JAKARTA: The Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB) marked the beginning of the Student Mobility Program 2024 in Jakarta on 12 September 2024.
Hosted by BINUS Business School at its JWS, Jakarta campus, this five-day program is designed to foster international academic collaboration and promote cultural exchange between the two institutions. The program brings together 14 students from OYAGSB, under the expert guidance of MBA Program Director, Dr. Nazahah Abd Rahim.
The success of the program has set a positive tone for future collaborations, strengthening the academic ties between OYAGSB and BINUS University, while offering students with invaluable international exposure.
The delegation from OYAGSB was warmly received by BINUS University’s Dr. Andreas Chang, Campus Director of the JWC Campus, and Dr. Pantri Heriyati, Head of Social & Business Empowerment at BINUS Business School. The program commenced with a formal welcoming ceremony that set the tone for the days ahead. The OYAGSB delegation was treated to a series of speeches, participated in group photo sessions, and toured BINUS University’s state-of-the-art facilities.
One of the highlights of the first day was an engaging Angklung class, where participants had the opportunity to learn and perform Indonesia’s traditional musical instrument. The immersive cultural experience showcased the beauty of Indonesia’s rich musical heritage and offered OYAGSB students with a hands-on understanding of local traditions.
In addition to campus activities, the mobility program includes cultural tours, industry visits, and immersive learning sessions designed to enhance the participants’ understanding of Jakarta’s dynamic business landscape and vibrant culture. From exploring local markets to attending insightful lectures on sustainability and business strategy, the program offers a harmonious blend of educational and cultural experiences.
This mobility program underscored the importance of global academic collaboration, allowing students to enhance their knowledge while acquiring valuable cultural and business insights in the dynamic city of Jakarta. This signifies yet another milestone in OYAGSB’s continuous effort to provide its students with invaluable international exposure.
The second day offered an in-depth exploration of local businesses and sustainability initiatives. The delegation visited the Rawa Belong Flower Market, where they engaged in comprehensive market research focused on local vendors and their operations. The students engaged in a thorough examination of the market’s economic dynamics while acquiring knowledge about sustainability practices.
The visit highlighted opportunities for enhancement, particularly in waste management, while providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by small businesses, especially concerning pollution and resource management. During their visit to the Rawa Belong Flower Market, the group had the delightful surprise of being interviewed by the renowned Indonesian news anchor, Berdit Zanzabela, for her channel!
Following their visit to the Rawa Belong Flower Market, the group proceeded to Grand Indonesia Mall, where corporate executives delivered an engaging session on sustainability initiatives, with a particular focus on green building practices. The discussion centred around Jakarta’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ways in which businesses can align their operations with the triple bottom line – balancing profit with environmental and social responsibility. The mall’s innovative initiatives, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of renewable energy, provided practical examples of sustainable business practices. The experiences provided students with the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts such as Creating Shared Value (CSV) and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) to real-world situations.
The third day, students engaged in enriching in-class academic sessions held at BINUS University. The first lecture, titled Agile and Disruptive Business Strategy, was presented by Prof. Dr. Ir. Mohammad Hamsal. The interactive session, focusing on organizational agility in today’s rapidly changing business environment, offered students with practical insights into how companies like ING have adapted agile frameworks to maintain their competitive edge.
Additionally, the students participated in an engaging session on Strategic Human Capital and Change Management, led by Dr. Iman Permana. The lecture explored the transformation from conventional human resource management to a more dynamic human capital approach, highlighting the potential impact of AI and technology on the future of workforce management. These sessions provided an in-depth exploration of modern business strategies, enriching participants’ academic understanding and highlighting the similarities between the business education systems of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Day four was dedicated to exploring Jakarta’s vibrant history and culture. The delegation had the privilege of visiting the National Monument (MONAS), a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s enduring struggle for independence. The 132-meter-tall structure, crowned with a gold-plated flame, stands as a testament to the country’s resilience. Despite the heat, students explored the site and gained valuable historical insights. The group also visited the bustling Thamrin City Mall, where they indulged in a delightful shopping experience for traditional Indonesian products. This experience provided a glimpse into local consumer behavior and the diverse shopping culture of Jakarta.
The final day began with a visit to Kota Tua, Jakarta’s historical area, where the group explored the Fatahillah Museum. This visit enhanced their understanding of Jakarta’s cultural heritage, offering a rich historical perspective into the city’s colonial past. The final destination was the iconic Istiqlal Mosque, an architectural marvel and Indonesia’s largest mosque.
As the program came to an end, the students reflected on the invaluable lessons they acquired. The experiences in Jakarta not only broadened their academic and cultural perspectives but also highlighted the importance of planning, time management, and adaptability in international settings. The program enhanced the collaboration between OYAGSB and BINUS University, laying a solid foundation for future partnerships and academic exchanges.
The OYAGSB Student Mobility Program 2024 proved to be a resounding success, offering students a holistic blend of academic insight, cultural immersion, and valuable professional networking. The collaboration with BINUS University in Jakarta not only strengthened the bonds between the institutions but also empowered students with the essential skills to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world.
Dr. Nazahah expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by BINUS University and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in shaping future leaders. She highlighted that “this program serves as a platform for our students to gain exposure to different cultures, industries, and educational environments, transforming them into truly global citizens. From cultural immersion to business strategy insights, the program offered a transformative experience, empowering students to become adaptable and socially aware global citizens.”
The student mobility program marks a significant step in OYAGSB’s commitment to fostering transformative learning experiences for its students, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a dynamic business environment. The friendships, knowledge, and experiences gained during the program will leave a lasting impact on the students, setting the stage for future collaborations between OYAGSB and BINUS University. – Dr. Nazahah Abd. Rahim