Prof. Aurik Gustomo, Dean of the School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), emphasized that collaboration between universities and the mass media can amplify the positive impact generated by higher education institutions. He stated that SBM ITB not only strives to build an international-standard academic environment but also ensures that education, research, and various initiatives it undertakes provide tangible benefits to society.
“Let’s build Indonesia with societal impact. Hopefully, Indonesian media can also impact Indonesia’s welfare,” he said at the 2026 SBM ITB Media Gathering at the ITB MBA Building on Monday (July 6, 2026).
This event served as a forum for fostering camaraderie and strengthening collaboration between SBM ITB and its media partners, while introducing the school’s various strategic initiatives in research, communication, societal impact, and industry collaboration. He hoped that this Media Gathering would strengthen the long-term relationship between SBM ITB and its media partners, creating a broader and more measurable impact.
Meanwhile, ITB’s Director of Communications and Public Relations, Nurlaela Arief, stated that close collaboration with the media will help broaden the dissemination of SBM ITB’s various achievements, innovations, and educational contributions. She expressed her hope that SBM ITB will continue to enhance the quality of its publications and broaden their reach, further strengthening the school’s visibility and reputation.
“We hope SBM ITB can become a leading faculty. Media coverage needs to be continuously maximized,” she said.
At the media gathering, SBM ITB’s Head of Thought Leadership, Dedy Sushandoyo, introduced Entrepreneurial Business as SBM ITB’s institutional DNA, the foundation for building excellence in the business school. Dedy explained that research not only aims to produce scientific publications but also serves as a foundation for the learning process, institutional development, and the creation of real solutions through various Thought Leadership initiatives in technology-driven entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship.
“Educational institutions should not just talk; they should not just express opinions, but must be based on research,” he said.
Meanwhile, Victo Anggara Wisesa, Head of the Sustainable Business Institute at SBM ITB, explained that education, research, and community service must be integrated to produce real solutions to various social challenges. Through this societal impact approach, students gain more applied learning experiences, research produces implementable recommendations, and community service is conducted based on real community needs. SBM ITB targets a 70% business sustainability rate for its mentored MSMEs, 50% business growth, and the creation of 500 jobs through various entrepreneurship programs.
“The challenge is no longer whether business schools can produce brilliant graduates, but whether those graduates can make a real impact,” he explained.
Jagat Prirayani, Project Officer for the SBM ITB Industrial Summit, introduced the SBM ITB Industrial Summit 2026. The event will bring together industry players from six strategic sectors: transportation, mining and oil and gas, finance, tourism, creative industries, and property, with academics and policymakers to discuss various national economic challenges. Furthermore, participants will also gain full access to the International Conference series without having to submit a scientific paper.
“We will bring together various industry representatives to engage in direct dialogue with academics and professors regarding strategic issues facing our country,” he said.
