Jakarta, 4 July — The BINUS Center of Excellence in Sustainability (Bic-Sus) invited Taufikurrahman, M.Ak, CPA, CA, an International Business Management faculty member with over 20 years of experience, to speak at the Stakeholder Engagement Forum on unlocking the potential of small businesses to accelerate the shift toward sustainable practices and offered practical insights on their strategic role in empowering small businesses to adopt and lead sustainability initiatives. 

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

“Achieving sustainable business transformation requires a multifaceted approach by integrating strategic development and access to knowledge. Hence, the synergy among universities, the business sector, and the Indonesian Government (UBIG) is key to empowering small businesses with the resilience and mindset needed to implement Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) pillars in their businesses,” said Taufikurrahman.  

Many large corporations have made supporting Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) in building sustainable businesses a key part of their corporate strategies, often working in partnership with government agencies and academic institutions, recognizing that collaborative ecosystems are key to enabling meaningful and scalable impact. 

“BINUS University, through Bic-Sus, can seize this opportunity to collaborate with the business community and the Indonesian Government in developing ESG training and certification program. These programs, delivered both online and in-person, could provide mentorship for SMEs in crafting their ESG roadmaps and assessing their sustainability performance effectively,” added Taufikurrahman. 

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

One successful example of such collaboration is the ASEAN SME Academy, a joint initiative between major U.S. corporations, USAID, the ASEAN Secretariat, and several academic institutions. The academy is designed to empower ASEAN entrepreneurs and business leaders by providing access to online learning modules and expert-led video sessions, enabling them to gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the growing green economy at their own pace. 

This potential initiative aligns closely with the mission of Bic-Sus at BINUS University, which actively promotes ESG literacy and practice across industries. Bic-Sus not only provides ESG training and certification but also offers ESG consulting services to businesses aiming to enhance their sustainability frameworks. 

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

“Energy transition is one of our key research areas, which is a fundamental pillar of the green economy. We work closely with businesses to help them adapt to this transition, including through the use of sustainable finance instruments that align environmental goals with economic growth,” Prof. Yanthi R. L. Hutagaol stated as the Head of Bic-Sus. 

By harnessing the combined efforts of academia, industry, and government, initiatives like these demonstrate how universities can serve as key catalysts in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economy with SMEs at the forefront of change. 

(Words by Mita Adhisti/Editor: Hamzah Ramadhan)