Jakarta, 3 July 2025 – BINUS University continues to demonstrate its dedication to nurturing globally minded entrepreneurs through strategic collaborations and innovative educational initiatives. Indonesia’s entrepreneurial sector plays a vital role in the national economy, contributing over 60% to the GDP and encompassing more than 66 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Of these, 24 million have already embraced digital transformation, reflecting the country’s dynamic and rapidly evolving business landscape.

(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)

Through its Center for Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship Research (CIDER), it joined forces with GEN Indonesia to host the Roundtable Discussion on “Reconceptualizing Entrepreneurship Approach in Higher Education.” This initiative, which began in 2022, aims to integrate entrepreneurship into academic curricula, provide students with real-world business practices, and connect them with industry leaders. The roundtable brought together students, faculty, alumni, and global entrepreneurship practitioners to explore sustainable strategies for building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event featured key contributors such as the AAST Entrepreneurship Center, which supports youth-led sustainable businesses in the Arab and African regions; the Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development (IICD), representing private sectors across 57 Islamic countries; and South Bank Innovation (SBI), a UK-based nonprofit that fosters global collaboration to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Their participation not only enriched the dialogue but also catalyzed the establishment of global entrepreneurial networks, particularly in the Middle East and the United Kingdom.

Johan, S.Kom., M.M., CDMS, Vice-Rector for Global Employability & Entrepreneurship at BINUS University, emphasized the institution’s mission to ensure that two out of three BINUS graduates become young entrepreneurs. He highlighted the importance of aligning education with industry expectations and equipping students with entrepreneurial knowledge, leadership skills, and global exposure.

(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)

Speakers such as Heba Al Ashry from AAST shared insights on experiential learning, AI-enabled digital marketing, and gender-inclusive entrepreneurship. At the same time, Dr. Wael El Desouki from SKSEED emphasized the importance of value-based and sustainable entrepreneurship. Ivan A. Sandjaja, Managing Director of GEN Indonesia, provided an overview of the Indonesian entrepreneurial ecosystem and its global connections, advocating for sustainable partnerships across academia, startups, and industry stakeholders.

Furthermore, BINUS University’s Entrepreneurship Centre (BEC) and BINUS Incubator play a pivotal role in supporting student ventures. Their programs include a Startup Readiness Level framework, multi-campus coaching, industry mentoring, entrepreneurial exhibitions, and expert-led sessions. These initiatives are designed to help student ventures achieve sustainable growth and success, even beyond their initial incubation phase.

During the event, three student groups from the BINUS Entrepreneurship Track showcased their innovations: Peta Hukum, a digital platform for accessible legal information; Memento Game, offering creative gaming solutions for businesses and individuals; and Mealboard, an ad space platform designed for high engagement.

(Photo Editor: Mufti Warits)

The roundtable also highlighted Indonesia’s growing trade ties with the UAE and the UK. In 2022, the UAE surpassed Indonesia as the region’s largest trading partner, with total trade reaching USD 5.06 billion. By 2024, trade with the UK had grown significantly to USD 2.6 billion. With the implementation of the Indonesia–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IUAE–CEPA) and the anticipated completion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) process with the UK, trade relations are expected to deepen further, opening new opportunities for BINUS students to expand their ventures internationally.

Looking ahead, BINUS University plans joint research collaborations involving CIDER, BEC, BINUS Incubator, GEN Indonesia, and the AAST Entrepreneurship Center. These efforts will focus on entrepreneurship, startup ecosystems, and innovation practices, culminating in joint publications and academic contributions that reinforce BINUS’s role as a leader in global entrepreneurial education.

(Words by: Hamzah Ramadhan & Mita Adhisti/Editor: Hamzah Ramadhan)