study concludes that technology alone is insufficient to achieve truly responsive and citizen-centric services, as institutional culture and personnel mindset require continuous strengthening through soft skills training, ethical enforcement, and cultivation of service-oriented, empathetic work culture. Holistic reform approaches that combine technological innovation with human resource development and cultural change are essential for building effective, adaptive, and transparent immigration management systems. The integration of digital systems complemented by professional human resources can foster seamless, efficient, and trustworthy immigration services aligned with good governance principles, whilst sustainable improvements depend on balancing technological advances with organisational culture development and staff professionalism.

This article discusses how entrepreneurial activities can enhance students' soft skills in the context of globalization, with an emphasis on communication, leadership, and adaptability. The study employs a descriptive qualitative method, utilizing literature review techniques that allow for a narrative exploration of soft skill development such as communication and leadership in entrepreneurial activities. The analysis reveals that entrepreneurial engagement significantly improves students' soft skills, including teamwork collaboration and innovation, which are essential for facing the challenges of globalization. The findings suggest that practice-based entrepreneurship education is far more effective than theory alone in building resilience and networks. The study concludes by highlighting the importance of integrating entrepreneurial activities into higher education curricula to prepare students for global competition, along with recommendations to develop project-based programs. This research contributes to the higher education literature with empirical evidence derived from the Indonesian context, although it is limited to a specific group of students.  

The utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace has expanded rapidly, focusing not only on improving efficiency but also on strengthening human resource capacity. This review article aims to analyze the contribution of AI in supporting the development of soft skills and the formation of adaptive professional personalities. The method employed is a literature review of academic publications related to the use of AI in developing nontechnical competencies. The findings indicate that AI has been proven to enhance efficiency and productivity through the automation of routine tasks, faster data analysis, and more precise decision-making support. However, the success of AI implementation does not lie in replacing human roles but rather in harmonizing the functions of machine intelligence with the unique abilities of humans, such as empathy, intuition, creativity, and ethical reasoning. Human–AI collaboration emerges as a key approach to ensuring that technology remains human-centered, enabling digital transformation to proceed ethically, inclusively, and sustainably. Additional findings show that AI is capable of providing personalized learning, real-time feedback, and contextual simulations that effectively train communication, collaboration, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Human-centered AI integration also supports the development of professional personalities that are adaptive and responsive to change.

Effective collaboration is a strategic imperative for contemporary organizations, yet its success hinges critically on team dynamics and underlying psychological factors like Trust and Psychological Safety. The purpose of this Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was to synthesize empirical research published between 2020 and 2025 to clarify how these psychological factors influence collaboration and team performance. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a rigorous search on Google Scholar using keywords such as "team performance," "psychological factors," and "collaboration" resulted in the final inclusion of 15 articles for in-depth synthesis. Findings confirm that Trust is the most vital psychological construct, acting as a crucial mediator: it successfully transmits the positive effects of Transactional Leadership on employee performance and, conversely, mediates the detrimental effect of Toxic Leadership leading to Employee Silence. Leadership Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence are identified as primary antecedents that build perceived trustworthiness, which, in turn, significantly reduces Turnover Intention. The review also highlights emerging contexts: trust is now influenced by Agent-Related Factors in Human-AI Teams (HATs), and unconventional factors like Corporate Comedy are found to positively contribute to Group Cohesion. However, contradictory findings regarding trust's role in Knowledge Sharing suggest a significant research gap. This SLR concludes that building psychological capital is fundamental to effective collaboration and recommends that future research utilize Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to validate conceptual frameworks and employ mixed-methods approaches to resolve contextual conflicts within the literature.

The rapid development of the digital economy and technology transformation requires the workforce to possess adaptive and sustainable skills. Life Long Learning (LLL) has become an essential strategy to maintain relevance, competitiveness, and the sustainability of workforce competencies in the digital era. This article aims to conceptualize the urgency of LLL in enhancing workforce competitiveness amidst the challenges and opportunities of the digital economy. The method used is a literature study, analyzing various journals, scholarly articles, and relevant documents. The findings show that LLL not only improves technical competencies but also strengthens soft skills and fosters a growth mindset, which is crucial in facing technological changes. LLL also enables the workforce to continuously develop, adapt to changes, and seize opportunities in the digital economy. To create a sustainable learning ecosystem, proactive government policies, cross-sector collaboration, and a workplace culture that supports continuous learning are essential. Therefore, LLL is key in preparing a competitive workforce capable of innovating in the ever-evolving digital era.

Critical thinking is an essential skill in the modern era, characterized by rapid changes in the workplace and the dynamics of daily life. In a time when information is readily accessible and challenges are increasingly complex, individuals are required not only to master technical skills (hard skills), but also to possess the ability to analyze, evaluate, and critically respond to information. These skills are the foundation for making informed, wise, and adaptive decisions. Case studies from various recent news outlets in Indonesia show that many young people, especially Gen Z, still face difficulties entering the workforce due to a lack of soft skills and mental preparedness. This phenomenon is evident in increasing reports of unpreparedness for work pressure, poor communication skills, and a lack of problem-solving skills. Through an analysis of the literature and news reports, this article explores the relationship between critical thinking skills and the real-world challenges faced by Gen Z. Furthermore, it offers practical recommendations for developing critical thinking capacity so that young people can better adapt, improve professional performance, and respond to various issues in daily life more maturely and responsibly.  

