Students from the Faculty of Communication (Fikom) at Tarumanagara University (Untar) recently participated in the Startup Ecosystem Exposure Indonesia (SEE) 2025. SEE is a collaborative program involving the Tarumanagara Foundation, the National University of Singapore (NUS), the University of Indonesia (UI), and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). Held from January 5–12, 2025, the program served as a bridge for students to explore the startup ecosystem, gain insights directly from startup founders, and build cross-country connections, offering an invaluable opportunity to broaden their knowledge and perspectives on the startup world.
Participants engaged in various activities, with the Masterchef session being a particularly memorable moment. In this session, participants were invited to prepare a traditional Indonesian dish, ketoprak. During the process, they fostered closer relationships through laughter and camaraderie.
Additionally, participants had the chance to meet successful startup founders such as those from Pinhome and SEA Bridge during a talk show that expanded their horizons. They also visited Metland to learn about innovative strategies for building a business, enriching their understanding of how innovation is applied across different industrial sectors.
“Do what you don’t like, but you still want to do. This message from SEA Bridge Founder Mr. Casper-Tanakrit Sermsuksan became my mantra throughout this program. His words reminded me that even if a challenge feels difficult or outside our comfort zone, it’s a necessary step for growth,” said Lishia Wudjud, a 2023 Fikom Untar student and one of the participants.
During the program, participants also worked on group projects to design business plans, which were presented on the final day. To support this, they were provided with materials on Business Model Innovation with Societal Impact, emphasizing the importance of creating innovations with positive social impacts. Participants also learned pitching and storytelling techniques to effectively, attractively, and creatively communicate their ideas.
On another day, participants traveled to Bandung to visit Saung Angklung Udjo, where they enjoyed wayang (traditional puppet shows), played angklung instruments together, and experienced Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. They also explored the natural beauty of Kebon Pines Cikole, engaging in team-building activities.
“Communication, teamwork, and synergy were the core of this program. Through various team challenges and games, we learned the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and building synergy to achieve common goals. Each challenge was not just about physical effort but also about strengthening bonds among participants from Indonesia and Singapore,” Lishia added.
On the seventh day, all participants presented their business ideas in groups before a panel of experts, including venture capitalists and industry leaders. Despite the nervousness, this experience became a valuable memory. The presentations were not merely assessments but also opportunities to learn and refine the participants’ ability to communicate their innovations.
SEE 2025 was not just a program but a journey that opened new perspectives, inspired the courage to dream big, and ignited a passion for creating positive impacts. Through cross-country and cross-cultural collaboration, participants learned that true innovation is born from pushing boundaries, fostering synergy, and demonstrating dedication. (LW/LI)