As the Vice Dean for Resources at the SBM ITB, Prof. Donald Crestofel Lantu, S.T., M.B.A., Ph.D., has gone through a long and dynamic journey. From an unplanned start to eventually earning the title of Professor in Business Leadership, Prof. Donald’s life journey exemplifies perseverance, seizing opportunities, and the courage to adapt to change. In addition to being an academic and a stock market investor, Prof. Donald is also known as a true football fan, particularly of Liverpool FC, which reflects his dedication and never-give-up spirit in various aspects of life.
From Balikpapan to Bandung: Reaching Goals through Unexpected Opportunities
Prof. Donald was born and raised in Balikpapan, an oil city where he spent his childhood. “I attended KPS Elementary and Junior High School, which catered specifically to the children of oil company employees,” he recalled. As a teenager, he had the opportunity to migrate when his aunt in Bandung invited him to continue his education at SMAN 3 Bandung, a school that provided better chances of admission to ITB.
Since childhood, Professor Donald excelled in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He joked, “I wasn’t good at drawing, so I looked for a program at ITB that didn’t require drawing. I chose Industrial Engineering, but it turned out there were machine drawings!” After graduating from ITB, he worked for several years in Jakarta, but ultimately felt that the job was not a good fit for him.
Professor Donald chose to return to campus to pursue an MBA at ITB, coinciding with the establishment of SBM ITB in 2003. After graduating, he had no intention of becoming a lecturer but was invited to join SBM by Professor Jann Hidajat, one of the founders. “Initially, I planned to occupy my time for three months while applying for a consulting job, but I ended up enjoying teaching and interacting with students,” he remarked.
Teaching became a life-changing experience. Prof. Donald realized that teaching was his true passion. “I enjoy preparing and delivering material, and I find satisfaction when students are enthusiastic, understand, and grow,” he said. This realization led him to pursue a career in education. Now, more than 21 years later, Prof. Donald has held various strategic positions at SBM ITB, including Head of Center, Head of Study Group, and now Vice Dean for Resources.
He earned his Ph.D. from Massey University in New Zealand between 2008 and 2012. Upon returning to Indonesia, he became involved in various assignments at SBM ITB. “In my 21 years at SBM, I’ve seen SBM grow and contribute significantly to education in Indonesia,” he said. As Vice Dean for Resources, Prof. Donald is committed to making SBM ITB an institution that is not only focused on international rankings but also one that creates a real impact for students, industry, and society. “We want students not only to master theory but also to transform into reliable, ethical, and impactful business leaders.”
From Family Struggles to Financial Freedom through Investment
Professor Donald is not only recognized for his academic contributions but is also a notable stock investor. His journey into the stock market began in 2015 when his father was diagnosed with cancer. “My father was seriously ill, and I wanted to ensure he received the best treatment. I realized that to achieve this, I needed to improve my financial situation,” he explained.
Motivated by this necessity, Professor Donald immersed himself in the study of stock investment, with a particular focus on value investing. This strategy involves purchasing shares of fundamentally strong companies at reasonable prices and holding them for the long term. Value investing, popularized by Warren Buffett, views stocks not as speculative instruments but as opportunities for building long-term wealth through a thorough analysis of financial reports, business models, and the quality of management.
According to Professor Donald, a common misconception in investing is the belief that low-risk investments yield only low returns while high-risk investments always generate high returns. He emphasized that it is possible to achieve low risk with high returns if one truly understands and masters their chosen investment strategy.
For example, in stock investments, market fluctuations present risks. However, investors who have a deep understanding of the fundamentals of the companies they invest in can achieve significant returns without taking excessive risks. Professor Donald highlighted the importance of conducting thorough research before investing, as it enables investors to identify opportunities that offer controlled risk along with high potential returns.
“Stocks can be low risk and high return if we choose wisely and understand the companies we are investing in,” he stated. He emphasized, “Thorough research is the key to reducing risk and increasing potential gains. Without research, investing becomes speculative, similar to gambling, which carries significant risks.”
To analyze a company, Professor Donald emphasized three key factors. First, a company’s solidity includes good management, strong finances, competitiveness, and a reliable track record. Second, it’s important to consider the company’s growth prospects, specifically whether it has long-term potential. Lastly, fair stock pricing means that the current price accurately reflects the company’s true fundamental value. By evaluating these factors, investors can make informed decisions and choose stocks that offer optimal returns with lower risk.
Long-Term Thinking and Give First
For Prof. Donald, long-term thinking is crucial in both life and investment. “We must always think long term and focus on the contribution we can give, not just on instant profit,” he explained. This mindset applies not only to finances but also to life choices.
Although he has achieved financial freedom—a goal many aspire to—Prof. Donald realized that more important than financial freedom is the freedom to choose how to spend one’s time and with whom to spend it. “Financial freedom is important, but what’s more valuable is the freedom to live our lives on our own terms, focusing on what truly matters—family, personal and spiritual growth, and contributing to others,” he added.
He lives by the philosophy of “give first,” which he applies in both his personal life and professional work. “It’s not about what we get, but what we can give to others,” he emphasizes. This mindset is evident in his teaching, investing, and relationships. It serves as the foundation for his decision-making, even though he acknowledges that he still makes mistakes and has much to learn.
The more we give, the more opportunities come our way. “Give first” is not solely about sharing material wealth; it also includes giving our time, attention, and positive energy. By giving without expecting anything in return, we open doors to unexpected opportunities and build mutually beneficial relationships. This philosophy illustrates how our contributions to others often return to us in unexpected ways.
Message for Youth and Students
Prof. Donald shares a message for the younger generation who wish to start their investment journey: “Don’t wait until you’re old to become an investor. The right time to start is now, little by little. The results will be felt in 10–20 years,” he emphasized. For him, time is a precious asset, and the earlier we begin, the greater the potential we can achieve in the future.
He also emphasized that understanding risk is crucial to making effective investments. “Investment is not something you can achieve instantly. Don’t be tempted by quick profits in the short term,” he said. Wise investing requires perseverance, deep research, and patience.
A principle he always holds is, “The more you learn, the more you will earn.” Prof. Donald believes knowledge is the ultimate power. “The best investment is investing in yourself,” he added. By continuously learning and growing, we enhance our understanding of investments and our ability to navigate challenges.
This serves as a reminder for students to prioritize not just financial gain but also personal development in order to achieve their broader life goals. According to Prof. Donald, true investment goes beyond the stock market; it includes the time and energy we dedicate to ourselves through education, skill-building, and nurturing relationships. Much like the principle of compounding, these investments, when developed over time, can lead to exponential growth.