Among the many graduates, one exceptional individual stood out: Makoto Uda, an international student from Japan who had just completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at ITB’s School of Business and Management (SBM). Though no longer young in age, his passion for learning remained unwavering.

With his graying hair and calm demeanor, Makoto carried the weight of a life rich in experience. His presence contrasted with that of the other graduates, yet this very contrast made his life story all the more compelling.

Makoto Uda earned his Bachelor of Laws from Waseda University, Japan, in 1995. Later, in 2009, he pursued further studies at Duke University School of Law in the United States.

His career as a venture capitalist has been extensive, spanning Japan, Silicon Valley, and Indonesia. He has served as Business Development Unit Manager at Sharp Electronics Corporation and General Manager of the Business Planning Department at Mitsubishi Motors, among other roles in world-class companies.

Despite decades of experience in the corporate world, Makoto chose to return to academia. “I once thought academic knowledge was useless, but in reality, it’s incredibly valuable,” he said.

This realization led him to resume his education, including obtaining a legal certification in the U.S. and pursuing his master’s degree at ITB.

During his two years in the MBA program, Makoto was mentored by lecturer Andika Putra Pratama, M.S.M., Ph.D. Often the oldest in his class—sometimes even the same age as some professors—he found this not to be a hindrance but an advantage, as it allowed him to share industry insights with younger generations.

Makoto’s thesis examined the post-COVID-19 phenomenon of Japanese companies in Indonesia reducing their expatriate workforce. He explored the opportunities and roles of independent expatriates and local talent in bridging communication gaps and cultural adaptation within Japanese-affiliated companies.

Ethics, Culture, and Language: Makoto Uda’s Key Takeaways
One of his favorite courses at ITB was on Ethics. “Ethics help people adhere to rules and become wiser,” he remarked—a principle he had also learned during his undergraduate law studies.

He found ITB’s learning environment highly supportive. “Indonesian culture is incredibly warm, helpful, and appreciative of others,” he added.

Language posed a challenge in his classes. Though English was the primary medium of instruction, Indonesian was often used in discussions. Fortunately, his classmates frequently assisted him, ensuring he could follow the lessons effectively.

He also noted differences in the education systems of Japan, the U.S., and Indonesia. “In Japan, professors are often both academics and practitioners. In the U.S., many are purely practitioners. In Indonesia, most come from academic backgrounds,” he explained.

Exploring Indonesia Beyond Academics

Outside his studies, Makoto seized every opportunity to explore Indonesia. He expressed great joy in discovering the country’s natural beauty, from East Nusa Tenggara to Maluku, immersing himself in local cultures that enriched his perspectives.

Studying at ITB deepened his understanding of Indonesian language and culture. While he had previously lived in Jakarta for work, his interactions with locals had been limited. His time at ITB, however, allowed him to truly engage with Indonesia’s diverse and fascinating people.

“Here, I’ve come to know the authentic character of Indonesians, which is far more varied and captivating,” he said.

Bridging Two Worlds

Now, as a graduate, Makoto plans not only to return to the corporate world but also to embark on a new mission: serving as a cultural bridge between Japan and Indonesia. “I want to help Japanese executives better understand local culture,” he explained.

In closing, he shared a crucial message for those living or working abroad: always respect the local culture.

“This is essential for building harmonious relationships with the community. Diverse cultures offer invaluable lessons and insights for life,” he emphasized.

Makoto Uda’s story teaches us that education knows no age limits, and a passion for learning can bridge worlds—even across generations and cultures.

Reporter: Dina Avanza Mardiana (Microbiology, 2022)
Translator: Dina Avanza Mardiana (Microbiology, 2022)