Ben Robaeyst, a highly respected lecturer from Ghent University in Belgium partnered with BINUS Bandung to address one of the most pressing global challenges: food waste management. This collaboration between his university and BINUS Bandung provided a unique opportunity to share knowledge, foster creativity, and develop practical solutions in an international setting.
His involvement in the IN2FOOD Program, a collaboration supported by Erasmus+, the CBHE Program (Capacity Building in Higher Education) of the European Union, and Marriott International, brought him to BINUS Bandung. There, he worked with students and staff to address food waste challenges and foster sustainable practices. As part of the program, Ben led Design Thinking workshops and interdisciplinary group projects, collaborating closely with BINUS Bandung’s Creativepreneurship and Computer Science lecturers and students. His hands-on approach encouraged participants to develop innovative solutions, emphasizing the importance of creativity and collaboration in tackling global sustainability issues.
The Erasmus+ and CBHE Program provided the foundation for this international partnership, aiming to strengthen higher education through knowledge sharing and cross-border collaboration. Ben played a pivotal role in bringing European expertise to BINUS Bandung while facilitating an exchange of ideas among partner institutions, including Tampere University, Hotelschool The Hague, and Universitas Parahyangan. His contributions helped BINUS Bandung enhance its academic offerings and global connections, ensuring students benefited from cutting-edge methodologies and international perspectives.
A key highlight of Ben’s involvement was his collaboration with Marriott International, where he accompanied students and staff on visits to Marriott Hotels and Resorts. These visits provided participants with a practical understanding of how the hospitality industry manages food waste. Drawing on his academic expertise, Ben connected real-world practices to theoretical frameworks, offering insights into the economic and environmental impacts of food waste management. His ability to bridge theory and practice inspired participants to consider innovative strategies that align business objectives with sustainability goals.
Beyond academics and industry collaboration, Ben fully immersed himself in the program’s cultural activities, embracing Indonesian traditions while sharing his Belgian heritage. He also participated in the International Interdisciplinary Conference, contributing to a global dialogue on sustainability. By integrating the resources of Erasmus+, the CBHE Program, and Marriott International, Ben helped bridge gaps between academia and industry, theory and practice, and local and global perspectives. His work in the IN2FOOD Program left a lasting impact on BINUS Bandung, inspiring students and staff alike to pursue innovative solutions for a sustainable future.