The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), is exploring potential collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, to develop a social project-based learning program for students. The program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in identifying societal challenges, formulating solutions, and developing initiatives that benefit local communities.
The potential collaboration was discussed during a meeting between FEB UGM and NTU on Friday (October 30) in the Kertanegara Room at FEB UGM. The discussion focused on developing the program framework, including integrating activities into the curriculum, assessment mechanisms, and the implementation timeline.
Dr. Angie Low An Chee, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education) and Associate Professor of Finance at Nanyang Business School, NTU, stated that cross-university collaboration provides opportunities for students to gain a deeper understanding of development challenges in neighboring countries through interactions and exchanges of perspectives with students from diverse backgrounds. Such experiences are expected to broaden students’ perspectives while fostering a more holistic understanding of social and regional development issues.
“We hope our students can gain broader perspectives and a more holistic education. Therefore, we aim to integrate this program into the curriculum so that students can participate in it as part of their formal learning experience,” she said.
FEB UGM Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, Gumilang Aryo Sahadewo, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., emphasized that the proposed collaboration could enrich students’ learning experiences while creating a tangible impact on society.
“We are very enthusiastic because we hope this program will eventually create an impact beyond the classroom. Our faculty members and students are very open to and excited about collaborating,” he explained.
During the meeting, Gumilang introduced the Sustainable Leadership Orientation course, which is part of the implementation of FEB UGM’s new curriculum in 2026. The course is designed to develop students’ social leadership skills through project-based learning. Rather than focusing solely on leadership concepts in the classroom, students are encouraged to understand social challenges, collaborate with various stakeholders, and apply their knowledge through activities that address community needs.
As an initial step toward collaboration, FEB UGM and NTU are exploring opportunities to jointly identify community challenges, formulate solutions, and develop initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to society. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to expand international learning experiences while strengthening students’ social leadership, problem-solving abilities, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
Reportage: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
