Successful Man in Academic and Business

Realizing his dream to own a business empire with a total asset of billions of dollars does not stop Sukanto Tanoto in pursuing his interest in education. He currently shows his integration and dedication to education by receiving highest honor from Wharton School. This Dean’s medal is given to Mr. Sukanto as a token of recognition of individual contributions do to his great participation and role in improving global economy and efforts to improve the quality of life for people around the world.

Never Stop Learning

According to Wharton School Dean Thomas S Roberts, this Dean's Medal award recognizes outstanding achievements of today's business leaders. It combines the three pillars of Wharton, namely, social impact, innovation and the existence of global scope.

Although young Sukanto was unable to study formally in an education institution, but he never gave up his will to learn. Mr. Tanoto believes that a successful business is not enough. A great businessperson should apply sustainability principle in doing the business, since it can show serious commitment in promoting local economy or even the world’s economic community. In his speech, Mr. Tanoto stated that there are main principles that should be followed, so the business can bring good to the community, the country, and the company itself.

Commitment for education

His commitment to help improving educationquality is also proved by funding a Planetarium and Theater in Deerfield, MA, which is named after him; Tanoto Planetarium and Digital Theater. Before that, Mr. Tanoto also gave donation to HKUST to establish a Business Center. Every two or three weeks, he takes some time off and attends short courses in Harvard, Tokyo, and London School of Economic.

Sukanto Tanoto’s desire to share does not stop there. The man who likes to read here is now planning to launch a book on how entrepreneurs can survive through the crises. In order to complete his goal, he stated to give serious consideration in doing research how European and American as well as the Chinese businessmen get through the problem during World War, or dealing with Communist Regime. To broaden his knowledge, Mr. Tanoto never stops learning.