Growing awareness of the importance of global communication skills from an early age continues to rise
Awareness of the importance of global communication skills from an early age is rising in society. This is even supported by a government plan to make English a mandatory subject in primary schools starting from the 2027/2028 academic year.
In line with this need, for 42 years The British Institute (TBI) has been supporting Indonesia’s younger generation to build English language skills and confidence to communicate in real life. This is exemplified in the series of events of TBI English Challenge (TEC) 2026 to mark TBI Kelapa Gading’s 42nd anniversary, themed Empowering Confidence, in Jakarta on Thursday (21 May 2026).
Head of Kelapa Gading Campus at USG Education, Ario Muliawan, said on the occasion that TBI Kelapa Gading provides an English learning experience that combines two important phases: introducing English to children in a fun way and preparing teenagers and adults for international academia.
For the first phase, Fun Scrabble and Fun Colouring Competitions were held, attended by primary, middle, and high school students as an introduction to English through an interactive, enjoyable approach that also builds confidence to communicate.
For the international academic preparation for teenagers and adults, an IELTS Workshop was held, guided by Jonathan Steven, who outlined strategies for tackling IELTS, including understanding the test format, approaches to answering, and preparation for international study and opportunities.
Ario says the concept for these activities emerged from the increasingly diverse needs of the Kelapa Gading community. ‘Through TEC 2026, we want to show that confidence in using English is built gradually. For children, it starts with feeling comfortable recognising English through enjoyable activities, while teenagers and adults begin preparing for larger global opportunities.’
‘The proficiency in English from an early age will build confidence and open doors to broader opportunities both locally and globally,’ Ario said on Thursday (21 May 2026).
He added that this approach also reflects how families today view English learning as part of long-term preparation. ‘Many parents now do not just seek a place to learn, but also want to understand how English opens future opportunities for their children. We want TBI to be a partner in that journey, not merely a place to learn,’ he added.
Ni Luh Komang Aimee Sukesna, Director of Marketing & Student Experience at USG Education, stated that what TBI Kelapa Gading is doing aligns with USG Education’s vision of gradually building students’ global readiness, from foundational English to preparation for international education.
She added that activities such as these demonstrate how English learning can be made relevant at every stage of a student’s development. ‘At USG Education, we believe the global journey starts long before a student goes overseas. The journey begins when they gain confidence, learn, communicate, and prepare for bigger opportunities,’ she added.
On that occasion, TEC 2026 participants at TBI Kelapa Gading received appreciation in the form of cashback, medals, certificates, and learning vouchers at TBI. IELTS Workshop participants were given the opportunity to join a hands-on learning session with an IELTS expert and could consult on international study for free.
In the face of rapid technological development and artificial intelligence (AI), many people think foreign language skills will be increasingly displaced.