Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) alumni association executive director who is also Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, held a reunion of alumni of Master in Management study program (MM UGM) on Saturday (6/3) at the Auditorium of MM UGM. Budi Karya invited up to 11,000 alumni to contribute to the national economic development by making new creativity and innovations. In his opinion, the success of Indonesia in maintaining economic growth and national competitiveness depends on the spirit and hard work of all elements of the nation.
“The exceptional competence of UGM alumni coupled with honesty, loyalty, and solidarity can become an immense strength. A competent person is not good without connection,” said Budi Karya at the opening of Leadership Talk for the 30th Anniversary of MM UGM.
According to Budi, MM UGM alumni is one of the most active clubs within the Alumni Association of UGM (KAGAMA). He expected the alumni to become an example and role model for the students to succeed and work hard. “I hope that the MM alumni can be the center of excellence and creativity from UGM.”
Chairman of alumni association of the study programme (Kafegama MM UGM), Ahmad Zulfikar Fawzi or popularly known as Ikang Fawzi, explained this is the first reunion of MM UGM alumni which was held to bring together the alumni in order to establish solidarity and connection between them.
Ikang Fawzi said the eleven thousand UGM alumni have greatly contributed to the society. “Their knowledge is valuable. In fact, some of them become president directors and ministers. For the entrepreneurship sector, we hope that the alumni can help advance this beloved nation.”
Dean of Faculty of Economics and Business UGM, Dr. Eko Suwardi, M.Sc., said that the Faculty will continue to improve the quality of education at MM UGM despite its AACSB international accreditation. “This accreditation raises MM UGM to the same level as world-class business schools. Nevertheless, it is better if MM UGM can continue to foster smart future leaders that uphold integrity.”
Vice-Rector of Cooperation and Alumni UGM, Dr. Paripurna Sugarda, said any top university in the world will not succeed without the alumni’s contribution. “For instance, the contribution of MM UGM alumni to UGM. Thanks to them, UGM was able to improve its ranking from 402nd to 391st in the world.”
Paripurna advised the alumni of MM FEB UGM to continue giving and improving their contribution in supporting the national development.