Universitas Gadjah Mada
Faculty of Economics and Business

The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development. One of the initiatives undertaken is the introduction of a new concentration in the Master in Management (MBA) program, Sustainability Management. This new concentration allows students to deepen their knowledge of sustainability management.

Bayu Sutikno, S.E., M.S.M., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at FEB UGM, said that the introduction of the Sustainability Management concentration is a tangible manifestation of FEB UGM's commitment to always be at the forefront in supporting the faculty's mission.

"The launch of this Sustainability Management concentration is solid proof that MM UGM is always one step ahead in supporting FEB UGM's mission of nurturing future-ready leaders in business and economics to foster sustainability," he explained.

Bayu further explained that this concentration is an extension of the ASEAN Master in Sustainability Management Program, which has been running for the past three years with funding support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy for ASEAN and has produced graduates prepared to address global sustainability challenges. This concentration aligns with the MASUDEM (Master in Sustainability Development and Management) program. The Department of Management at FEB UGM initiated the program in collaboration with several international partners in ASEAN and Europe under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE).

Prof. Nurul Indarti, Silvikonom, Cand.Merch., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Management at FEB UGM, expressed that the Sustainability Management concentration is development aligned with FEB's mission to educate future business leaders to advance sustainability. In addition, this initiative is consistent with the mission of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which calls on business schools worldwide, including FEB UGM, which received its second reaccreditation in 2024, to contribute to the achievement of economic, social, and environmental balance.

Nurul added that the development of this concentration follows the growth of the ASEAN Master for Sustainability Program, which specifically targets the ASEAN region. To enhance inclusivity, the MM FEB UGM program developed a curriculum focused on sustainability in 2021 through its membership in the Master in Sustainability Development and Management (MASUDEM) consortium (https://masudem.org/). The initiative to create this concentration also came after FEB UGM joined the ASEAN Network for Green Entrepreneurship and Leadership (ANGEL) consortium (https://angel-project.eu/) under Erasmus+ CBHE in 2021, which aims to create inclusive and sustainable opportunities in the green entrepreneurship ecosystem.

"After a series of learning workshops, pedagogy development, and assurance of learning activities that were conducted from 2023 to 2024, we finally decided to launch the Sustainability Management concentration," she explained.

Meanwhile, Rocky Adiguna, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., Secretary of the MM Program at FEB UGM, explained that opening the Sustainability Management concentration is an effort to support global sustainability. The concentration, officially opening in February 2025, is designed to provide students with essential skills in environmental impact assessment, ESG investment and reporting, and sustainability leadership.

"The launch of this new concentration is in response to the growing demand for professionals to lead the transition to sustainable business practices. Graduates of this concentration are expected to serve as sustainability leaders in various sectors, whether in private companies, public institutions, or academia," Rocky said.

In addition, collaborations with local SMEs and national companies in the sustainability sector will provide students with hands-on experience. Graduates will also be prepared for careers in emerging fields, with positions such as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) becoming increasingly sought after in the global marketplace.

"The global demand for positions such as Chief Sustainability Officer is multiplying, and this program provides graduates with the opportunity to fill these roles in the future," he added.

The concentration is offered to students entering their second semester, with five specialized courses focused on sustainability. The 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 choose this concentration with an October 18, 2024 registration deadline.

"The Sustainability Management concentration will be the seventh concentration offered by MM FEB UGM and will be available to both regular and international students at the Yogyakarta campus," he explained.

The launch of the Sustainability Management concentration further emphasizes FEB UGM's role in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, it aligns with FEB UGM's mission to nurture future-ready leaders to foster sustainability and contribute to societal impact through sustainability-based management education.

Reportage: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum 

Sustainable Development Goals