UBSI Students Bridge Tech and Culture in ASEAN Through International Edutrip
📷 Image source: static.republika.co.id
Beyond the Classroom
How Indonesian Students Are Redefining Learning in ASEAN
Forget textbooks and PowerPoint slides—students from Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) are getting their hands dirty with real-world tech and cultural immersion across Southeast Asia. This isn’t your typical study abroad program; it’s a targeted dive into the region’s booming digital economy and the cultural nuances that shape it.
Last month, a cohort of UBSI undergrads packed their bags for an 'edutrip' spanning Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. The goal? To see firsthand how ASEAN’s tech hubs operate, from Singapore’s AI-driven startups to Bangkok’s fintech scene. But here’s the twist: they didn’t just tour offices. They sat in on coding workshops at Kuala Lumpur’s Digital Free Trade Zone and debated data privacy laws with local policymakers—an experience no lecture hall could replicate.
The Human Algorithm
Why Culture Matters in Tech
One standout moment? A session at Singapore’s Nanyang Polytechnic where students dissected how Malaysia’s majority-Muslim population influences app design—think halal e-commerce filters or prayer-time notifications. 'You can’t just copy-paste Silicon Valley solutions here,' said UBSI participant Devina Wijaya, 21. 'ASEAN’s tech is as diverse as its street food.'
The trip also forced students to confront hard questions about Indonesia’s role in the region. While Jakarta bills itself as the next digital giant, Malaysia’s government-backed blockchain initiatives and Thailand’s 5G rollout left some wondering if their home country was falling behind. 'We’re strong in e-commerce, but infrastructure? Not so much,' admitted computer science major Rizal Fahmi, 22.
The Ripple Effect
From Campus to Career
Back in Jakarta, the edutrip is already paying dividends. Three students landed internships with Malaysian AI firms after impressing during site visits, while others are petitioning UBSI to add ASEAN tech policy as a core course. The university’s rector, Dr. Mochammad Wahyudi, calls it 'proof that education must cross borders—literally.'
But the real win? Breaking the bubble. 'Before this, I thought Grab was just an app,' laughed business student Anita Sari, referencing the Singaporean super-app that dominates regional transport. 'Now I get why it failed in China and succeeded here. Context is everything.' For ASEAN’s next-gen tech workforce, that lesson might be the most valuable of all.
#ASEAN #TechEducation #CulturalImmersion #DigitalEconomy #StudentExperience
