Business schools can no longer rely solely on theoretical mastery and managerial skills. Today, they are required to cultivate leaders with integrity, character, and the capacity to make a real impact on society. For this reason, SBM ITB must transform from a knowledge-based institution into a wisdom-based one.
The increasingly complex challenges of the modern business world demand decision-making rooted not only in analysis and efficiency, but also in humanitarian values, ethics, and sustainability. This transformation is essential for SBM ITB to remain relevant and to contribute meaningfully at both national and global levels.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Sudarso Kaderi Wiryono, a central figure in the journey and development of SBM ITB, conveyed this message of transformation during his Wisdom Speech and Appreciation Ceremony for Retired SBM ITB Lecturers in Bandung (December 5). This event honored the dedication of the retiring lecturers, with a wisdom speech as the main agenda item.
In his address, titled “SBM-ITB — Becoming a Business School that Matters,” Prof. Sudarso reflected on the evolving role of business schools amid increasingly complex global dynamics. He stressed that business schools must move beyond teaching theory and managerial techniques by nurturing leaders of integrity and character who can create meaningful societal impact.
Prof. Sudarso emphasized the importance of transforming SBM ITB from a knowledge-based school to a wisdom-based school. He argued that the challenges of today’s business world demand decision-making skills based not only on analysis and efficiency, but also on humanitarian values, ethics, and sustainability. This transformation is key to SBM ITB remaining relevant and contributing meaningfully at the national and global levels.
Furthermore, Prof. Sudarso outlined four key pillars for SBM ITB to truly become a business school that matters: impact-oriented education, research that addresses the nation’s needs, strengthening the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and human-centered leadership with strong moral integrity. He encouraged the academic community to measure success not only by reputation and global rankings, but also by the tangible contributions of graduates, research outputs, and the value created for society.
The event also featured a retirement address by Dr. Ir. Subiakto, M.B.A., who reflected on his years of service as a lecturer and academic. He emphasized lifelong learning, collaboration, and consistency as foundational principles in building educational institutions.
The event concluded with a retirement address from Dra. Umi Zuraida, M.Sc., who delivered a reflective message about sincerity and dedication in carrying out her role as an educator.
She reminded the audience that education is not merely the transfer of knowledge, but the shaping of character and values for future generations.
This wisdom speech and retirement appreciation ceremony marked an important milestone in the lecturers’ contributions to building SBM ITB. More than a farewell, the event reaffirmed the school’s commitment to becoming a values-based business education institution that strives to deliver sustainable impact for society, the nation, and the world.
