The UGM Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development by introducing a new concentration in its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program: Sustainability Management.
This new concentration allows students to deepen their knowledge of sustainability management.
Dr. Bayu Sutikno, Vice Dean of FEB UGM for Academic and Student Affairs, stated that the launch of the Sustainability Management concentration is a tangible demonstration of FEB UGM’s commitment to supporting the faculty’s mission.
“The opening of this concentration in Sustainability Management is solid proof that MBA UGM is always one step ahead in supporting FEB UGM’s mission: nurture future-ready leaders in economics and business to foster sustainability,” he explained.
Dr. Sutikno added that this concentration expands upon the ASEAN Master in Sustainability Management Program, which has been running for the past three years with funding support from the Norwegian Embassy for ASEAN.
This program has already produced graduates who are ready to face global challenges related to sustainability.
The new concentration also aligns with the MASUDEM (Master in Sustainability Development and Management) Program, which was initiated by the Department of Management at FEB UGM through collaboration with several international partners in ASEAN and Europe under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) framework.
Professor Nurul Indarti, Head of the Management Department at FEB UGM, stated that the development of the Sustainability Management concentration aligns with FEB UGM’s mission to nurture future leaders in economics and business with a focus on sustainability.
Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) mandate, which aims to encourage business schools worldwide, including FEB UGM, to contribute to achieving economic, social, and environmental balance. FEB UGM recently received its second reaccreditation from the AACSB in 2024.
Professor Indarti added that this new concentration builds on the ASEAN Master for Sustainability program, specifically aimed at individuals within the ASEAN region.
To promote inclusion, MBA FEB UGM, through its membership in the Master in Sustainability Development and Management (MASUDEM) consortium, began developing a sustainability curriculum in 2021.
The initiative for this new concentration also emerged after FEB UGM joined the ASEAN Network for Green Entrepreneurship and Leadership (ANGEL) under the Erasmus+ CBHE in 2021, which aims to create inclusive and sustainable opportunities within the green entrepreneurship ecosystem.
“After conducting several workshops on learning, pedagogical development, and assurance of learning throughout 2023 and 2024, we finally decided to launch this Sustainability Management concentration,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rocky Adiguna, Secretary of the MBA Program at FEB UGM, explained that the launch of this concentration is part of the effort to support global sustainability.
The concentration, which will officially open in February 2025, is designed to equip students with essential skills in Environmental Impact Assessment, ESG Investment and Reporting, and Sustainability Leadership.
“The opening of this new concentration is a response to the growing demand for experts capable of leading the transition toward sustainable business practices. Graduates of this concentration are expected to become sustainability leaders across various sectors, whether in private companies, public institutions, or academia,” said Dr. Adiguna.
Additionally, collaboration with local MSMEs and national companies in the sustainability sector will provide students with practical, hands-on experience.
Graduates will also be prepared for careers in emerging fields, with roles such as Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO), which are increasingly in demand in the global market.
“The global demand for positions like Chief Sustainability Officer has surged, and this program offers graduates the opportunity to fill those roles in the future,” he added.
The new concentration is offered to students entering their second semester, with five specialized courses focusing on sustainability.
Notable courses include Leadership for Sustainability, Environmental Impact Assessment, Technology and Innovation Management for Sustainability, ESG Investment and Reporting, and Research Methods for Sustainable Development. Students can opt for this concentration with the registration deadline set for Oct. 18, 2024.
“Sustainability Management becomes the seventh concentration offered by MBA FEB UGM. It is available to both regular and international program students at the Yogyakarta campus,” he explained.
The launch of this concentration further strengthens FEB UGM’s role in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It also aligns with the faculty’s mission to “nurture future-ready leaders to foster sustainability” and create a social impact through sustainability-based management education.
Report by: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Editor: Gusti Grehenson