For Yuanita Handayati, leadership is not just a structural mandate, but a space to provide meaning, impact, and direction. In her role as Head of the Bandung Campus MBA Program at SBM ITB, she views education as a process of shaping thinking, not just imparting knowledge.
Yuanita believes that academic leaders need to be sensitive to people and their contexts. For her, the increasingly dynamic business world demands a leadership approach that is adaptive, collaborative, and based on integrity. “Leaders cannot simply give instructions; they need to lead by example and open up dialogue,” she said.
From Science to Management: The Foundation of Systemic Thinking
Yuanita’s academic journey began with the Meteorology Bachelor’s Program at ITB, which she completed in 2001. This scientific background shaped the systemic and analytical thinking that would later become a strong foundation for pursuing fields in operations and performance management, as well as supply chain management.
Her interest in processes, efficiency, and decision-making led Yuanita to pursue a Master of Science in Management at ITB, which she completed in 2006. At this level, she began exploring the interconnections among operational processes, organizational performance, and real-world business challenges.
Her commitment to academics continued into her doctoral studies. In 2014, Yuanita earned a Doctorate of Science in Management from ITB, focusing on supply chain research, particularly in the agricultural sector. This doctoral process further strengthened her commitment to her role as a lecturer and researcher while simultaneously developing research relevant to industry and society.
Developing a Relevant and Multidisciplinary MBA
As Head of the Bandung Campus MBA Program, Yuanita views the MBA as a strategic program that bridges various disciplines at ITB. Under her leadership, the SBM ITB MBA program has been directed to acquire a more specific flavor through the development of various streams, multidisciplinary collaborations, and international cooperation.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining the curriculum’s relevance not only in its content but also in its pedagogical approaches. The involvement of industry, alumni, and advisory boards is a crucial part of the curriculum evaluation and development process, ensuring that MBA graduates are equipped to address real-world challenges.
Learning Innovation through the Laboratory for Educational Games
Yuanita’s commitment to quality learning is also reflected in her role as Head of the Laboratory for Educational Games (LEG) at SBM ITB. Reflecting on her teaching experience, she recognized the need for a more engaging, experiential approach to learning.
Through LEG, Yuanita encourages the use of game-based learning as a means to understand the complexities of business decision-making. The learning-by-play approach allows students to build awareness through experience before delving into deeper conceptual discussions.
This effort was acknowledged at the PRIMA ITB 2025 x ITB CEO Summit, where LEG SBM ITB received the Most Interactive Booth award. This recognition highlights LEG’s commitment to being a hub for pedagogical innovation that incorporates research, technology, and the requirements of both education and industry.
Education, Impact, and the Meaning of Leadership
For Yuanita, business education encompasses more than just training competent managers; it also involves nurturing leaders who can understand people, the context in which they operate, and the implications of every decision made. She believes that decision-making within organizations is profoundly influenced by human behavior, so it is essential for learning to foster this awareness.
Concluding her reflection, Yuanita summarized her leadership philosophy in one sentence: “Leadership is not about position, but about sensitivity, understanding others, acting with integrity, and making an impact on those around you.”
