Jakarta, 13 October – The Learning Express (LeX) 2025 program once again brought together more than 50 students from BINUS University and Singapore Polytechnic for a 12-day international learning experience held from 30 September to 10 October across Jakarta, with activities anchored at our Anggrek Campus. 

(Photo Credit: Hamzah Ramadhan)

The program had participants use design thinking guided by experienced facilitators to identify issues in West Jakarta’s Pasar Bunga Rawa Belong, focusing on waste management awareness. They worked with Doer Zeene, a group empowering people with disabilities to create handcrafted products from recyclables. By observing waste practices in a busy market and engaging with local stakeholders, participants uncovered challenges and co-created solutions through cross-cultural collaboration. This process not only promoted environmental awareness but also fostered social inclusion.   

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

“I was particularly interested in its objective of strengthening critical thinking by using a design-thinking approach and fostering collaboration with students from Singapore Polytechnic to address real-world challenges in local communities and develop sustainable solutions,” said shared Agnes Veronica, a Food Technology student at BINUS University’s Alam Sutera Campus.  

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

At the conclusion of the program, prototypes developed by student teams were showcased during the Gallery Walk at Anggrek Campus, attracting BINUS students, faculty, and staff interested in exploring the outcomes of their collaborative projects. Among the works displayed, Wei Xiang’s group presented a local waste storage solution. At the same time, Agnes’s team designed a multi-functional desk prototype, “Trouble”, designed to provide temporary waste storage during working hours.  

“During these ten days, I collaborated with peers not only from SP but also from BINUS, then engaged directly with local communities. This experience has enhanced my cultural awareness and my understanding of pressing societal issues, particularly in waste management. By exchanging insights, we developed a prototype for a sustainable local storage as one of waste management solutions that can lower costs and support long-term community use,” said Ong Wei Xiang, Singapore Polytechnic’s Mechanical Engineer student.  

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

As we concluded the program, students said farewell to the busy streets of Jakarta and the engaging program that enriched their studies. The success of Learning Express 2025 was made possible through the unwavering support of BINUS University’s Internationalization Team and Singapore Polytechnic, paving the way for continued collaboration in the years ahead as part of our shared vision of sustainable academic partnership and cross-cultural engagement.  

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

(Editor: Mita Adhisti and Hamzah Ramadhan)