Jakarta, 20 August 2024 – The Global Indonesia Professionals' Association (GIPA) organised the Global Human Capital (GHC) Summit 2024, a flagship event bringing together global leaders, senior representatives, and experts from ASEAN and G20 countries to discuss strategies for advancing Indonesia's economic and human capital development. The summit serves as a key platform to build a strong network of future talents and propel Indonesia towards its vision of ‘Golden Indonesia 2045,’ a sovereign, sustainable, and developed nation.

GIPA, representing Indonesian professionals and executives across key industry sectors in G20 and ASEAN countries, acts as a global secretariat dedicated to empowering overseas professional networks to promote Indonesia’s economic diplomacy and human capital growth.

Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, delivered one of the opening remarks and, during his fireside chat session, acknowledged ERIA’s support as a knowledge partner for GIPA. During this session, the Chairman of GIPA highlighted the potential of the ERIA School of Government, noting its strategic location in Jakarta, at the heart of the region.

During the plenary session, Prof. Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean and Managing director of the ERIA School of government, was invited to speak on  the theme, ‘Building Up Strategic Talents & Productivity to Support Indonesia’s Rise To A Developed Nation Amidst Evolving Global Dynamics.’ Prof. Aizawa expressed his enthusiasm for ERIA's role as a knowledge partner and highlighted the ERIA School of Government’s commitment to promoting global talent development.

Prof. Aizawa also addressed the global Indonesian professional community, encouraging them to become assets for the region. Joining him on the panel were distinguished co-panelists, including Prof. Scott Guggenheim from Georgetown University; Tantowi Yahya, former Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand; Teddy Barata, Deputy Minister for Human Capital and IT at the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises; and Votivia Mardinna, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Bank Mandiri. Prof. Aizawa expressed his privilege in sharing the stage with such esteemed figures and looked forward to further collaboration.

In his remarks, Prof. Aizawa highlighted the unique governance ecosystem in Indonesia, making it an ideal environment for innovation and leadership in the public sector. He emphasised ERIA’s vision to collaborate with the ASEAN Secretariat in transforming Jakarta into a regional centre of governance and knowledge, positioning Indonesia as a global asset. The ERIA School of Government is committed to becoming Southeast Asia's foremost public policy institution, fostering leadership and governance excellence throughout ASEAN.

Prof. Aizawa introduced the ERIA School of Government’s inaugural fellowship programme, aimed at attracting global Indonesian professionals back to Jakarta. He encouraged Indonesian students and professionals abroad to return home and engage with ERIA’s initiatives, including upcoming leadership dialogues and fellowship programmes. The ERIA School of Government is envisioned to be an intellectual platform and institutional memory bank for the region.

During the subsequent discussion, participants inquired about how to encourage professionals  to return to Indonesia. Prof. Aizawa emphasised the importance of  developing tech-savvy, democratically compassionate talents who are attuned to the latest trends and dedicated to securing public welfare, with initiatives starting at the local government level.

The discussions also touched on the challenges of talent retention and the strategies for attracting Indonesian professionals back home. The ERIA School of Government’s initiative and its collaboration with GIPA are a testament to its commitment to fostering global talent development within the region.