SCG: Young Generation Needs More Than Scholarships to Face Future Challenges

The younger generation faces increasingly complex challenges, ranging from economic issues and poverty to technological disruption, educational inequality, environmental pollution, and mental health. Amidst these various challenges, access to education is deemed insufficient. Young people also need opportunities to develop skills and engage directly in solving societal problems. This is one of the approaches developed by PT SCG Indonesia through the SCG Sharing the Dream programme. The programme, which has been running for 14 years, not only provides educational assistance but also mentoring, skills training, hands-on experience through community projects, and teacher capacity building. PT SCG Indonesia President Director Pattaraphon Chartton stated that human resource development is a form of corporate contribution in supporting Indonesia, which has a considerably large young population. ‘One thing that we at SCG believe we can support, as a partner of this country, is how we build human resources,’ Pattaraphon said during a media briefing on SCG Sharing the Dream on Monday (11/8/2026). According to him, SCG seeks to bridge the world of education with the skills needed by the younger generation. Therefore, programme recipients not only receive financial support to continue their education but also experiences that can prepare them to face the workforce and societal issues. Since its launch in 2012, SCG Sharing the Dream has provided support to more than 5,200 pupils and university students. The total funding support provided over 14 years has reached more than IDR 22 billion. The programme currently covers nine regions, primarily areas around SCG’s operations, with most located in West Java. Scholarship recipients are also encouraged to run joint projects with communities in their respective home regions. To date, 12 community projects have been implemented, with around 7,600 community members receiving positive impacts from the programme. Pattaraphon said this approach is part of SCG’s efforts to encourage inclusive and sustainable growth. The younger generation is not only directed to have academic abilities but also to understand environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. This approach, Pattaraphon noted, is also in line with the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, particularly in the aspect of human capital development. He stated that a younger generation with capacity and concern for the environment will be an important part of Indonesia’s long-term development. SCG Vice President of Corporate Administration Paramate Nisagronsen said the younger generation is vital capital for ASEAN’s future. According to him, despite coming from diverse educational backgrounds and social conditions, the region’s youth share a concern for the future and the environment. He said SCG is strengthening efforts this year to build a ‘Green Active Generation’. The younger generation is expected not only to gain access to education but also to have the opportunity to use their knowledge and energy to create change. Paramate assessed that ASEAN youth are active in character and increasingly concerned about the issues facing the world, including the climate emergency. ‘Asian youth are very active, they love their country, are optimistic about their future, and they pay a lot of attention to what is happening around the world,’ he said.