Developing Local Communities through Strategic Collaboration between MAP Retail Academy and Institut Teknologi Bandung

Jakarta, 12 December 2024 – MAP Retail Academy as the first retail human resource training and assessment center in Indonesia managed by PT Mitra Akademi Perkasa, a subsidiary of PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP), a leading lifestyle retailer in Indonesia, has once again demonstrated its commitment to developing human resources in the retail sector with a collaboration with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). This partnership marks another milestone in MAP Retail Academy’s long-stand commitment to fostering talent and innovation in Indonesia. Following successful collaborations with various universities across the country, the decision to team up with ITB is a powerful next step in strengthening the link between education and industry.

The collaboration was officially launched during a pivotal meeting which took place at Waroeng Kopi Alun Alun Indonesia in Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall, where key figures from both institutions came together. Among the attendees were Prof. Dr. Taufiq Hidayat as Head of Partnership ITB, Prof. Dr.-Ing., Ir. Widjaja Martokusumo, Vice Rector of ITB, Handaka Santosa – Director of MAP Retail Academy and Donna McMeredith – Head of Corporate HR at MAP Group, and Marina Naomi Permatasari – Head of MAP Retail Academy & People Experiences.

The meeting marked the beginning of a shared vision to empower Indonesia’s retail sector by supporting local production and uplifting skilled craftsmen, with both MAP Retail Academy and ITB recognizing the critical role of education in enhancing the quality of local products. This collaboration reflects a belief in the power of synergy between education and industry to drive innovation and global competitiveness. In Alun Alun Indonesia – Grand Indonesia they saw firsthand how ITB alumni’s handicrafts have successfully competed in the market, underscoring the importance of empowering artisans to create high-quality products for both domestic and international markets.

“This collaboration between ITB and MAP is a significant step forward. MAP’s commitment to not only international brands but also local communities align perfectly with ITB’s mission. By combining our strengths, we can create innovative solutions and elevate local products to a global stage. We believe this partnership will have a lasting impact on local businesses and globally recognized,” stated Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Widjaja Martokusumo.

Prof. Dr. Taufiq Hidayat mentioned, “By partnering with a retail company like MAP, ITB aims to elevate local industries, particularly MSMEs. This collaboration will enable us to create a comprehensive industrial ecosystem, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.”

In its efforts to support the development of the educational ecosystem, MAP Retail Academy is committed to establishing a research center at ITB, aiming to foster innovation and enhance the competitiveness of local products in the global market.

Looking ahead, both MAP Retail Academy and ITB plan to launch collaborative programs, including industry-based training and market development for local products, with the goal of expanding marketing networks and contributing to sustainable economic growth in Indonesia.

Handaka Santosa, Director of MAP Retail Academy emphasized, “We are optimistic that this partnership will greatly contribute to the economic growth and play a vital role in nurturing creative and resilient human resources for the future.”

Through this partnership, MAP Retail Academy hopes to become a bridge between the world of industry and education, creating a synergy that is able to develop a creative, innovative and competitive local community. This collaboration is a powerful reflection of MAP Group’s mission to support the growth of human resources across various industries, creating lasting impact in the process.