Published: Feb. 8, 2019

Tandean Rustandy (Fin'87)

Leeds alumnus and donor, Tandean Rustandy (Fin´87), was recently recognized as a 2019 Influential Leader by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Rustandy is part of 33 business school graduates in this class of leaders, representing 33 AACSB-accredited schools across 13 countries. Each honoree was nominated by their alma maters as shining examples of how their business education prepared them to create meaningful, long-lasting impact in their industries, communities and across the globe. They are being formally recognized in Vancouver at the AACSB Deans Conference this month.  

“AACSB is honored to recognize Tandean Rustandy and congratulates the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder for its role in preparing alumni who are leading examples of business education as a force for good in the world,” 
said Thomas R. Robinson, president and CEO of AACSB. 

“The diversity of backgrounds, industries, and career paths of the 2019 Class of Influential Leaders demonstrates that AACSB accredited schools are preparing graduates to succeed wherever their passions may take them.”

Rustandy is the founder and CEO of PT Arwana Citramulia Tbk, one of the most successful businesses in Indonesia and one of the best-performing ceramic tile manufacturing companies in the world. He disrupts business norms in Indonesia by ensuring his company positively impacts the lives of his employees and the surrounding community. 

“Tandean is a great example of how business can also create social value,” says Dr. Sharon Matusik, Dean of the Leeds School. “He always sites his factories in areas where they need jobs and development. He’ll do things like pay benefits when none of his competitors pay benefits; which then encourages other companies to do the same, if they also want good workers. Similarly, he’ll provide education benefits, training, things that deliberately promote economic prosperity. He is very thoughtful about how he runs his operation.” 

Rustandy had a transformational experience while attending Leeds. In an interview last year, he described his education as a foundation for his values of loyalty and pride that still inspire him today. 

“[Leeds] not only taught me entrepreneurial thinking, but more importantly, it taught me that you can create something from nothing, and that “something” should have value,” said Rustandy. “Value is the light you create, the way you give back. A lot of entrepreneurs can create something, but that doesn’t mean it has value.” 

Located in the heart of the Boulder, the Leeds School of Business is strongly linked to the incredibly innovative, dynamic and entrepreneurial Front Range business community. Its Deming Center for Entrepreneurship provides students and the community with innovative entrepreneurial programming that demystifies the entrepreneurial process and teaches aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners alike how to create economic and social value through entrepreneurial action. The impact of Leeds’ forward-thinking business education is evident in the work and the social impact that alumni, such as Tandean Rustandy, create in the world. 

Read more about Rustandy’s experience at Leeds.  

 

About AACSB International
Leeds’ accrediting body, the AACSB, is a global organization that accredits the best business schools in the world. As the world’s largest business education alliance, AACSB International connects educators, students, and business to create the next generation of great leaders. AACSB’s mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify impact in business education. For more information, visit aacsb.edu.