Public Relations USU - PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk) in collaboration with the Innovation Research Development Agency of the Universitas Sumatera Utara (BPRI USU) held Sinarmas Agribusiness and Food Goes to USU, Business Insight Talkshow and Campus Hiring at Prof. Dr. Suhadji Hadibroto Hall, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) USU, on Tuesday (25/02/2025). This event raised the theme “The Future of Palm Oil: The Role of Gen-Z and Technology in Driving Innovation.”

Representing the USU Rector, Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., USU Global Partnership Manager, Prof. Dr. Arida Susilowati S.Hut., M.Si., said the theme was very relevant considering that palm oil is a superior commodity that drives the economy of the community, especially in North Sumatra. She highlighted the role of Gen Z as a technology-savvy generation that is creative and adaptive to change is expected to be a driver of innovation in the palm oil sector.
“This is very relevant considering that palm oil is currently a superior product in Indonesia, especially in North Sumatra,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Arida Susilowati S.Hut., M.Si., emphasized USU's commitment to facilitating collaboration between academics, students, and industry players in encouraging sustainable innovation in the palm oil sector. She invited all participants to not only be spectators but also become agents of change who actively encourage the sustainability of the palm oil industry in Indonesia.

“Through forums such as this talk show, we hope that there will be fresh ideas that can encourage innovation and transformation, especially in the palm oil sector in Indonesia,” he hoped.

Yudi Heriyadi as Lead HRBP US Operations of PT SMART Tbk expressed his pride for the opportunity given by USU to share knowledge about oil palm plantations and technological developments. He emphasized the important role of the younger generation, especially Gen Z, in advancing the palm oil industry in the future.

“The current generation will be the palm oil industry leaders,” he said.

Furthermore, Yudi Heriyadi assessed that USU's cooperation with PT SMART Tbk is a strategic step in preparing USU students to become human resources that meet the needs of the plantation industry. Yudi Heriyadi ensured that this cooperation would be sustainable. 

“USU is one of the strategic partners for the plantation industry, especially in preparing human resources that meet the needs of the industry,” he said.

Buchari, S.T., M.Kes., IPM, as Head of BPRI USU, revealed that this activity gives students new insights into job opportunities in the palm oil industry, especially at Sinarmas, and innovations that continue to develop in this sector. BPRI USU itself plays a role in preparing students for employment and supporting the development of oil palm derivative innovation products, such as using palm trunk waste.  

“The students will get new highlights about work opportunities in the palm oil industry,” he said.