Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) and the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester, New York, held a virtual coordination meeting on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, to discuss a high-impact academic collaboration. Facilitated by Zulkifli Tahir, Ph.D., from the Directorate of Partnership, the session featured key representatives from both institutions, including members of the UNHAS Faculty of Economics and Business and Muhammad Ridwan, M.A (International Office Secretary). The dialogue focused on opening prestigious pathways for UNHAS students to pursue MBA and Master of Science (MS) degrees at one of the top-ranked business schools in the United States.
During the meeting, the Simon Business School delegation—led by Emily My Phuong Dinh and Megan Bennett Spears—highlighted the unique advantages of their curriculum, which is entirely STEM-designated. This designation emphasizes data-driven decision-making and the integration of Artificial Intelligence, ensuring graduates are equipped for the modern global economy. Currently ranked #29 among U.S. business schools and #2 globally for Return on Investment (ROI), Simon Business School offers a robust academic environment that includes integrated internship components to enhance practical career skills.
A major highlight of the discussion was the proposal for a “4+1” program, a strategic pathway allowing undergraduate business students to transition seamlessly into a Master’s degree. Under this scheme, student selection would ideally begin in the third year, with both institutions working closely to align curricula in Economics, Business, and Statistics. To support this transition, Simon Business School expressed a willingness to waive registration fees for UNHAS applicants and provide early access to their Career Center to help students prepare for the U.S. job market.
The partnership also aims to alleviate financial barriers through a proposed co-funding scheme with the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). Both parties discussed a formal agreement to define cost-sharing between the Indonesian government and the University of Rochester, leveraging LPDP’s capacity to fund approximately 1,500 graduate students annually. This initiative is designed to ensure that the most talented UNHAS students have the financial backing necessary to complete their advanced studies in New York.
Moving forward, both institutions have committed to exchanging detailed academic standards and drafting a formal proposal for the LPDP partnership. In addition to the long-term degree programs, the universities are exploring short-term opportunities, such as summer courses, to foster immediate academic exchange. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in UNHAS’s mission to enhance its international reputation and provide its students with world-class educational opportunities.
