Tell us about your journey since graduating from LSE
Prior to LSE, I was in academia. I thought I would return there immediately post-graduation. But, LSE made me realise the merits of balancing theories with practical industry knowledge.
I then spent 5 years in government relations/public policy consulting, delivering client-focused analysis about the impact of Southeast Asia's regulatory/political landscape on businesses/investments. One of my last clients was a global philanthropy keen to invest in Indonesia's recycling sector, and I saw first-hand the power of philanthropy in generating cataclysmic change. They have ample networks and funds, yet not seen as profit-driven – thus a natural hub for meaningful multi-stakeholder collaborations.
With this in mind, I recently joined a new philanthropy on a mission to build Asia's Future Talent and Future Planet. As Director of Public Policy, I built the policy advocacy unit from scratch, including setting key objectives and narratives, designing programs, and employee management.
How has studying in the Department of Government helped you since graduation?
Global Governance (GG) was a central concept for MSc Global Politics students. I love the concept so much that, fast forward to my current job, I developed a GG-inspired analytical framework upon which all our advocacy activities will be based. We named the framework "Collaborative Governance" (CG).
GG and CG's philosophical grounding is similar – big picture, systems thinking to identify connections between various sectors / governance levels. But, we infused CG with practical insights in design thinking, stakeholder mapping, and solution sketching.
Last year, we delivered CG Masterclasses to 36 senior leaders from public, private, and community sectors in Indonesia's sustainable energy space. The trainings led to some Collaborative Action Plans to safeguard Indonesia’s sustainable and equitable energy transition, which we turned into a white paper for circulation to key stakeholders in the space.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I love traveling, especially while doing something I love: teaching. In 2022, while still a consultant, I was trusted to design and deliver an in-house training program for consultants across seniority levels. I travelled across Hanoi, Manila, and Singapore to deliver and refine materials on project management, client communications, and stakeholder mapping.
In my current job, I still try to share my knowledge whenever I can, including to people with no background in policy/International Relations. Our social media/branding strategist took such an interest that he recently enrolled in a public policy short course!
Policymaking and/or governance should be vibrant and inclusive, leveraging modalities from various sectors and backgrounds.
What is your fondest memory from LSE?
Introducing Indonesian food, culture, and policies to my global friends! I frequently felt like an informal Ambassador of Indonesia. Many knew Bali (a province in Indonesia), but not Indonesia as a country.
What was your favourite project whilst studying at LSE?
My dissertation! It analysed the different discourses on labour migration-and-democracy, and whether global forums have been accommodative enough to such diversity. I already had the idea before I left for London – my inspiration was an Indonesian migrant worker in Hong Kong who spearheaded a Global South grassroots rights movement.
Studying at LSE was such a dream come true and responsibility. I could only study there because of a gracious scholarship from the Indonesian Ministry of Finance. I felt very humbled when it was announced that I obtained both Best Dissertation and Distinction titles. I thank all my lecturers, friends, and scholarship provider for such a beautiful year at LSE!