The SBM ITB held the 2025 Industry Appreciation Luncheon at the SBM ITB Jakarta campus on Thursday, October 2. This event served as a gathering and an expression of gratitude to industry partners who have supported the development of education, research, and sustainability at SBM ITB.
As a token of appreciation, SBM ITB presented awards to industry partners in two categories. The Master Class category was awarded to PT PLN (Persero), PT Freeport Indonesia, PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk., and PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional. Meanwhile, the Executive Class category was awarded to BTPN Syariah, PT Kaltim Prima Coal, NHI Bandung Tourism Polytechnic, Perum Jasa Tirta II, PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk., and PT Hutama Karya (Persero).
At the event, ITB’s Director of Partnerships, Dr. Endra Gunawan, emphasized that ITB’s role extends beyond being an educational institution to also serving as a strategic partner for the business world.
“Our three core pillars are education, research, and community service. Therefore, this is a good opportunity for partnership,” he said in his opening remarks.
Meanwhile, the Dean of SBM ITB Prof. Aurik Gustomo, emphasized the importance of graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset and a focus on sustainability.
“Our alumni graduate not only with degrees but also with an entrepreneurial mindset to help companies grow sustainably. At SBM ITB, growth strategy, leadership, and innovation are three key learning areas,” he explained.
Professor Aurik highlighted the importance of innovation as a key factor in facilitating collaboration between academic institutions and industries. He explained that innovation should not be viewed as mere jargon; instead, it is essential for putting strategy and leadership into actual practice.
“ITB’s location at the center of technology and science allows our innovations to stem from technological advancements and multidisciplinary collaboration,” he added.
During the discussion session, academics, alumni, and industry representatives discussed the relevance of the SBM ITB curriculum to the field’s needs. They emphasized the importance of local case studies in better preparing graduates for the Indonesian context, in addition to the case teaching method advocated by international practitioners and lecturers.
The discussion highlighted the importance of enhancing collaboration between universities and industries through training, research, and the development of joint modules. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach and prioritizing applied sciences, SBM ITB reaffirmed its commitment to producing graduates who are not only professionally skilled but also make a meaningful impact on society.
The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several strategic partners from various sectors, including VMCS Advisory, McKinsey & Company, Bobobox, CAKE Global, CPROCOM, and EBSI Indonesia. This collaboration encompasses consulting, talent development, and business sustainability.
