How it Started

In an increasing connected world, questions of global ethics demand attention.

After the Great Financial Crisis of 2008 that started in the United States, questions about ethical leadership in both large Business and Financial Institutions was brought into the spotlight, after causing havoc in financial markets and affecting millions of people in American and Globally losing their income as well as jobs.

Besides the Great Financial Crisis, the questions of ethical leadership and bridging cultures of East and West extends far borders and into policies that affect business, such as Trade War between countries.

Susilo Institute for Ethics in a Global Economy:

The Harry Susilo Institute for Ethics in a Global Economy (IEGE) at the School of Management was established in 2014 through an endowment in perpetuity by Founder of Sekar Group Mr Harry Susilo to promote dialogue and debate through scholarly work in global ethics and by teaching cross-cultural business practices that focus on ethics in both Western and Eastern cultures. It is Boston University’s School of Management’s first permanently endowed institute.

President of Boston University Robert Brown says “We couldn’t be more pleased about this wonderful vote of confidence from Mr Harry Susilo”, who announced the gift at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 29. “What began as a conversation about shared values between SMG Dean Ken Freeman and Harry Susilo has blossomed into a powerful tool for understanding and promoting ethical behaviour in business.”

The institute ultimately aims to be a positive influence on the global economy. “If we want a sustainable business environment, then we must establish a virtuous cycle in business ethics” says Susilo.

Susilo was born in Indonesia, the son of Chinese descent parents. He is the Founder and Chairman of Sekar Group, establish in 1966 and based in Surabaya, Indonesia. Sekar started from humble beginnings and has expanded into a diversified conglomerate of companies involve in manufacturing of agriculture and marine products, distribution and logistics, mining and real estate.

A member of the Boston University’s School ion Management Dean’s Asia Advisory Board and President’s International Advisory Board through his two daughters Finna Susilo (CAS’00) and Fanni Susilo (GSM’98).

Mr Harry Susilo’s gift come more than 100 years after a man with a strikingly similar background helped found Boston University. Mr Issac Rich and Mr Harry Susilo both came from humble backgrounds and both worked in the fisheries industry, where they both achieved great success that enabled them to support a common goal – thriving, inclusive higher education that last the test of time.

“Through them, and through my contacts at Boston University’s School of Management, I learned a great deal about the University and its values” says Susilo.

“I learned about how one of its founders, Isaac Rich was similar to me, a poor fishermen who was determined to make his way in the world, but also to act honourably and make the world a better place. These goals still motivate Boston University and they still motivate me. I am sure that as it draws upon the resource and traditions of Boston University, the Susilo Institute will contribute to increase global understanding and better business practice.”

“Harry is deeply interested in the cultural roots of ethical behavior and how those roots influence business in the East and the West”, says Allen Questrom Professor and Dean of School of Management Kenneth Freeman. “He is also a generous person who is eager to support worthy causes in Indonesia, China and now in the United States. He once commented to me, What is taken from the community should be given back to the community”. I think this new gift to School of Management is in that spirit”, says Freeman.

With the goal of being a role model and a focal point for conversation round global ethics, the institute will develop teaching cases conveying lessons from both Western and Eastern ethical frameworks, according to SMG. Carrying out this mission calls for collaboration between SMG Faculty and Faculty from research centers at universities across Asia, which Susilo and his advisors will facilitate. In addition to providing research funding, the Susilo endowment will support the IEGE Director, a world class scholar in business ethics and an annual Harry Susilo Institute Symposium for the Study of Ethics. The symposium will be held yearly and alternating between a Western and Eastern country.

Susilo says “My earnest hope is that the University can promote the study of business ethics to serve as the compass for future commerce, to install more care in the world and to allow everyone with a dream to be able to realise that dream and achieve their lifelong goals.”