Berita

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, global challenges, and economic transformation, a groundbreaking dialogue occurred at the American Corner Library Hall, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. The event, Stimulating Creative Thinking: Integrating Humanities and STEM in Higher Education, brought together academic leaders and education advocates from the United States and Indonesia to explore a bold vision for 21st-century education: the fusion of the humanities with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This integration fosters an environment of free thinking, innovation, and social responsibility.

The conversation, led by distinguished scholars, highlighted the pivotal role that creative thinking plays in driving scientific progress and technological evolution. “Free thinking and creative thinking are the foundation of all progress,” said Dr. Paul DuongTran, M.S., M.S.W., Ph.D., a senior faculty member at California State University, Dominguez Hills. “To build the technologies of tomorrow, we must encourage students to think independently and challenge assumptions—something that can only be achieved through a strong liberal arts education.”

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The event also emphasized that creativity is essential to “design.” Creativity is crucial in solving the world’s most pressing problems, from developing cutting-edge software to designing sustainable infrastructure. Whether in the arts or sciences, innovation thrives in the creative process, where new ideas are nurtured, tested, and brought to life. One distinguished professor explained, “There is no such thing as pure thinking in design. It’s about reimagining existing frameworks and finding innovative ways to approach old problems.”

At the heart of the discussion was the intersection of humanities and STEM. The speakers explored how integrating liberal arts—critical thinking, ethics, philosophy, and social responsibility—can guide scientific discovery toward outcomes that benefit society. “Too often, technology is developed without considering its social or ecological impact,” said an expert in sustainable design. “We need to create solutions that not only push the boundaries of what’s possible but also what’s responsible.”

The event also delved into the “5 Contexts of STEM”—engage, explore, evaluate, elaborate, and explain. These five principles form the foundation of a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to education that encourages students to think critically, collaborate across disciplines, and bring innovative ideas to life. By integrating these principles with humanities education, students are better equipped to approach complex problems from a broader perspective, ensuring that their solutions are both technologically sound and ethically and socially responsible.

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The event’s key focus was women’s transformative role in education, particularly in driving STEM innovation and promoting social equity. Panelists shared insights from Indonesia, where women have emerged as critical leaders in academia and social policy. This reinforced that an inclusive and diverse educational environment is essential for producing compelling and equitable solutions.

“The future of global education must balance creativity, ethics, and technical expertise,” said an expert in international relations. “We must continue to push boundaries—not just in technology, but in how we think about humanity’s role in the world.”

The event concluded with a call to action for universities, governments, and corporations to invest in educational programs that foster the integration of the humanities and STEM. By promoting free thought, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the next generation of leaders and innovators will be better prepared to tackle our world’s complex challenges.