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Surabaya, 2 December 2024 – Since its initial announcement to establish a presence in Surabaya, East Java, BINUS SCHOOL has consistently demonstrated its dedication to providing high-quality education. As part of the BINA NUSANTARA (BINUS) family, BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya is committed to delivering innovative, technology-driven education. Today, this strategic effort reaches a new milestone with the Topping Off ceremony for its state-of-the-art campus. The Topping Off ceremony was attended by various parties involved in the construction project. In his speech, Michael Wijaya Hadipoespito, President of BINUS SCHOOL Education, emphasized that this event reflects BINUS SCHOOL Education’s commitment to its stakeholders. “The BINA NUSANTARA has been actively contributing for more than 43 years. We are committed to our stakeholders, including educators, teachers, the community, parents, and children. This commitment drives us to continuously improve quality, ensuring that learning at our institution always takes place with high standards,” said Michael during the Topping Off Ceremony of BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya on Monday (02/12/2024). This milestone underscores BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya’s dedication to embracing digital transformation, offering students in Surabaya a new and integrated learning experience. One such initiative is the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, which seamlessly incorporates technology into daily learning, preparing students for technology-driven lifestyles. With advanced facilities like ICT Laboratories and Makerspaces, students will have access to cutting-edge learning tools, including coding, robotics, 3D design, and augmented reality. To further nurture their skills, students can also participate in extracurricular activities like the Coding Club and Robotics Club. These efforts aim to equip BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya students with confidence to tackle the challenges of the digital era. Alex Trespach Nenes, Principal of BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya, highlighted the importance of integrating digital advancements into education. “The new building is more than just a physical structure; it is an educational ecosystem that supports technology-driven and innovative learning,” Alex remarked during the Topping Off ceremony on Monday (12/02/2024). Understanding that education must evolve with the changing needs of younger generations, BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya is designed to offer personalized and innovative learning approaches. “BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya not only emphasizes comprehensive learning in Digital Transformation but also offers a Personalized Learning Experience. Alongside mandatory courses, students have the flexibility to select subjects that align with their interests and the areas they wish to develop further,” Alex explained. BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya will also adopt the STREAM approach (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in its teaching methods. This makes BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya the first and only school in Surabaya to implement STREAM. Additionally, BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya will be supported by internationally qualified educators, fostering an engaging and enjoyable learning environment. This aligns with BINA NUSANTARA’s 43+ years of experience in education excellence. The two-hectare campus, with its modern, linear architectural design, embodies the philosophy of continuous educational progress. The building is not only designed to facilitate teaching and learning activities but also to create an eco-friendly and sustainable environment. Open green spaces provide ample sunlight and fresh air, further enhancing the campus experience. Set for completion in 2025, the new BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya campus, located in GreenLake, CitraLand, is poised to welcome the new academic year with renewed energy. The facilities are envisioned as more than just a learning space—they are platforms for innovation, preparing future-ready generations to excel in the digital transformation era. BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya continues to move forward, solidifying its position as a leading educational institution that is adaptive, innovative, and forward-thinking.

