Institut Bisnis Informasi Teknologi dan Bisnis (IB IT&B), Indonesia, and Temasek Polytechnic (TP), Singapore, have officially signed an International Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Hall of Institut Bisnis IT&B in Medan, North Sumatra, on June 24, 2025.
The MoU was formally signed by the Rector of Institut Bisnis IT&B, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Agus Susanto Tan, and the Deputy Principal of Temasek Polytechnic, Mr. Aw Tuan Kee, representing the Principal and CEO of Temasek Polytechnic, Mr. Peter Lam. The ceremony was witnessed by the Consul-General of Singapore, Dr. Edmund Chia, along with his delegation and academic members from both institutions.
On this occasion, the Director of Student Affairs at Institut Bisnis IT&B, Ir. Albert Masli, S.E., S.P., M.M., M.Pd., who is also responsible for overseeing international collaboration, stated that the signing of the MoU aims to facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, and the sharing of knowledge and cultural understanding between the two countries.
“Our hope is that the partnership between Institut Bisnis IT&B and Temasek Polytechnic will continue to grow stronger and bring positive contributions to both nations. May this collaboration bring blessings to both institutions, as well as to the students and faculty involved,” said Ir. Albert Masli, S.E., S.P., M.M., M.Pd., Director of Student Affairs at Institut Bisnis IT&B.
He also added that the realization of this MoU is the result of an extensive collaboration process between the two parties. The relationship has been nurtured since 2024 through four joint initiatives: student exchange, cross-cultural exchange, international community service, and collaboration in developing anti-stunting food innovations.
Meanwhile, the Rector of Institut Bisnis IT&B, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Agus Susanto Tan, emphasized that higher education institutions play a vital role in improving the quality of human resources. Universities are expected to shape students to develop their character, skills, and intellectual capacity—preparing them to become skilled, intelligent, and morally upright individuals.
“We are honored to welcome the management team of Temasek Polytechnic, supported by the Consulate-General of Singapore. Collaborating with an international institution is highly meaningful for us. As we all know, higher education stands on three pillars. Through this MoU, we hope to further strengthen our commitment to implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Agus Susanto Tan.
He further affirmed that when it comes to international programs, Institut Bisnis IT&B already has a solid foundation. “For example, our students are accustomed to learning in English. Therefore, this international collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic—one of Singapore’s leading polytechnics—will greatly support our university in realizing its vision of becoming a distinguished institution of higher learning,” he concluded.
The Deputy Principal of Temasek Polytechnic, Mr. Aw Tuan Kee, expressed his delight and deep appreciation for the warm welcome extended by Institut Bisnis IT&B, as well as the opportunity to establish collaboration between the two institutions.
“I am personally very inspired by the spirit in which this institution was founded, especially its mission to equip students with the necessary skills and competencies to enter the workforce. In my opinion, that is the essence of every educator’s mission around the world. Being able to contribute to that and to partner in such efforts brings us immense joy,” said Mr. Aw Tuan Kee.
At the highlight of the MoU Signing Ceremony, the Consul-General of Singapore, Dr. Edmund Chia, emphasized the significance of this Memorandum of Understanding as a formal agreement to collaborate and grow in pursuit of shared goals. As educational institutions, one of our main responsibilities is to prepare the younger generation for the future.
“I believe this MoU will enable both institutions to do so more effectively. The next step we will explore is how to implement this using technology—whether through Zoom or other platforms—to develop programs that are meaningful to students in both Medan and Singapore. We are also discussing the potential to collaborate in the tourism sector, which is vital to both our countries, as well as in the F&B industry. Technology, of course, will play a crucial role—transforming how we work and helping us do things better. Hopefully, whatever projects we choose to pursue will ultimately strengthen our capacity to support students,” said Dr. Edmund Chia.
Also present as honored guests were: Consul of Singapore, Ms. Jerrica Yap Wee Ping; Executive of International Relations at Temasek Polytechnic, Ms. Mariam Cheok; Assistant Ministry of Foreign Affairs representatives, Ms. Hamizah Bharoocha and Ms. Nur Shahirah Norshah; and Temasek Polytechnic alumnus, Mr. Bryan Aw Jun Ceng.