Meet UNSW Business School's PG SDG Student Rep

The UNSW Business School Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Committee brings together staff and students from different disciplinary backgrounds across industry, institutions, and communities to solve important societal and business challenges, building our culture, people, capabilities and resources to sustainably create opportunities.

The SDG Committee plays a key role as part of the Business School 2021+ Strategy by informing how we shape our business and society to create sustainable social and economic value by developing innovative theories, insights, and frameworks.

We also provide exciting leadership development opportunities for students who have an interest in working collaboratively with Business School staff to advance the SDG agenda in the faculty. UNSW Business School considers it crucial that students’ experiences and voices are incorporated into the work the Committee carries out.

These student roles offer a platform to lead initiatives and unite efforts among students and faculty members that highlight the SDGs' awareness, and realisation, particularly in driving a wider engagement from diverse activities. These experiences also advance the student's voice and enable them to orchestrate programs and activities that involve students, staff, and external parties in our collective mission towards sustainability.

The UNSW Business School EDI is privileged to introduce you to one of our incredible 2024 UNSW Business School SDG Student Reps: Jimy Candra Gunawan, Master of Commerce (Extension) majoring in Digital Transformation and Strategy and Innovation.

Dream career or industry to work at: I want to work as a program/project manager in the "GovTech" industry; developing and implementing technological solutions through digital transformation initiatives to improve public services quality and drive transformational changes in the society.

Why did you choose to a Business Degree? And what led you to study at UNSW?

I chose to pursue a business degree, specifically the Master of Commerce (Extension) program in Digital Transformation and Strategy and Innovation at UNSW, because it aligns perfectly with my career goals of fostering sustainable innovation and developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem in both the public and private sectors, particularly in Indonesia and the ASEAN region. Studying abroad, in particular, is a key aspect of my educational journey, as it advances my growth mindset, deepens my expertise, and expands my professional network. Moreover, as part of the Australia Awards scholars under Aus4ASEAN mission, it played a pivotal role in my decision, providing me with the opportunity to continue my study journey here in Australia while enhancing my leadership and management capabilities.

How has your experience helped you make a positive impact in your degree, career and/or community?

My experiences so far at UNSW and in Australia generally have significantly impacted my degree, career, and community in several positive ways. By actively engaging in classes, participating in volunteer opportunities, and founding and contributing to society’s project progress and team development to host various events, I've been able to connect with a diverse group of individuals, helping them maximize their academic journey and discover their true potential. In particular, these initiatives have been instrumental in enhancing students' employability skills and job readiness, ensuring they are confident and well-equipped with the specific skills needed to contribute effectively to their future organizations through maximising with current university resources and support provided for us. At least, through these projects, I've been able to foster a supportive environment where students can thrive and move closer to achieving their true potential and potential preparing them better to reach their career aspirations.

How has UNSW prepared you to lead in the workplace and community once you graduate?

UNSW has equipped me to lead both in the workplace and the community by offering a wide range of programs that have fostered self-discovery and personal growth for me. Through these programs, such as Leadership Foundation, Career Discovery Mentoring Program, Professional Development Program and other career-related programs and many student initiatives, I have identified the skills I need, the topics I am passionate about, and areas where I need improvement. By actively participating in diverse initiatives that align with my interests, I have learned to be open and authentic, which has been crucial in developing my leadership abilities. This holistic approach has not only prepared me to excel as an individual and professionally but also to make a meaningful impact in my community.

Why did you apply to be a part of the UNSW Business School SDG Committee? and what do you hope to achieve/have achieved?

I applied to be a part of the UNSW Business School SDG Committee because it offers a unique platform to lead the way in promoting initiatives and uniting efforts among students and faculty members to raise awareness and realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This role excites me as it enables me to drive wider engagement through diverse activities, and I am eager not only to learn from this experience but also to be a voice for students. I aim to actively contribute my skills and experience to any SDG initiatives, from the faculty level upwards. To put this into practice, I envision creating efforts in many SDG-related future activities, including monitoring and evaluation of each initiative. Additionally, I hope to orchestrate programs and activities that involve students, staff, and external parties in our collective mission towards sustainability. Through this role, I aim to foster a collaborative environment where everyone can contribute to and benefit from our sustainability efforts.

How is UNSW Business School helping to improve SDG-related issues within the business school? Is this having an impact on the student's understanding of the issues?

In my point of view, UNSW Business School has an impressive governance system that orchestrates diverse initiatives around the SDGs, ensuring alignment with the UN's 17 SDG Goals and published massively through UNSW SDG platform. This is a testament to their robust system that integrates SDG-related efforts not only within the academic setting but also through various student and staff engagement initiatives. As a result, these initiatives significantly raise public awareness about the SDGs, highlighting the importance of small actions in our community where we study and live. Hence, by fostering an environment where SDG principles are actively promoted and practised, UNSW Business School enhances students' understanding of these critical issues gradually. This holistic approach eventually helps students recognize the importance of sustainability and equips them with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions towards achieving the SDGs in their future careers and communities.

What do you think we could be doing more of to help improve student engagement with the SDGs and how to generate awareness?  

Based on my understanding, to improve student engagement with the SDGs and generate awareness, we should first assess their level of understanding, perception, and views through a series of surveys and focus group discussions. By actively listening to their perspectives and ensuring their voices are heard, we can design more effective programs that align with their expectations and high levels of interest. This approach will not only enhance the relevance and impact of our initiatives but also help in creating a network effect, spreading the SDG goals more effectively and sustainably across the student community and beyond.

What inspires you to champion SDG-related issues within your degree and/or prospective career path?

I am inspired to champion SDG-related issues within my degree and prospective career path because I notice a significant gap in consistent, broad-based efforts to educate and encourage sustainable behaviour among students and faculty members. Addressing these concerns requires active student involvement in sustainability through regular hands-on activities, diverse events, campaigns, and workshops focused on SDG practices. Increasing engagement from both students and faculty is essential for building a campus culture deeply rooted in sustainability. By fostering this culture, we can ensure that sustainability becomes an integral part of our academic and everyday lives, ultimately driving positive change within our community and beyond.

UNSW's Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is evident across its research, teaching, and other activities, with sustainability integrated across all aspects of academic functions. Many UNSW leaders, educators, subject matter experts, alumni, and students have shared how they are implementing the UN's SDGs into their careers and research projects. Their contribution to the SDGs through research and integration into the University's teaching are key aspects of UNSW's commitment to a sustainable future.

Find out more about the UNSW Business School SDGs Committee.