Perusahaan Paling Inovatif dalam Digitalisasi di Indonesia: BINUS Raih Penghargaan dari IDC Awards 2024 BINA NUSANTARA (BINUS) berhasil meraih penghargaan Special Award for Digital Innovation for Indonesia dalam ajang bergengsi IDC Awards 2024, berkat terobosannya dalam Project BINUS AI Chatbot with NLP. Penghargaan ini menjadi pengakuan internasional atas inovasi digital yang dikembangkan oleh BINUS untuk meningkatkan pengalaman pengguna melalui kecerdasan buatan (AI) dan Natural Language Processing (NLP). Project BINUS AI berfokus pada pengembangan chatbot canggih yang mampu memberikan solusi percakapan berbasis AI, mendukung transformasi digital dan interaksi yang lebih efisien di lingkungan akademik. Teknologi ini telah membantu menjembatani kesenjangan komunikasi antara pengguna dan sistem digital, memberikan pengalaman yang lebih mudah, cepat, dan personal bagi mahasiswa, staf, dan seluruh komunitas akademik BINUS. Melvie Espejo, Research Director dari IDC Asia/Pacific, menyatakan bahwa “Project Binus AI is an example of how AI can elevate technology utilization and user experience, and is proof of the accelerating digital innovation in Indonesia. The project has the additional dimension of being deployed in a learning institute where its existence and success can inspire young innovators to be even more creative with technology,” says Melvie Espejo, Research Director, IDC Asia/Pacific. Penghargaan ini semakin memperkuat posisi BINUS sebagai pelopor dalam dunia pendidikan dengan mengintegrasikan teknologi terkini ke dalam layanannya. Melalui Project ini, BINUS tidak hanya mengembangkan solusi praktis yang memperbaiki efisiensi operasional, tetapi juga turut mendorong terciptanya lingkungan inovasi yang memberdayakan para mahasiswa. Stephen Wahyudi Santoso, Chief Operating Officer (COO) BINUS, dalam pernyataannya, menyampaikan rasa terima kasihnya atas penghargaan ini, “Terima kasih atas apresiasi yang diberikan. Penghargaan ini merupakan bukti nyata dari kerja keras dan dedikasi tim IT BINUS dalam mewujudkan visi kami sebagai A World-class university fostering and empowering the society in building and serving the nation. Ini bukan hanya pencapaian bagi BINUS, tetapi juga langkah maju dalam inovasi teknologi yang memberikan dampak nyata bagi masyarakat dan dunia pendidikan. Kami akan terus berkomitmen untuk menghadirkan terobosan digital yang mendukung transformasi Indonesia menuju masa depan yang lebih cerah.” BINUS akan terus berkomitmen untuk mendukung perkembangan teknologi dan inovasi digital di Indonesia melalui berbagai inisiatif strategis yang berdampak positif terhadap komunitas akademik dan masyarakat luas.

Youth Pledge Day, celebrated annually on 28 October, serves as a significant occasion for young Indonesians to come together to strengthen national unity. Originating from the historic Second Youth Congress, which united diverse ethnic groups across Indonesia, Youth Pledge Day is now commemorated each year to encourage young people, especially those from Generation Z and Generation Alpha, who will play crucial roles in Golden Indonesia 2045 to honor the nation’s history. On 28 October 2024, BINUS SCHOOL Semarang took a unique approach to celebrating Youth Pledge Day. For this special day, students, teachers, and staff dressed in traditional Javanese attire and were invited to deepen their understanding of local wisdom through a Youth Pledge Day celebration themed “Reinforcing the Youth Pledge: Building a Golden Indonesia 2045.” BINUS SCHOOL Semarang is home to various cultural clubs such as the Nihon Club (focused on cosplay), Javanika Club (devoted to traditional music like gamelan), Sync’d Club (specializing in traditional dance), and the Knightly Readers Club (dedicated to books and storytelling), involved these clubs in a vibrant Youth Pledge Day celebration. The Nihon Club welcomed students, teachers, and staff with Indonesian hero-themed cosplay. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by gamelan music played by the Javanika Club. The Knightly Readers Club then brought history to life with a retelling of the Youth Pledge story through a mini wayang performance. The celebration continued with a traditional Javanese dance by the Sync’d Club, accompanied by the Javanika Club’s gamelan ensemble. Before concluding, the Student Council of BINUS SCHOOL Semarang led a recitation of the Youth Pledge, honoring the historic event 96 years ago. The event ended with a speech by Agung Nugroho, a Sociology teacher and an inspiring teacher at BINUS SCHOOL Semarang. “Let us reflect on the spirit of the Youth Pledge—a declaration affirming the unity of the nation, language, and homeland. As we look toward the vision of a Golden Indonesia in 2045, we bear a great responsibility to uphold and realize the dreams of our nation’s founders,” said Agung. This Youth Pledge celebration exemplifies BINUS SCHOOL’s commitment to nurturing exceptional students who can think globally while preserving local values. BINUS SCHOOL Semarang, as a Future of Schools continues to encourage its students to #DiscoverNewHorizons and to foster and empower society.

