Prior to the event, prospective RSM students had the exclusive opportunity to meet Dean Steef van de Velde and RSM alumni. They shared stories about Rotterdam, the RSM experience and their career prospects.
Alumni contributions to society
The presentations were opened by Rob Swartbol, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jakarta, followed by welcoming remarks by Hari Putwanto, advisor to the minister of higher education. Mayor of the City of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, stressed the importance of education in today’s economy and how we need alumni to plough back into society what they have learned.
The panel discussion with Dean Steef van de Velde and Putu Yudha from RSM’s International Full-time MBA Class of 2009 focused on the experience of studying in Rotterdam and on the value that international candidates bring to education at RSM.
“We are proud to be based in the city of Rotterdam,” said the Dean. “It’s a great location to jump-start the international careers of our students.” He added that Dutch companies with business ties in Indonesia are often looking to recruit talent to work for them in this region. “This type of trade mission is all about networking. It was a great opportunity for organisations to meet RSM alumni and prospective students with the desire to work in Asia for recruitment purposes.”
Interacting with CEOs
Around 120 people attended the event, which coincided with the official Rotterdam delegation visit to, led by Mayor Aboutaleb, and co-hosted by RSM and the Dutch embassy in Indonesia. In addition to RSM alumni, staff, prospective students, and alumni from the Shipping and Transport College’s Rotterdam campus, it was also attended by the CEOs of Port of Rotterdam, Van Oord, Steinweg, Danser, Damen Shipyards, and Royal Haskoning.
The gathering concluded with a buffet dinner and a jazz performance by Alunada Ensemble.
RSM will be back in Jakarta on Saturday 12 September 2015. See www.rsm.nl/meetus for more information, and the Local Chapter page for Indonesia-based alumni.
