With almost 14 years of service at the SBM ITB, Jakarta Campus, Yos Sunitiyoso, Ph.D continues to contribute to the institution’s development. Since joining in January 2010, Yos has experienced the various dynamics of SBM ITB’s journey and growth in Jakarta.
“I am happy to contribute to developing SBM ITB in Jakarta. It’s a challenging journey,” said Yos, Head of MBA ITB Program Jakarta Campus, during a discussion with the SBM ITB Marketing and Communications Team on Wednesday (29/11).
Yos expressed his relief and pride at being allowed by SBM to be involved in institutional development. Reflecting on the journey from SBM ITB Jakarta’s initial location in the Bidakara Building to its current home in the Graha Irama Building, Yos highlighted the significant increase in the number of students, from less than 100 to around 900, coming from both domestic and foreign countries.
During his tenure at SBM ITB, Yos has focused on various aspects of work. Firstly, he emphasizes educating students to become future leaders capable of competing globally. Secondly, he has worked on establishing collaborations with educational institutions worldwide. Lastly, Yos has collaborated with various companies across industries to contribute to developing Indonesian talent.
The primary focus has been developing study programs that meet societal and industry needs. This has been realized through various concentrations such as Business Leadership (BLEMBA), Entrepreneurship (ENTREE), General Management (GM), Energy Management (ENEMBA), Strategic Marketing (SMEMBA), and MBA programs in collaboration with industry. Other programs like Sustainability (STEMBA) and Entrepreneurial Marketing (ENMARK) were later developed at MBA Jakarta. Additionally, the Jakarta Campus supports the Doctor Science Management (DSM) study program, organizing DSM classes for professionals.
Yos emphasizes that educational programs must address existing challenges, including sectoral ego. He believes educational institutions must instill an entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative managerialism, a holistic view, and innovative and effective management knowledge to meet practical challenges.
Another challenge Yos addresses is the ethical use of technology. While acknowledging technology as neutral, Yos emphasizes educating students on responsible use and guiding them in leveraging information technology advancements for ethical purposes.
The second focus of Yos’s work is to develop collaborations with global institutions. Accredited by AACSB, SBM ITB’s learning standards align with top business schools globally, enabling wider collaborations with world-class universities. MBA ITB has already collaborated with universities such as Boston University, Fordham University (United States), University of Queensland (Australia), Glasgow University, Hull University (UK), and Aalto University (Finland). Yos hopes to expand collaborations further, exploring partnerships with the University of Southampton, Bournemouth University, Queen Mary University of London, and other institutions offering specialized student choices.
“Each university builds its reputation and competence over a long period of time, so we need to know the areas of specialization in which they excel. “What is taken into consideration is not only university rankings or current trends in the field of learning but also areas of specialization that university partners have built for a long time or what is said to be thought leadership,” said Yos.
Yos’s third focus is collaborating with various institutions, including businesses and government bodies, to support the development of Indonesian talent. The Jakarta Campus has implemented various collaboration programs with private and state-owned companies, ministries, and government agencies.
Regarding learning methods, Yos emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods to learners’ characteristics. Apart from case studies, SBM ITB’s superior learning model involves practitioners who, along with SBM ITB academics, bring practical experience to learning, providing students with holistic academic and practical learning.
Yos acknowledges the vital role of alumni in educational institutions. Alumni contribute to maintaining and improving the institution’s reputation by participating in teaching, speaking at seminars and public lectures, and providing other forms of contributions.
Yos advises students that success requires hard work, integrity, consistency, determination, and perseverance. While obstacles may arise, Yos encourages students to stay committed, as there will always be a better way to achieve their goals.