Accelerating the Digital Competence of the Young Generation: National Collaboration between Universities to Encourage Creativity, AI and Personal Branding through PkM 2026

Serang City, 23 May 2026 – After successfully holding the 2026 National Collaboration Community Service (PkM) Phase 1 which focused on digital literacy and cyber security, Research and Community Service Network (JPPM) again initiated the 2026 National Collaboration PkM Phase 2 with the theme “Increasing the Digital Competence of the Young Generation through Training Creativity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Personal Branding.” This activity, which was carried out online via Zoom Meeting on Saturday, May 23 2026, received an extraordinary response with the presence of 411 participants from various regions in Indonesia.

As the initiator of the program, JPPM collaborates with various strategic partners in implementing activities, namely IndoCEISS West Nusa Tenggara Province, IndoCEISS East Nusa Tenggara Province, IndoCEISS DKI Jakarta Province, IndoCEISS East Kalimantan Province, as well as partner universities consisting of Bhayangkara University Greater Jakarta, Nusa Nipa University, Bumigora University, STTIKOM Insan Unggul, STIKOM Artha Buana Kupang, Flores University, and Krakatau Polytechnic. This collaboration is a real form of synergy between universities and professional organizations in supporting increasing the capacity of Indonesian human resources in the era of digital transformation.

The activity was opened by the Chair of JPPM, Dr. TB. Ai Munandar, S.Kom., M.T., who in his report said that mastery of digital technology today is no longer limited to the ability to use technological devices, but also includes the ability to think creatively, build a professional identity in the digital space, and utilize artificial intelligence productively and responsibly. The next speech was delivered by the representative of IndoCEISS West Nusa Tenggara Province,Dr. Helna Wardhana, S.Kom., M.Kom., as well as the Chair of PkM,Prof. Dr. Anindita Septiarini, S.T., M.Cs., who emphasized the importance of cross-institutional collaboration in preparing the younger generation to face changes in the job landscape and technology-based industries.

Different from Phase 1 which focuses on digital literacy and cyber security, PkM Phase 2 is designed to improve participants' abilities in developing digital creativity, utilizing AI technology, and building positive and professional personal branding. The material presented includes Digital Mindset and Basic Personal Branding, Digital Profile Audit and Optimization, AI for Learning and Productivity, Creative Ideas and Content Planning, Digital Content Design, and Content Production and Publishing. All material is delivered by academics and practitioners from various partner universities who have experience and competence in the fields of information technology, digital communication, creative design and artificial intelligence.

The participants' enthusiasm was visible throughout the activity. Not only attending material sessions, participants also actively discussed the use of AI in learning, strategies for building a professional image on social media, techniques for creating interesting digital content, and career development opportunities in the digital economy era. The high participation of participants shows that the need to strengthen digital competence is increasing along with technological developments and changes in social interaction patterns.

This activity is part of a series of 2026 National Collaborative PkM programs which have been designed systematically since the planning and inter-agency coordination stages. Through a collaborative approach, JPPM together with IndoCEISS and partner universities strive to present service programs that not only provide theoretical insight, but also practical skills that can be directly applied by participants in academic, professional and social life.

The success of implementing the 2026 National Collaboration PkM Phase 2 further strengthens the commitment of all parties involved to continue to present service programs that are relevant to the needs of the community. By strengthening creativity, utilizing artificial intelligence, and developing positive personal branding, it is hoped that Indonesia's young generation will be able to become digital talents who are adaptive, innovative, and competitive in facing challenges and opportunities in the era of digital transformation.

About JPPM
The Research and Community Service Network (JPPM) of Serang City, Banten Province is a forum for academic collaboration that focuses on research development, community service and increasing academic capacity through various scientific and training activities.