The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, demanding high adaptability and a lifelong learning mindset. In the Inspiring Unileader Goes to Yogyakarta–Semarang discussion, held by Unilever Indonesia in collaboration with BPM FEB UGM and LinkToWork, Unilever leaders shared their in-depth views on what it takes to become future-fit talent in today’s industrial world.
Prawita Raharja, Head of Modern Trade and Personal Care at Unilever Indonesia, stated that future talent is not only measured by academic ability, but also by mental readiness and strong character. She highlighted four key qualities that young people need to develop to thrive in the professional world.
First, judgment, which is the ability to think critically in solving problems. Second, drive, which is the initiative and motivation to continue moving forward and contributing to work. Third, influence, which is the ability to positively impact the surrounding environment. Fourth, leadership, which is the ability to lead.
Meanwhile, Armansyah Adhityo, HR Lead for Customer Development at Unilever Indonesia, emphasized the importance of responsiveness to change. According to him, the fast-paced and dynamic world of the FMCG business requires every individual to be responsive to change and able to adapt to various situations.
Benjie Yap, President Director of Unilever Indonesia, also emphasized the importance of adaptability and cross-functional collaboration to thrive in a highly competitive global landscape. He explained that at Unilever, young talents are challenged to be adaptive from their very first day. Therefore, the company encourages employees to learn across different fields and collaborate with diverse teams, as these abilities form the foundation for long-term success.
Hendri Widiarta, Vice President of Human Resources at Unilever Indonesia, added that learning from failure is an essential part of professional growth. He believes that it is precisely from imperfect experiences that one learns to understand the realities of work and strengthen one’s abilities.
Through this event, Unilever also introduced various career development programmes that can be participated in by students or fresh graduates, ranging from the Engineering Women Unilever Leadership Fellowship (WULF) for female engineering students, Unilever’s Future Leaders’ League (UFLL), which is an annual business competition, the Unilever Leadership Internship Programme (ULIP) and ULIP Customer Development for six-month student internships, to U-FRESH and the Unilever Future Leaders Programme (UFLP) aimed at young talents (fresh graduates) who want to pursue a career in sales and management.
Unilever and BPM FEB UGM collaborated at the FEB UGM Learning Center Auditorium on Friday (17/10/2025) to provide students with a realistic understanding of the professional world. The Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FEB UGM, Bayu Sutikno, S.E., M.S.M., Ph.D., recognized the partnership as a tangible example of how student organizations can engage directly with industry. Through this initiative, the organizers aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry while equipping students with the skills and mindset to become future leaders.
The Head of BPM FEB UGM, Sabiq Muhammad Al Ghozi, stated that the collaboration between Unilever and BPM FEB UGM demonstrates the transformation of student organisations, which now serve not only as a forum for self-development and organisation, but also as a bridge between students and the professional world. He also hopes that BPM FEB UGM will continue to be an organisation that actively helps develop students’ careers.
Reported by: Najwah Ariella Puteri
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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