Jakarta, Indonesia: Six exceptional students from BINUS SCHOOL Simprug have returned home triumphant from the World Scholar’s Cup Bangkok Global Round 2024. Maleeha, Emily, and Meagan from Grade 10 and Queen, David, and Narayana from Grade 6, represented the school with great pride and secured an impressive finish. Held from September 5th to 13th in Bangkok, Thailand, this prestigious global competition put their knowledge, skills, and determination to the test across a series of challenging academic events. The World Scholar’s Cup is an internationally recognized competition that gathers outstanding students from over 50 countries. The Bangkok Global Round was part of a global selection process, and the top-performing teams will have the opportunity to advance to the Tournament of Champions at Yale University. The theme for this year’s event was Reimagining the Present, encouraging students to think critically about current global issues. In the Bangkok Global Round, the students faced a series of demanding challenges, including the Debate Showcase, Scavenger Hunt, and Scholar’s Bowl & Show. Despite the intense competition, Maleeha, Emily, and Meagan excelled in each event. Their success was a testament to their exceptional writing skills, strategic thinking, and persuasive arguments. Megan, one of the team members, reflected on their experience by saying, “throughout this experience we have encountered many challenges and triumphs, from debating, to writing, and studying for the challenge. These are all a series of experiences that we will never forget.” Beyond the competition, the World Scholar’s Cup fostered cultural exchange and teamwork. BINUS SCHOOL Simprug students not only competed but also participated in the Cultural Fair, where they interacted with peers from around the world, exchanged cultural items and forged new friendships. David from grade 6, added, “in WSC we aren’t learning about skills and academic achievements, we are also making friends. in one of the events called the Cultural Fair it was so much fun to talk to many people from different countries.” The journey of these students highlights the incredible potential of BINUS SCHOOL Simprug’s students to #DiscoverNewHorizons. Through their dedication and determination, they have not only made their school proud but have also opened doors for future opportunities, both academically and personally. This accomplishment is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of their parents, teachers, and the entire BINUS SCHOOL Simprug community.  

BINUS SCHOOL Education leaders, Ms. Sherrierose Garcia Gonzales, Director of BINUS SCHOOL Education and Mr. Gerald Donovan, BINUS SCHOOL Serpong School Director were among the speakers of 15 great school leaders from Indonesia and Malaysia at the 18th ANPS International Leadership Conference, 5-7 September. This prestigious event held at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel brought together prominent educational leaders to discuss this year’s theme, Conceptualising and Realising the Landscape Shift in Educational Leadership through Change and Transformation. Ms. Sherrierose delivered a compelling session on Shaping Tomorrow: The Power of School Culture in Driving Change and Transformation. In her talk, she emphasized that school culture plays a pivotal role in shaping educational experiences, driving innovation, and fostering student success. According to Ms. Sherrie, school leaders must view culture as a powerful tool for transformation, as it inspires collaboration, supports creativity, and builds a thriving academic environment.  “Within the evolving dynamics of education, there is a need to understand how school culture serves as the linchpin for driving meaningful change and transformation,” said Ms. Sherrie. The conference was also graced by Mr. Gerald Donovan, another respected leader from BINUS SCHOOL Serpong also shared his expertise during the conference, contributing to discussions on leadership, innovation, and global educational trends. With 15 distinguished speakers, the event provided a platform for exchanging actionable strategies and visionary ideas aimed at fostering sustainable transformation in schools. BINUS SCHOOL Education’s active participation in such a significant international platform underscores the institution’s dedication to continuous improvement and leadership in education. This initiative aligns with BINUS SCHOOL Education’s vision to foster and empower society, ensuring that every student is prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Through initiatives like this, BINUSIAN leaders are paving the way for a brighter future, constantly seeking to #DiscoverNewHorizons.

