Within and Beyond UMAK: Standing Out in a VUCA World (A Synthesis)

Abstract

This article synthesizes the articles that were submitted for the November 2022 issue of UNIVERSITAS. It focuses on how the proponents of those articles explored the challenges and opportunities of adapting to the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article discusses how the pandemic has exposed the need for holistically developed intelligence, critical thinking, and media literacy among the youth and the general public, as well as the importance of revising and updating the curriculum and pedagogy of educational institutions to meet the demands of the new normal. The article also highlights the role of experiential learning and internship programs in preparing students for the professional practice of pharmacy and other health-related fields. The article concludes by emphasizing the value of research and innovation in addressing the current and future challenges of the VUCA world.