Tanoto Foundation Celebrates the Graduation of 159 Tanoto Scholars at the Graduation & Alumni Gathering 2024

Jakarta, November 29, 2024 – Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization in education established by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, hosted the Graduation & Alumni Gathering (GAG) 2024 at Thamrin Nine Ballroom, Jakarta, on Friday (November 29, 2024).

The event celebrated the graduation of 159 Tanoto Scholars Cohort 2021 from the TELADAN Scholarship and Leadership Program while strengthening connections with program alumni who have been contributing across various fields since 2006.

In her opening remarks, Inge Kusuma, Country Head of Tanoto Foundation Indonesia, expressed her appreciation for the remarkable journey of the Cohort 2021 Tanoto Scholars, who successfully completed the flagship TELADAN (Transformative Education for Leaders of the Future) leadership program amidst global challenges, including the pandemic.

“With extraordinary resilience, hard work, dedication, and a continuous drive for self-improvement, the Cohort 2021 Tanoto Scholars have completed this phase of their journey,” said Inge.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cohort 2021 Scholars. Every small step has the potential to create significant positive change in the world. Starting with oneself is the most powerful way to generate impact, both personally and within a broader community,” she concluded.

This year’s TELADAN Graduation & Alumni Gathering carried the theme “Impact: It Starts with Me!”, emphasizing the importance of individual initiative in driving change.

The message aligns with the values held by Tanoto Foundation’s founders, Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, who overcame numerous challenges, including Sukanto’s early withdrawal from high school.

“Through determination and hard work, they built a successful business empire that now includes Tanoto Foundation, operating globally in Indonesia, Singapore, China, and Brazil,” Inge added.

“Now it’s time for Tanoto Scholars to create greater impacts and contribute to making the world a better place. Whether within local communities, professional environments, or broader social goals, find ways to make a difference—be it through volunteering, supporting local businesses, mentoring others, or simply being a positive presence,” she encouraged.

Tanoto Scholars Cohort 2021 gathered for a group photo with Tanoto Foundation staff.

Inge highlighted three key principles to guide Cohort 2021 Scholars and recent graduates in creating positive impacts. First, understand your values and life goals by identifying your core principles and objectives. Second, achieve goals through small, consistent actions, translating big visions into tangible steps. Lastly, view failures as opportunities to learn, turning obstacles into stepping stones for growth.

“Be the leaders who bring the light of change, starting from small communities and extending to the wider world,” she concluded.

The Graduation & Alumni Gathering 2024 was not only a moment to honor the efforts of Tanoto Scholars but also a platform for collaboration with alumni who have become leaders across various sectors.

Awardees of “Best Graduate and Valedictorian”

• Ali Nur Hidayat – Universitas Gadjah Mada (Valedictorian)
• Okti Hajeng Kristiadi – Universitas Diponegoro (Best Graduate)
• Tias Amalia Safitri – IPB University (Best Graduate)
• Yohanssen Pradana Pardede – Universitas Sumatera Utara (Best Graduate)
• Jeremy – Institut Teknologi Bandung (Best Graduate)
• Nur Fauzi Ramadhan – Universitas Indonesia (Best Graduate, visually impaired)

The awards were determined based on various criteria, including academic and non-academic achievements, active participation in experiential learning, public speaking, social and organizational involvement, research activities, leadership, and skill enhancement during the TELADAN program.

“One of my greatest blessings during my four years of study was joining Tanoto Foundation’s TELADAN Scholarship and Leadership Program. It provided more than financial support; the values, processes, and networks I gained have shaped me into who I am today,” said Ali Nur Hidayat, Valedictorian of Cohort 2021.

Recognition for Alumni Contributions

The event also honored four distinguished TELADAN alumni:

· Zacky Khairul Umam, Ph.D. (Universitas Indonesia, 2006 cohort): Director of the Abdurrahman Wahid Center for Peace and Humanities, recognized for contributions to culture and humanitarian efforts.

· Vanessa Geraldine (Universitas Indonesia, 2013 cohort): Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at PRIEDS Technology, recognized for contributions to business and innovation.

· Vania Fitryanti Herlambang (Institut Teknologi Bandung, 2013 cohort): Environmental activist and former Sustainable Development Goals Ambassador (2019–2021), acknowledged for contributions to social action and sustainability.

· Patricia Lisia (Tanoto Foundation’s IMPA Belt and Road Program, Tsinghua University, 2021 cohort): Deputy Director at the Banking Regulation and Development Department, OJK, recognized for public service contributions.

With a spirit of “Pay-it-Forward”, Tanoto Foundation remains committed to nurturing future leaders ready to face global challenges and create lasting positive impacts.

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About Tanoto Foundation

Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization in education established by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981. The foundation believes in the equal opportunity for everyone to realize their full potential. Tanoto Foundation’s programs are driven by the belief that quality education accelerates equal opportunities. The foundation strives to unlock potential and improve lives through quality education, from early childhood to productive age. Its three pillars of commitment are enhancing learning environments, developing future leaders, and facilitating medical research.

Contact Information:

Communications Team, Tanoto Foundation

Email: communications@tanotofoundation.org

Website: www.tanotofoundation.org