Sherrierose Garcia Gonzales Director of BINUS SCHOOL Education My name is Sherrierose Garcia Gonzales and I’m the Director for BINUS SCHOOL Education. It is my privilege to share with you all our commitment to foster and empower a community that continuously ‘Discovers New Horizons.’ Our school’s mission goes beyond providing academic excellence as we strive to be an integral part of the lives of our BINUSIANS. At BINUS SCHOOL Serpong, we firmly believe that education goes beyond the four walls of a classroom. We see it as a lifelong journey of exploration and growth. We are dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures exemplary character, advocate innovative learning, and champion compassionate leaders. Together, we can empower each individual to reach their full potential, whatever their interests may be. By working hand in hand, we can create a brighter future for our society, where everyone is equipped to explore new horizons and achieve beyond their dreams. We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey of discovery with everyone.

South Tangerang – In an effort to nurture globally-minded students, BINUS SCHOOL Serpong, in collaboration with the Jeollanamdo Office of Education International Education Institute, is hosting the South Korea-Indonesia Youth Exchange Programme from August 27-28, 2024. The program features 20 students from South Korea who will participate in cultural exchange and experience-sharing activities with students from BINUS SCHOOL Serpong. This event offers students the opportunity to enrich their understanding of global cultural diversity. “I hope the students can enjoy experiencing Korean culture and get to know each other very well in the future,” said Yang Jin, Director of the Department of Multicultural Education at the Jeollanamdo Office of Education International Institute. Corey Allison, Principal of the Secondary School at BINUS SCHOOL Serpong, emphasized that the student exchange program between South Korea and Indonesia is a valuable opportunity for the school to prepare future leaders with a global mindset while preserving the values of Indonesian culture. “This program not only offers BINUS SCHOOL Serpong students the chance to learn about Korean culture but also serves as a platform to promote Indonesian culture. We are delighted to host this exchange program and look forward to participating in and hosting more in the future,” added Corey. The exchange aims not only to introduce each country’s culture but also to develop cultural competencies and empathy among students. “I think this activity will be really fun because I can see the students are so enthusiastic. I hope that I can learn more about Indonesian culture, food, or some kind of Indonesian pop culture. So, I hope to learn a lot during my time in Indonesia,” said Ju Yeseul, an exchange student from South Korea. Syerafina Audley Yulianto, a representative from BINUS SCHOOL Serpong at the South Korea-Indonesia Youth Exchange Programme, expressed her excitement about being directly involved in the program. “I’m really excited to share Indonesian culture and showcase how BINUS operates as a school in Indonesia. Additionally, we can exchange cultural facts, get to know one another better, and maintain global connections for a lifetime,” she added. In addition to cultural exchanges, the students also engaged in discussions on environmental issues, working together to find solutions to environmental challenges faced by both countries. They also campaigned to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Furthermore, BINUS SCHOOL Serpong and the Leollanamdo Office of Education International Education Institute signed a cooperation agreement to foster a positive relationship and collaboration in the future. Through this activity, it is hoped that participants will gain valuable experiences and that the relationship between the two countries will be strengthened. By addressing challenges together and collaborating to find solutions, students are expected to make positive contributions to a better global future, aligning with BINUS NUSANTARA’s vision to nurture and empower communities.

