Singapore’s Ambassador Encourages ITB Students to Seize Global Opportunities

RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) hosted The Ambassador Talks featuring Singapore’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Kwok Fook Seng, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Nemangkawi Auditorium, SBM Freeport Building, ITB Ganesha Campus.

The session, moderated by Nila A. Windasari, provided ITB students with insights into research, innovation, and global career opportunities in Singapore.

In his opening remarks, ITB Rector Tatacipta Dirgantara expressed appreciation for Ambassador Kwok’s presence. He emphasized the importance of such dialogues in strengthening ASEAN cooperation and promoting brain circulation across borders.

Tatacipta noted that ITB’s collaboration with Singapore has spanned more than three decades since 1993.

“This partnership now includes leading institutions such as NUS, NTU, SMU, SIT, Temasek Polytechnic, LASALLE College of the Arts, AI Singapore, and industry partners like Intel Technology Asia,” he said, as quoted on ITB's official website, on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Ambassador Kwok highlighted Singapore’s role as one of Indonesia’s largest foreign investors, with investments reaching USD 20 billion in the past year. “This reflects the high level of trust and long-term commitment between our two countries, while opening wide opportunities for academic and industrial collaboration,” he explained.

He encouraged students to take advantage of available pathways, including exchange programs, summer schools, dual-degree initiatives, internships, and job placements. “The door is already open. Start early,” he urged, stressing that internships often serve as recruitment channels for companies seeking future talent.

Ambassador Kwok identified four sectors driving future growth and global talent demand: energy, data and artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and services. He pointed to Indonesia’s renewable energy potential of 3,700 GW, far exceeding Singapore’s 20 GW demand, as a major area for collaboration in green energy, renewable certificates, and cross-border carbon markets.

On data, he emphasized its strategic role in national competitiveness. “Students must build strong analytical skills to generate innovation and make evidence-based decisions,” he said.

Regarding AI, Ambassador Kwok reminded students that rapid technological advances bring both opportunities and challenges. He urged them not only to use AI but to apply it in solving real-world problems within their fields of expertise.

He also underscored the importance of sustainability in innovation and business. Global challenges such as climate change and energy transition, he said, require solutions that are impactful and long-lasting.

In the services sector, Ambassador Kwok noted the growing demand for knowledge-based industries, digital economy, healthcare, and education. He stressed that collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills will be key for young professionals entering this field.

The Ambassador also addressed challenges faced by first-generation startups, particularly the lack of local market adaptation. He explained that innovation must align with consumer behavior and local needs, citing examples from food businesses and digital startups.

On intellectual property, Ambassador Kwok encouraged students and researchers to protect their inventions while actively commercializing and sharing innovations. “Global success is not only determined by technical skills but also by human qualities such as empathy, adaptability, and sensitivity to market needs,” he said.

He urged students to build strong academic foundations, adopt interdisciplinary approaches, and leverage data for quick and accurate solutions. “Many real-world challenges cannot be solved from a single academic perspective, but require collaboration across disciplines,” he concluded.

Through The Ambassador Talks, ITB students gained valuable perspectives on international collaboration and future strategic sectors. The session highlighted the competencies needed to contribute to global research, innovation, and sustainable development. ***