Internships are believed to be an appropriate way to bridge education with the world of work, or link and match. This study focuses on the effectiveness of internships in higher education. This type of qualitative research takes the form of a case study, which aims to obtain an in-depth exploration of events. Informants were determined using a purposive sampling technique based on certain characteristics deemed relevant to the research objectives, resulting in the involvement of five informants and one key informant. Data collection was obtained through interviews and observations supported by other data. Data analysis was conducted descriptively qualitatively through the stages of reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions, followed by data triangulation. The results of the study indicate that three main indicators task relevance, supervision quality, and institutional support comprehensively explain the conditions experienced by informants. Specifically, internship programs have proven effective in strengthening soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and self-confidence; enhancing job readiness through experiences facing real-world challenges and organizational culture; and fostering a professional ethos. Thus, this study provides a theoretical contribution by strengthening the framework for internship effectiveness, as well as a practical contribution in the form of recommendations for universities and industry partners to design internship programs that are more structured, relevant, and aligned with students' fields of study and the needs of the workplace.

With the advancement of technology and globalization, technical skills alone are no longer sufficient to face the increasingly complex challenges of the workplace. Students are expected to possess soft skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills frequently encountered in the professional world. This study aims to analyze the level of achievement, experience, work motivation, and competency on work readiness among students at Gunadarma University, Karawaci Region. The analysis method used quantitative primary data, with the following testing stages: convergent validity, discriminant validity, reliability, r-square, q-square, f-square, and path coefficients. The instrument used was a questionnaire, and valid data was collected from 250 respondents. The sampling method in this study was non-probability sampling with a purposive sampling technique. The testing tool used was SmartPLS. The results of this study indicate that the variables of achievement level, experience, work motivation, and competence influence work readiness among Gunadarma University students in the Karawaci region.

This study aims to analyze the influence of interpersonal skills (soft skills) and practical skills (hands-on skills) on the work readiness of students at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” East Java in the 2021 academic year. The approach used was quantitative with a survey method through the distribution of questionnaires to 79 respondents. The collected data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. The results of the study indicate that both interpersonal skills and practical skills play an important role in improving students' work ability or work readiness. This finding confirms that mastery of two types of skills, namely technical skills (technical skills) and non-technical skills (non-technical skills), is essential for students to be able to adapt and compete in the world of work. Thus, educational institutions are expected to balance the development of academic aspects and practical skills to prepare graduates who are ready to face professional challenges.

The rapid development of technology and the dynamic global labor market require young generations, particularly Generation Z, to possess career readiness that is determined not only by technical skills but also by non-technical competencies, or soft skills. This study aims to analyze the role of soft skills, particularly creativity, in shaping the career preparedness and success of Generation Z. Literature synthesis indicates that Generation Z excels in digital literacy and technological adaptability but still faces challenges in social and emotional competencies, such as effective communication, empathy, and cross-generational collaboration. The imbalance between hard skills and soft skills affects work effectiveness, career mobility, and the ability to build professional networks. Creativity emerges as a strategic soft skill that enhances motivation, innovation, and productivity, and can be developed through the integration of soft and hard skills, project-based learning approaches, educational technology, and the strengthening of self-efficacy. The study also identifies challenges in fostering creativity in real workplace environments, including hierarchical organizational cultures and limited mechanisms for rewarding new ideas. Based on these findings, it is recommended that educational institutions, industries, and policymakers collaborate to create a sustainable ecosystem for soft skills development, enabling Generation Z to become innovative and adaptive change agents in a competitive global career landscape.  

This study aims to identify the implementation of soft skills and hard skills, explore strategies for developing hard skills, and analyze entrepreneurial independence among vocational students. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews and observations, then analyzed descriptively through data reduction, presentation, and verification. The results show that soft skills are internalized through workplace culture programs emphasizing ethics, communication, and adaptability, supported by mentoring and reflection activities. Hard skills are applied in alignment with industry needs through curriculum synchronization, hands-on practice, and skill-based projects, ensuring professional competence. Development of hard skills is strengthened through internships, external training, and peer teaching, with success assessed from product quality, innovation, and relevance to market demand. Entrepreneurial independence is fostered through motivation, alumni inspiration, and the Teaching Factory program that integrates learning with real business experiences. Internships also help students interact directly with customers and handle business challenges, while sustainability is maintained through product management and freelance opportunities. Overall, the implementation of internship-based learning effectively enhances vocational students’ technical and non-technical competencies, enabling them to adapt, innovate, and compete in the dynamic job market.

This study aims to enhance legal awareness and leadership skills among high school students in Dau District, Malang Regency through the Adventure Legal Learning program. The background of this activity is the low level of legal understanding, leadership ability, and the limited use of interactive learning methods in the school environment. This community service project applies a participatory approach, actively involving students as key participants. The methods used combine legal education, educational games based on Eduka-Game, and outdoor outbound activities designed to foster values of responsibility, discipline, and leadership. The implementation includes legal counseling, group discussions, case simulations, collaborative games, and reflection sessions, with evaluation conducted through behavioral observation and participant response questionnaires. The results indicate a significant improvement in students’ legal understanding, communication skills, teamwork, empathy, and discipline. Moreover, positive leadership behaviors and stronger legal awareness emerged among participants. This experiential learning approach proved effective in developing responsible, empathetic, and integrity-driven young individuals capable of becoming agents of change in their communities. However, variations in individual leadership and empathy skills remain challenges that need further attention and development in future programs.