For Spartans, it’s a great feeling to venture away from East Lansing and still be able to find someone who can finish the “Go Green, Go White” cheer. Considering that MSU has more than 575,000 alumni around the world—with the Broad College accounting for more than 13% of this alumni network—it can be easy to find a fellow Spartan just about anywhere. The Broad College prides itself on furthering this global network, not only by celebrating our international students and alumni but also by sharing our academic knowledge and expertise, forging innovative partnerships and embracing new education abroad opportunities.
The group of MSU executives visited Gadjah Mada University, which houses Indonesia’s top-ranked business program.
As part of an ongoing effort to broaden global ties, Eli and Edythe L. Broad Dean Sanjay Gupta embarked on his first official trip to Indonesia last month. Over the course of the weeklong trip, Gupta was able to strengthen the Broad College’s global presence in Indonesia and identify new opportunities for collaboration with various universities and institutions.
“Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and one that has embraced Industry 4.0 with a zeal to make it among the top 10 economies in the world by 2030,” Gupta said. “The country has invested—and continues to invest—in infrastructure, R&D and education, all of which are aimed at leveraging the rich natural resources of the country. I got to hear firsthand from university leaders about the programs they would like to develop that can contribute to the country’s goals.”
Gupta was traveling as part of a larger group of MSU executives and deans, including Steven Hanson, associate provost and dean for International Studies and Programs, Douglas Buhler, director of MSU AgBioResearch and assistant vice president of research and innovation, Jeffrey Dwyer, director of MSU Extension and senior associate dean of outreach and engagement for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Karim Maredia, professor, director of international programs and senior associate to the dean in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Exploring collaboration
The group of MSU executives had a full itinerary, making stops at Bogor Agriculture University, at Gadjah Mada University, which houses Indonesia’s top-ranked business program, and at the University of Indonesia, a partner school with MSU. With each visit, Gupta was able to connect and engage with leaders from the universities’ business schools and explore new ways to collaborate.
Dean Gupta also connected with leaders from the University of Indonesia, a partner school with MSU.
Throughout these university visits, Gupta presented guest lectures on the digital economy and Industry 4.0 to cover the digital transformation that is reshaping the business world. He also shared how the Broad College is taking intentional steps to prepare students for navigating the ever-changing business landscape.
Gupta also met with representatives from the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) to discuss the feasibility of hosting LPDP scholars at the Broad College. LPDP scholarships represent the most important source of funding for Indonesian students to pursue advanced degrees abroad.
“Indonesia continues to be one of the fastest-growing Southeast Asian countries,” he said. “With rapid growth comes the need to also develop talent at an equally fast pace. Hence, there is tremendous support being provided for students to study overseas, and many are coming to the U.S. to study business. We want to make sure the Broad College is a top choice for these students, not only to achieve a greater diversity at the Broad College but also to increase MSU’s visibility within Indonesia.”
Reconnecting with alumni
MSU alumni gathered at the Indonesia Spartans dinner in Jakarta.
During each leg of the trip, time was reserved on the itinerary to reconnect with alumni. From a reception in Yogyakarta to the Indonesia Spartans dinner in Jakarta, Gupta was able to enjoy conversations with global alumni.
“It’s always fabulous to see what our alumni are doing and how they are making an impact,” Gupta said. “I was able to meet with the incoming president of the Spartan Alumni Club in Indonesia and several Broad Spartans. I never tire of speaking with our alumni and hearing about how their Spartan education is enabling them to reach higher and do better.”
