A new face of education has recently emerged in Indonesia: a blend of Indonesian and American education standards set to enhance career prospects and global opportunities through dual Master’s degrees. This innovative take is a result of a collaboration between Sampoerna University and Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University (ASU), which is commencing in October 2025.

Sampoerna University, an institution committed to shaping Indonesia’s future leaders through international-standard education, has set up this programme to offer unique advantages. One notable facet is that students will gain an academic experience equivalent to top-tier U.S. universities without leaving Indonesia.

According to the 2023 BMI Market Report, 58 per cent of Indonesian students who study abroad pursue Master’s degrees to advance their careers and develop critical thinking and a global mindset. However, the high cost of international education remains a significant barrier.

The teaching approach is entirely practice- and innovation-based, aligned with the needs of today’s industries and grounded in both theory and real-world experience. One example, according to the Head of the MBA Program at Sampoerna University, Pananda Pasaribu, is the hands-on experience projects with the Sampoerna Group.

This hybrid learning format, therefore, enables students to learn directly from ASU experts while combining global insights with local relevance—allowing them to complete their studies on a schedule aligned with their career goals. Moreover, students will have the opportunity to earn two Master’s degrees: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Sampoerna University and a Master of Leadership and Management (MLM) from Thunderbird.

"Students will also have access to alumni, professional networks, and a global business ecosystem that will support their career development and job opportunities," noted Pasaribu.

The Master’s Program also features a curriculum focused on business digitalisation and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). It explores how digital technology is transforming the business landscape and how businesses can operate sustainably by considering environmental, social, and governance factors. This makes it ideal for those who want to enhance their businesses with innovative and sustainable strategies while being prepared for the complexities of an increasingly digital and environmentally conscious world.

Thunderbird recognises that every sector around the world now demands versatile leaders with strong management acumen in the 21st century. Yully Purwono, Director of Business Development at Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University, conveyed, “This partnership reflects our joint commitment to providing world-class education access to Indonesian professionals, relevant to today’s global challenges and opportunities. We hope this dual-degree programme will be a catalyst for producing future leaders who are not only academically strong but also culturally aware and sustainability-minded.”

The Thunderbird School of Global Management, part of Arizona State University, is a leading educational institution focused on global leadership development, international business, and innovation. With a legacy of over seven decades, Thunderbird offers a technology-driven curriculum and real-world experiences that prepare students to meet global economic challenges. Through a worldwide alumni network and partnerships with industries and international organisations, the school offers exceptional career opportunities for professionals seeking global impact. Its innovative learning approach and commitment to sustainability and digital transformation continue to make Thunderbird a pioneer in global management education.

Daud Joseph, Director of Operations and Safety at TransJakarta and a Thunderbird alumnus, welcomed this collaboration. Regarding today's globalised era, collaboration is more important than competition and can have a far greater impact on the future.

“I hope the collaboration between Thunderbird, ASU, and Sampoerna University will open more doors for Indonesian graduates, including undergraduates, to access international-scale educational institutions more easily. Companies in this modern era increasingly prioritise individual quality and competence—especially networking and interpersonal skills, which can be developed from school through university," he explained.

On the other hand, Margareta Honggo, Head of Business Performance at Rajawali Corpora, shared her experience studying at Thunderbird, ASU—even while working—via its conducive online format. “Studying at Thunderbird, ASU has been an extraordinary experience for me. From internationally renowned professors and high-quality yet accessible learning materials to a tech-supported teaching environment and an interactive atmosphere with students from around the world—it all contributed to a rich learning experience.

”With a curriculum designed to address modern industry challenges of the 21st century, both parties are confident that our graduates will be well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to a progressive and impactful business ecosystem—both nationally and globally.

Admissions have been open since mid-January 2025. Prospective students must submit several requirements, including an official undergraduate transcript, a Bachelor’s degree certificate, a valid ID (KTP or passport), a resume or CV, a letter of recommendation, and IELTS test results (minimum score of 6.5).

Contact Dalviny, Student Recruitment Officer at Sampoerna University, at 0813-7723-1383 or via email at [email protected] for more details.