According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), 26.36 million people in Indonesia live below the poverty line, with East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) ranking third. This situation results in over 50% of schools in NTT being in poor condition, either damaged or lacking adequate educational facilities. Addressing this issue, BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, in collaboration with Happy Hearts Indonesia, has initiated a project to enhance early childhood education in NTT through the “Bersama Untuk Bangsa” group, led by of its students, Kenneth William Santoso, Diptanshu Bose, Davrell Mylka Jowkins, and Ramiza Aqila Santoso. In less than a year, 11 students from the class of 2026 at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug raised donations and conducted research to rebuild PAUD Sumber Kasih in Sumba, NTT. This collaboration between BINUS SCHOOL Simprug and Happy Hearts Indonesia contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, and Goal 15: Life on Land. In June, the “Bersama Untuk Bangsa” team visited PAUD Sumber Kasih to see the completed projects, which included rebuilding two classrooms, providing essential furniture such as tables, chairs, and children’s toys, creating a playground, and installing proper bathroom facilities. Davrell Mylka Jowkins, a BINUS SCHOOL Simprug student and representative of “Bersama Untuk Bangsa,” hopes that this program will help future generations in NTT receive quality education. “We hope that in the future, the people of Sumba can overcome educational challenges, become more educated, and benefit many others,” said Davrell. This program aligns with BINUS SCHOOL Education’s mission to foster and empower the community by producing young individuals committed to societal development. The Principal of BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, Isaac Koh, emphasized the school’s focus on nurturing students who excel academically and contribute meaningfully to society. “At BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, we continuously encourage students to explore their interests and talents. We are very proud of the initiative and hard work put into rebuilding the school in Sumba. They have demonstrated that young people can make a tangible impact on society,” explained Isaac. Sylvia Beiwinkler, CEO of Happy Hearts Indonesia, expressed her gratitude for the students’ dedication and efforts. “Congratulations to BINUS SCHOOL Simprug and ‘Bersama Untuk Bangsa’ for their outstanding achievement in rebuilding PAUD Sumber Kasih in Sumba. This inspiring journey proves that young people can significantly impact education. Their dedication and hard work create a brighter future for Indonesian children,” said Sylvia. Additionally, the reconstruction of PAUD Sumber Kasih utilized 2.2 tons of recycled plastic waste managed by Blocksolutions Indonesia, giving this project significant environmental benefits. Rebuilding a better PAUD also provides BINUS SCHOOL Education students with the opportunity to explore new horizons, fostering a strong sense of responsibility to contribute to the development of Indonesia.  

Having a solution-oriented leadership spirit is a crucial skill needed by today’s younger generation, especially in facing various global challenges. Therefore, training is essential to hone leadership qualities, such as through the Hwa Chong Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit (HC-APYLS). Organized by Hwa Chong Institute, Singapore, this program is an annual international event for high school students. This year, there are 20 schools from 13 countries participating, with BINUS SCHOOL Education representing Indonesia. Four BINUS SCHOOL Education students, Kenneth William Santoso, Anninka Wilona Prudence Nauli Lumban Tobing, Cherly, and Kenneth Jonathan Susanto, were selected to participate in the HC-APYLS program from July 14-19 in Singapore. Throughout the program, participants were engaged in a series of activities to cultivate their leadership skills, including discussions on global issues and their solutions. Additionally, they explored Singapore by visiting important sites such as the Singapore City Gallery and Central Public Library. “I had a really great time these past six days. I explored Singapore, I made new friends, I even learned new languages, and I can introduce myself in five languages now,” expressed Anninka Wilona Prudence Nauli Lumban Tobing. Moreover, BINUS SCHOOL Education students also had the opportunity to showcase Indonesian culture and cuisine on a global scale during the cultural exhibition. The interaction among students from different countries provided a new international environment, offering participants fresh perspectives. “In the past six days I was able to meet and make new friends, and also explore the culture and history of Singapore. I learned a different perspective, which allowed me to expand my knowledge even more,” said Kenneth William. The program concluded with cultural performances by the participants. Students from BINUS SCHOOL Education presented traditional Indonesian dances, warmly received by others who joined in the dance together. Furthermore, BINUS SCHOOL Education achieved several awards during the program, including Prudence securing third place for the Self-Guided Learning Tour (SGLT) Session and Kenneth Jonathan receiving the Best Strand Presentation Award. These experiences are expected to open new horizons and provide young generations with critical thinking skills towards global issues, while fostering appreciation for diverse cultures. Thus, students from BINUS SCHOOL Education can nurture and empower the Indonesian archipelago.