Students enrolled in the Human Capital Management (HCM) course at SBM ITB had the opportunity to attend The Ambassador Talk titled Future Opportunities for Indonesian Students: Research, Innovation, and Global Careers in Singapore on June 4, 2026. The event featured H.E. Kwok Fook Seng, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Indonesia, and was moderated by Dr. Nila A. Windasari, Head of the Undergraduate Management Program at SBM ITB. Through the discussion, students gained insights into how the strong relationship between Indonesia and Singapore continues to create opportunities in education, research, innovation, and global career development.
The event was opened by Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., Rector of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), who highlighted the importance of building networks, fostering collaboration, and encouraging knowledge exchange in an increasingly interconnected world. He emphasized that today’s global challenges can no longer be addressed individually but require partnerships that enable people to learn, grow, and innovate together.
In his presentation, H.E. Kwok explained that the relationship between Indonesia and Singapore has been built on a strong foundation of trust and long-term partnership. This enduring relationship is reflected in Singapore’s position as Indonesia’s largest foreign investor for more than a decade.
“Singapore has been Indonesia’s largest investor for more than ten years. This is not merely a matter of economic calculation, but also a reflection of our trust and confidence in Indonesia’s future,” he said.
According to H.E. Kwok, the bilateral partnership extends beyond economic cooperation to include education, research, digitalization, and energy. For students, these collaborations open access to a wide range of opportunities, including joint research, student exchange programs, international internships, scholarships, and global career pathways. He emphasized that partnerships between higher education institutions, including ITB, will continue to play a vital role in preparing future talents to compete on the global stage.
The discussion then shifted to students’ readiness for the international job market. H.E. Kwok noted that today’s employment landscape has become increasingly competitive, with university graduates taking longer to secure their first jobs than in previous years. He encouraged students to begin preparing early by gaining relevant experience, understanding industry needs, and developing the adaptability required to navigate a rapidly changing world.
The discussion was further enriched during the question-and-answer session, where participants raised questions about the challenges of entering the global workforce. Responding to these questions, H.E. Kwok stressed that understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior is just as important as academic achievement. He explained that the ability to recognize local needs and adapt to changing market conditions enables both individuals and organizations to create greater value.
Concluding the session, H.E. Kwok encouraged students to start preparing themselves today so they will be ready to seize future opportunities.
“The challenge is not only finding opportunities, but understanding the market and how people behave. Start early, understand what companies are looking for, and continue learning to adapt as the market evolves,” he advised.
The Ambassador Talk offered students a broader perspective that global opportunities are shaped not only by strong international partnerships but also by individuals’ readiness to seize them. As collaboration between Indonesia and Singapore continues to deepen, students are encouraged to strengthen their competencies, broaden their experiences, and cultivate an adaptive mindset that will enable them to contribute meaningfully in an increasingly interconnected global ecosystem.
