A university's consultancy program transformed not only the classroom but also potentially the lives of countless individuals. At the heart of this transformation was a project aimed at improving financial and digital literacy of Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Indonesia. This initiative, led by students and faculty, partnered with an Indonesian bank to address the unique needs of MSME owners.

Students from Singapore Management University (SMU) and a top Indonesian university, guided by their mentors, conducted thorough research. They designed a survey and interviewed MSME owners to pinpoint their financial and digital challenges. The team then crafted recommendations for the bank to improve its digital banking services and develop financial literacy programs.

These programs included interactive workshops covering essential skills like budgeting, saving, and credit management. The workshops featured practical activities and tools that MSME owners could use immediately.

The potential societal impact of the project is profound. MSME owners can gain access to enhanced digital banking services tailored to their needs, which will help them manage their finances more effectively, secure necessary debt financing, and invest in business growth.

This success story underscores the power of experiential learning and community engagement. It illustrates how consultancy projects can create tangible, positive changes, extending beyond academic exercises. Students gained valuable real-world experience, while MSME owners potentially benefit from improved financial management, demonstrating the significant impact of thoughtful, real-world projects on lives.

As educators, our leadership is characterized by our ability to actively engage students and industry partners, forging connections that enhance learning and professional development. Our mission extends beyond delivering content; it involves creating a dynamic, real-world learning environment that prepares students for future success.

To lead effectively in education, we must integrate key learnings from industry engagement into our teaching practices. Here’s some key learning points and advice:
1. Bridge Theory and Practice: Incorporate industry insights into the curriculum to make learning relevant. Engage with industry partners to bring current trends and real-world challenges into the classroom. This benefits us in the process too as an academic as we learn how the real world operates through the sharing of the industry partners.

2. Foster Active Learning: Utilize hands-on projects and consultancy opportunities to provide students with practical experiences. This approach not only deepens their understanding but also enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Build Strong Industry Relationships: Develop and maintain partnerships with industry leaders to ensure our programs stay aligned with market needs. These connections also provide valuable networking opportunities for our students.

4. Embrace Innovation: Stay ahead by adopting new teaching methods and technologies that enhance learning and engagement. Encourage students to explore and apply innovative solutions to real-world problems.

5. Encourage Continuous Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from industry partners and students to refine our approach and ensure that our teaching remains impactful and relevant.
By leading with these principles, we enhance our educational practices and prepare students to excel in a competitive landscape. Academic should remain committed to integrating industry engagement into our teaching, fostering a learning environment where theory meets practice and students are empowered to succeed.

Being nominated as a finalist for the Triple E Engaged Educator Award is a significant honour and a testament to my commitment to innovative and impactful teaching. As I celebrate this achievement, I am eager to outline my plans for leveraging this recognition to further enhance my educational practices:
1. Expand Industry Collaborations: I will deepen consultancy projects with industry leaders, incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum. This will enrich students’ understanding of real-world applications and emerging trends, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical experience.

2. Enhance Experiential Learning: Building on the success of the SMU-X pedagogy, I plan to expand hands-on projects and consultancy opportunities with universities and industry partners locally and internationally. These projects will address challenges faced by both regional and global companies, fostering innovative and practical solutions.

3. Promote Research and Best Practices: I will share my research and successful practices through publishing case studies, presenting at conferences, and contributing to academic journals. This dissemination will spread best practices and insights, benefiting other institutions and advancing educational methodologies.

4. Strengthen Community Involvement: I will engage with local and global communities through social media, outreach programs, and collaborative projects that tackle pressing societal issues. This will enhance the impact of consultancy projects and foster a sense of social responsibility among students.

In summary, this nomination is not just a milestone but a launchpad for future growth. I am committed to using this recognition to inspire excellence, drive meaningful change, and shape the future of education