FEB UGM is taking progressive steps to prepare future leaders in economics and business, aiming to develop sustainability aspects to face challenges in the dynamic global landscape.
“In line with FEB UGM’s new mission to nurture future-ready leaders to foster sustainability, we have responded in five main areas in the academic and student affairs fields,” said Dr. Bayu Sutikno, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), on Tuesday (May 14) at the FEB UGM campus.
Firstly, FEB UGM has expanded accessibility for all members of society to pursue studies at FEB UGM, including those from economically, socially, and geographically vulnerable areas (3T). This policy aligns with the faculty’s commitment to providing quality, dignified, diverse, inclusive, and sustainable education.
“We provide ample opportunities for the nation’s best sons and daughters, including those from frontier, outermost, underdeveloped (3T) regions, to study at FEB UGM. Thus, FEB UGM’s efforts to nurture future leaders are inclusive and open to all social strata,” emphasized Dr. Sutikno.
Secondly, FEB UGM’s curriculum development aligns with sustainability principles. This is evident in various courses such as Business Ethics and Sustainability, the new Sustainability Management concentration in the Master of Management program, Sustainable Accounting courses in the Master of Science and Doctoral programs, Green Economy in the Master of Development Economics program, and the ASEAN Master in Sustainable Management program.
“Integrating sustainability issues into the curriculum is a crucial step in preparing students as future leaders responsible for social and environmental sustainability,” he stated.
Dr. Sutikno added that FEB UGM has incorporated aspects of Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, and information systems into the undergraduate curriculum to prepare future leaders.
This has been implemented in the Accounting program, which includes technology and information systems content. Students must take seven courses, equivalent to 21 semester credit units (sks).
Thirdly, FEB UGM promotes innovative learning by providing online learning resources, including databases like Bloomberg, Osiris, and CEIC.
Additionally, FEB UGM minimizes plastic waste in learning activities, including from bottled drinking water, by promoting the use of personal water bottles (tumblers) and providing free refillable drinking water through water fountains from UGM’s Water Supply System (SPAM).
“This policy aims to create an environmentally friendly learning environment,” he explained.
Fourthly, FEB UGM focuses on enhancing student achievements and facilitating sustainability-oriented activities within student organizations. This support has enabled students to achieve significant accomplishments.
Notable examples include FEB UGM students participating in the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) Harvard Conference 2024 in Cambridge, Boston, in February 2024, and winning third place as well as the most agile team in the ICAEW Mainland China & South-East Asia Business Challenge 2024 on May 11, 2024, in Jakarta.
Finally, FEB UGM strives to develop graduates who are ready to become future leaders with a sustainability perspective. This is done by providing career preparation and orientation for students focusing on sustainability.
“Through these comprehensive approaches, FEB UGM hopes to contribute to producing quality and sustainable future leaders,” he concluded.
Author: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum