Collaboration is no longer just a trend but a reality, driven by the sharing economy. In the next 12 months, the most significant opportunity for alumni of SBM ITB, lies in their ability to implement technology, particularly AI, and translate it into relevant and valuable business solutions. With such rapid technological developments, collaboration is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Seno Soemadji, Director of Strategic Business Development and Portfolio at PT Telkom Tbk, shared this insight during an Alumni Sharing Session titled “Collaboration in the Knowledge Economy Era: Connecting Professionals, Businesspeople, and Academics to Create New Opportunities.” The session was a significant part of the “Year-End Reunion 2025,” an alumni gathering organized by the Alumni Association (IA) of the School of Business and Management at the Bandung Institute of Technology, held in Bandung on December 30. The event aimed to foster collaboration and strengthen relationships among alumni from various programs.
The event was attended by deans, lecturers, and alumni from various professions. This event not only served as a gathering place for old friends but also as a platform for exchanging professional insights through discussion sessions featuring practitioners and academics from the business ecosystem.
In 2021, SBM received international accreditation from AACSB, making it the only Indonesian business school recognized as a member of the Asia Pacific Advisory Council (APAC). This achievement is a testament to the accomplishments of our alumni. “We sincerely hope that our alumni will continue to contribute to the learning process through their specialized expertise,” said SBM ITB Dean Prof. Dr. Aurik Gustomo, S.T., M.T., during the event’s opening.
“I hope that when investors are needed, they will remember our alumni. When looking for professionals, they will return to their alumni. And for various other collaborations. We will also make major updates to the alumni website to make it a stronger platform in the future,” added Dr. Sahat Hutajulu, S.T., M.M., SBM ITB Alumni Coordinator, echoing the dean’s remarks. Sahat expressed his commitment to strengthening the alumni ecosystem.
The Alumni Sharing Session itself featured four speakers. In addition to Seno, Prof. Aurik, Founder & CEO of MontPro, Ardhi A. Pradhana, CEO of Invst ID & VP of Startup Bandung, and Nur Islami Javad, MBA, also delivered their speech.
The four shared their views on the dynamics of the professional, business, and academic worlds, which have moved faster than ever in the past three years. The increasing need for cross-sector collaboration, the pressure to remain relevant amidst the technological and AI revolution, and changes in digital behavior were the main highlights of this session.
In the next session, an academic perspective expanded on this discussion. Aurik explained that the world is currently shaken by three major phenomena: geopolitics, globalization, and sustainability. According to him, these three issues drive the need for cross-sector collaboration so that the business and education worlds can generate sustainable societal impact.
“SBM is currently launching 10 societal impact programs that integrate education, research, and community service, where students are involved in all these activities,” said Aurik.
These programs include the Red and White Village Cooperative project, which is integrated into the curriculum and focuses on SDG No. 8 on economic growth. This initiative also involves internal collaboration with other faculties, such as SITH and FTMD, to foster innovation and generate solutions relevant to society.
Closing the session, Ardhi A. Pradhana emphasized that building relationships is the first step to opening up collaboration opportunities.
“Get to know each other, follow up, and schedule the next meeting. Alumni gatherings like this are the gateway to collaboration,” he said.
Prof. Aurik added that building relationships requires a commitment to continuous learning. It is especially relevant considering that SBM ITB is preparing a new multidisciplinary program that integrates business with various technology sectors, including aviation, biotech, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and sustainability. He also encouraged alumni to contribute to SBM’s societal impact program and participate in experiential learning schemes such as SBM Enterprise, which opens up collaboration between students and alumni companies to develop new entrepreneurial opportunities.
