SML strengthens BSD City's position as an education and innovation hub

Sinar Mas Land (SML) is strengthening the position of BSD City in Tangerang, Banten, as a world-class integrated township and a centre for education, innovation, and sustainable development in Indonesia through collaborations with Monash University and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Irawan Harahap, CEO of Digital Tech Ecosystem & Development at SML, stated on Saturday that the cooperation with Monash University Indonesia covers education, research, and the development of digital talent and artificial intelligence (AI). This partnership represents Monash University Indonesia’s support for SML’s plan to develop an AI Center of Excellence in BSD City and is an initial step towards generating AI-based innovations relevant to the needs of smart cities, industry, and future society. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Ferdinand Sadeli, Deputy Group CEO of Investment International Tech & Emerging at SML, and Professor Matthew Nicholson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, Indonesia. Additionally, SML signed a letter of intent with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, symbolising a planned collaboration in academics, research exploration, innovation, and medical and health sectors within the ETKI BSD City Special Economic Zone (KEK). The Letter of Intent was signed by Ferdinand Sadeli and Professor Dato’ Dr. Sufian bin Jusoh, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Irawan added that BSD City is currently home to more than 233 educational institutions, comprising over 64 preschools, 150 primary to upper secondary schools, and nine universities. Several prominent international institutions operating in BSD City include Monash University Indonesia, ACS Jakarta, Wellington College Independent School Jakarta, and Binus ASO, alongside various other national and global education providers. “This comprehensive education ecosystem further strengthens BSD City’s position as a future township that supports talent development, innovation, and global competitiveness,” he said in a statement. During the congress, SML, through Digital Hub as Headline Partner, collaborated with Times Higher Education to welcome more than 5,000 participants from 120 countries. Sinar Mas Land, via Digital Hub, also received over 20 international delegates participating in GSDC 2026 for a city tour and showcase of the BSD City area and D-HUB SEZ. The delegates were invited to see first-hand the development of BSD City as a World-Class Education and Innovation Township, featuring various international-standard educational institutions, research facilities, industry collaboration spaces, and the implementation of an integrated green development concept. The hosting of GSDC 2026 in BSD City serves as evidence of Indonesia’s growing position, particularly BSD City, on the global collaboration map in higher education, technology, and sustainable development. “Through cross-sector synergy and continuously expanding international partnerships, BSD City is expected to become a model for future cities that integrate high-standard education, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability within a single connected ecosystem,” he said.