Pioneering a Legacy of Educational Excellence
Ir. Bernard Gunawan’s journey with BINUS Group reflects a vision deeply anchored in Indonesia’s growth and global relevance. Beginning in 1974 with the founding of Akademi Teknik Komputer, BINUS evolved from a small computer academy into a multi-disciplinary university known for its international standards and community-driven ethos. Since becoming CEO in 2007, Bernard has accelerated this evolution, expanding BINUS University to 14 campuses across Indonesia and establishing the SATU University network in 2023. This rapid expansion, guided by his “SODA” approach centralized operations with academic decentralization ensured quality, scalability, and regional adaptability. Today, BINUS holds the second-largest market share in Indonesia’s higher education sector, surpassing national institutions such as the University of Indonesia, and continues to lead through innovation-driven strategy and world-class education frameworks
Innovation as a Core Philosophy
Bernard’s leadership philosophy rests on the conviction that innovation is the key to sustainable transformation. His creation of BINUS’s (2+1)+1 curriculum model revolutionized higher education in Indonesia, integrating academic learning with global exposure, research, and industry collaboration. This framework directly influenced the national “Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka” policy, underscoring BINUS’s thought leadership in education reform. Under his guidance, BINUS has built an ecosystem that nurtures creativity and excellence from the BINUS Innovation Award and Continuous Innovation Award to a 42.5 billion IDR annual initiative grant supporting internal innovation projects. With over 12,700 SCOPUS-indexed publications and 2,678 intellectual property registrations, BINUS leads the nation in academic research and applied innovation. Bernard also expanded the university’s footprint beyond academia into entrepreneurial ventures, including The Pakubuwono Spring residences and YELLO Hotel Bandung, integrating education with lifestyle and business innovation.
Empowering People and Shaping the Future
For Bernard, leadership is measured not by titles but by impact. His SPIRIT values Strive for Excellence, Perseverance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork define the BINUS culture and guide every decision across the Group. He has cultivated a workplace where employees thrive through recognition programs such as the BINUS Talent Management Development Program, the BINUS Star of Excellence Award, and the Workday Peakon Employee Voice Platform, which enhances engagement and inclusivity. Under his direction, BINUS has received multiple recognitions from HR Asia as one of the Best Companies to Work For and Most Caring Companies in Asia. His focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in a workforce of over 3,700 employees spanning multiple educational and cultural backgrounds. Beyond organizational excellence, Bernard’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in BINUS’s SDG and ESG-driven initiatives, earning recognition from the UI GreenMetric Awards for sustainability practices. Through his leadership, BINUS continues to stand as a global model of innovation-led education producing graduates and leaders equipped to shape the future of Indonesia and beyond.
