About the programme
The BCST to Indonesia was a student-led initiative spearheaded by five SMU international students from Indonesia, to showcase a variety of businesses, Indonesia’s rich and vibrant culture & historic sites, as well as to facilitate engagement with SMU alumni and partner universities. The team comprised twenty-two students and two Student Success Centre (SSC) staff members, and the learning journey took place in Jakarta and Bandung from 7 to 14 December 2024. Organised by the SSC and students from SMU Komunitas Indonesia (SMUKI), this initiative supported SMU’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange, experiential learning, and global exposure as integral components of the SMU education and overall student experience.
What motivated you to participate in this programme/activity?
Having made a few Indonesian friends and joined cultural activities organised by SMUKI (SMU Komunitas Indonesia) and SMU ICON (SMU International Connections), I became curious about Indonesia beyond what I had experienced on campus. That curiosity inspired me to join BCST Indonesia 2024 to learn more about the country’s business, cultural and social environment.
Please describe your overall experience.
The programme exceeded my expectations! I learned so much about Indonesia while connecting with other SMU students who were just as curious and interested about the country, and we bonded over all the visits and shared experiences. By the end of the trip, we had all made amazing and precious memories, formed new friendships, and learned a lot together.
In what ways did this experience add value to your SMU education and/or professional development?
We visited a range of companies and organisations during the trip, which gave us a chance to learn about their daily operations and the innovative and sustainable practices they have adopted. This experience opened my eyes to the thriving business scene in Indonesia and gave an insight on how the Indonesian businesses balance growth with social and environmental responsibility.
Why Asia? What advice would you give to juniors or fellow students who are considering a similar experience?
Asia is often overlooked because it feels so ‘close to home’, but one should never underestimate the region. There’re so much diversity, innovation, and opportunity right here in Asia. My advice would be to stay curious and don’t be afraid to explore what’s right in front of you!
