Strengthening Government Partnerships: Advancing Entrepreneurship Education Across South Sulawesi

Academy of Entrepreneurs
1 day ago
2 min read

This week our Sonia, Indonesia Partnership Coordinator and Paula Mills, CEO of the Academy of Entrepreneurs, had the privilege of meeting with the Directors of the Ministry of Education for South Sulawesi to reflect on the impact of our programs and to explore the future of entrepreneurship education across the region.

It was more than a progress meeting—it was a moment of alignment, trust, and shared ambition.

Impact at Scale: 21 Universities, 3,000 Students

Together with the Ministry, we reviewed the outcomes of the programs delivered to date, which have now:

Reached 21 universities
Impacted over 3,000 students
Engaged academic leaders, faculty, and institutional stakeholders

The discussion highlighted how entrepreneurship education—when delivered in a practical, industry-focused, and future-ready format—can rapidly shift mindsets, student engagement, and institutional priorities.

What was especially encouraging was hearing directly from the Ministry how these programs are being recognised as catalysts for change within the higher education ecosystem.

Listening First: Understanding the Ministry’s Vision

A key focus of the meeting was listening.

We spent time understanding:

The Ministry’s long-term vision for education and workforce readiness
Their priorities around innovation, employability, and economic resilience
The entrepreneurial initiatives already being explored within universities
Where education, industry, and government can collaborate more deeply

This exchange allowed us to move beyond reporting outcomes—and into co-designing what comes next.

Entrepreneurship Beyond the Classroom

One of the most exciting parts of the conversation was exploring how entrepreneurship is being embedded not just as a subject, but as a way of thinking across institutions.

We discussed:

Business-focused collaboration models
Industry-linked learning pathways
Practical funding and execution support for student ventures
Scalable frameworks that can be rolled out across universities

These discussions reaffirmed a shared belief: entrepreneurship is not optional—it is essential for the next generation.

A Strong Relationship, Built Over Time

What made this meeting particularly meaningful was the strength of the relationship.

This was not a first introduction—it was a catch-up with trusted partners. A chance to:

Celebrate progress together
Share honest reflections
Align on goals
Build momentum for the years ahead

Strong partnerships are built on consistency, delivery, and shared values—and this meeting reinforced that we are moving forward together.

Looking Ahead: Why 2026 Will Be a Defining Year

As we look toward 2026, the outlook is incredibly positive.

With:

Proven impact at scale
Government alignment
University engagement
A shared commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship

We see enormous potential to expand programs, deepen collaboration, and continue transforming education into a launchpad for real economic and social impact.

The future is collaborative—and the momentum is only growing.