LSPR and THUAS Foster Global Citizens Through Innovative Virtual Collaboration on UN Megatrends

LSPR Institute of Communication & Business, in collaboration with The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS), The Netherlands, has conducted the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). This activity, which was conducted between March 19 and July 11, 2025, involved around 40 international students using the online method of learning. Through this activity, students got international exposure and cross-cultural skills by learning online.

This project was formally launched through an interactive kickoff meeting where some representatives of institutions were involved, including Dr. Andika Witono, and Deddy Muharman Ph.D. from LSPR, along with THUAS lecturers such as Mr. Holger Weeda, Ms. Loekie Schot and Mr. Wouter Breunesse. The theme for this meeting was set as “Megatrends United Nations.” In this regard, teachers introduced how these megatrends will be researched by students in terms of five major megatrends: demographic trends, climate change, technological change, urbanization, and geopolitical shifts.

During the period of the multi-month project, student groups were involved in practical research and problem-solving activities related to these current global trends. It served as an ideal environment for brainstorming, critical thinking, and the creation of comparative solutions applicable in both Indonesian and Dutch socio-economic situations. By collaborating with their international counterparts, the participants gained not only a better understanding of global trends in terms of academic knowledge but also improved professionally by learning critical thinking, research, and virtual teamwork skills among others.

The project concluded on July 11, 2025, with the final reporting session led by Holger Weeda from THUAS and Mr. Deddy Muharman, Ph.D. from LSPR. The session was attended by all participating students from LSPR Institute of Communication and Business and THUAS, who presented their analyses based on the Global Drivers 2030 framework. Each student group delivered comprehensive presentations addressing complex and interconnected global issues, including technological change, resource scarcity, inequality, and economic globalization. The successful completion of the project demonstrated the students’ collaborative efforts and critical thinking while reaffirming the strong commitment of both LSPR and THUAS to continue strengthening their partnership through future collaborative initiatives.