The School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), welcomed its graduate students from the Class of August 2026 at the Welcome Postgraduate Students event held at the ITB East Hall on Saturday (August 8th). Embracing the motto “Dream Big, Work Hard, Lead the Way,” the event gathered around 200 students from all SBM ITB graduate programs for a series of welcoming activities, academic briefings, awards, and networking opportunities.
The event was attended by students from the Bandung MBA, the Jakarta MBA, the Master of Science in Management (MSM), and the Doctor of Science in Management (DSM). Welcome Postgraduate Students creates a shared space for all graduate students to familiarize themselves with the SBM ITB academic environment and to build cross-program networks from the start of their studies.
The theme “Dream Big, Work Hard, Lead the Way” serves as the driving force behind the new students’ journey through postgraduate education at SBM ITB. Students are encouraged to have big aspirations, build commitment through hard work, and take on leadership roles that make an impact in their respective fields.
Eko Agus Prasetio, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at SBM ITB, introduced the SBM ITB academic environment, including the lecturers and faculty staff who will be part of the students’ journey during their postgraduate studies. The welcoming session offered students the chance to realize that their journey at SBM ITB extends beyond the classroom. It is bolstered by an academic ecosystem that includes lecturers, educational staff, alumni, and student communities from various programs.
By bringing together students from various SBM ITB postgraduate programs in a single activity, students also had the opportunity to begin building connections with peers from diverse backgrounds, professional experiences, and areas of expertise.
In addition to welcoming new students, SBM ITB recognized outstanding students with the SBM ITB Dean’s List Award for the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The Dean’s List Award is an annual recognition given to the top three students from each cohort in each study program who demonstrate overall excellence throughout their studies.
This award reflects three main aspects: academic excellence, leadership and achievement, and core values and interpersonal skills. Academically, students are assessed based on their GPA over the past two semesters and compliance with academic and non-academic requirements. Meanwhile, leadership and achievement encompass active involvement, initiative, and student contributions in the academic environment and other activities.
During the Study and Academic Onboarding session, students are introduced to the academic roadmap, which serves as a guide throughout their education. The material then continues with an explanation of academic regulations and the ITB Student Code of Ethics, providing students with an understanding of the rules, responsibilities, and ethical standards they must uphold as part of the ITB academic community. Students are also introduced to the journeys and achievements of alumni from SBM ITB’s MBA, MSM, and DSM programs. This introduction provides an overview of the opportunities and career paths available to students after completing their postgraduate studies.
Students also receive information about the double degree program offered by SBM ITB. Through this program, students have the opportunity to gain academic experience at higher education institutions abroad, broaden their global perspectives, and build international networks.
The student briefing also includes a Financial Literacy session delivered by Atika Irawan, S.Mn., M.Sc., a lecturer at SBM ITB. This session provides an understanding of the importance of financial literacy for students in managing their finances during their postgraduate studies.
The presence of these students in one forum also reflects the diversity of the SBM ITB postgraduate community. Students come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, yet they are brought together in a unified environment to learn, grow, and contribute.
