Executive Vice President of AACSB International, Geoff Perry, shared his impressions of the SBM ITB, during his second visit. Perry first visited SBM ITB in 2023 for a collaborative seminar with AACSB and LAMEMBA.
“When I entered the building this time, I was very impressed with the facilities. The spaces are bright, neat, attractive, and conducive to interactive learning,” he said in Bandung (August 29).
He highlighted the flexibility of the classrooms and the collegial and supportive atmosphere fostered by SBM ITB’s faculty and staff.
SBM ITB’s Role in Indonesia
Perry recalled how SBM ITB once held a conference that brought together various business schools in Indonesia to discuss quality improvement and accreditation.
“SBM ITB is at the forefront of encouraging other schools to advance in their quality improvement journey,” he said.
Perry also highlighted SBM ITB’s unique position among business schools in the Asia-Pacific. He cited the school’s mission, which focuses on entrepreneurship and innovative leadership, as a differentiating force. Furthermore, the campuses’ locations in Bandung and Jakarta, the breadth of academic disciplines, and the enhanced quality of research are also notable strengths.
He added that SBM ITB has been a pioneer in internationalization, with more student exchange opportunities than any other school in Indonesia.
“Among business schools in Indonesia, it’s rare to find one with such strong international exposure. SBM ITB is paving the way for others,” he said.
Enhancing Impact in the AACSB Community
According to Perry, SBM ITB actively supports Indonesian business schools pursuing accreditation, often sharing their experiences to inspire others. On several occasions, SBM ITB lecturers have even accompanied AACSB representatives when they met with other institutions, providing a concrete illustration of the benefits and challenges of accreditation from an Indonesian perspective.
He also sees significant opportunities for SBM ITB to collaborate more closely with AACSB in organizing seminars and quality improvement training in the Asia-Pacific region, thereby expanding its impact beyond Indonesia.
Perry encouraged SBM ITB to boost its visibility by not only attending conferences but also taking the opportunity to speak on the international stage.
“By participating in conferences, SBM ITB can enhance the recognition of ITB and showcase Indonesia as a country with high-quality business schools,” he stated. He added that this approach would strengthen SBM ITB’s international connections and establish its role as a model for other schools in the Asia-Pacific region.
SBM ITB’s Potential in the Asia-Pacific
When asked about SBM ITB’s unique position among Asia-Pacific business schools, Perry reiterated the school’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovative leadership as key differentiators. He also highlighted the geographical advantage of campuses in Bandung and Jakarta, their breadth of disciplines, their continuously improving research quality, and their commitment to internationalization.
“Among business schools in Indonesia, few have this level of international exposure. SBM ITB is paving the way for others,” he said.
Through international partnerships, student exchanges, and collaborations with global institutions, SBM ITB is positioning itself not only as a leader in Indonesia but also as a rising force in the regional academic scene.
A Message for SBM ITB Students
Perry advised SBM ITB students to remain relevant in the future. Business schools must continue to evolve to stay relevant, integrate technology, and prepare students for a dynamic future.
Top business schools will continue to equip students with agility, enabling them to adapt to a changing world. Additionally, business schools will increasingly integrate various disciplines, combining business with engineering, healthcare, and even the arts. That’s the direction of the future,” he said.
He explained that globally, many organizations are now seeking graduates with diverse academic backgrounds, not only from business, but also from fields like neuroscience or chemistry, because they bring fresh perspectives to problem-solving. This trend underscores the importance of interdisciplinary education and also points to the direction of SBM ITB’s development to become more aligned with global practices.
Perry encouraged students to embrace this spirit of adaptability and cross-disciplinary learning.
“Business schools are dynamic and focused on the needs of learners, so they are prepared to take their journey wherever they go. That’s the real advantage of studying at a strong business school like SBM ITB,” he concluded.
