On 17 October 2018, Sampoerna Academy held a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony in Surabaya, East Java. This is the sixth campus to build in Indonesia after Jakarta, Medan, BSD, and Sentul campus. The school will open the Playgroup and Elementary School levels at the first enrollment for people in Surabaya and the surrounding areas. It will gradually grow to offer all grade levels up until Grade 12. Director of Sampoerna Academy Dr. Mustafa Guvercin joined the ceremony, stating that considering the current condition, the digital era and ASEAN Economic Community deeply affected Indonesia. Not only do Indonesian children compete with their fellows, they also have to keep up with the global technology advancement.

Cambridge Curriculum Combines STEAM methodology

"We understand that it is impossible to gain different results with conventional, old methods. That is why Sampoerna Academy offers Cambridge Curriculum with the 21st Century learning method and combines STEAM methodology which is specially designed to develop Indonesian children's ways of thinking," he stated. Combined with 4Cs (Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration), STEAM methodology prepares children to solve any problems in the future. Hence, they can be innovators too, Dr. Guvercin said. His statement is backed by one of the findings of U.S. National Science Foundation. "In the future, 80% of jobs in the world will require critical thinking and problem solving skills," he quoted. Child, teenager and family psychologist Jovita Ferliana also ensures that the application of STEAM methodology at Sampoerna Academy is one of the keys to brighter future of our children. "Early education at Sampoerna Academy with Cambridge Curriculum and STEAM methodology also becomes the most significant investment," she explained. Jovita further emphasized that parents ought to pay more attention to their children's education not only at the elementary level but also middle and higher level. It is advisable that parents select a suitable school system that fully prepares children for better future. "That is the most important decision parents must make from early on," the psychologist added. As one of the parts of Sampoerna Schools System, Sampoerna Academy offers a solution to this. It provides one single complete educational pathway, from playgroup to middle school, which also blends local cultures and global educational system. Armed with these, children are expected to able to reach their fullest potential. "We are positive that Sampoerna Academy in Surabaya will be welcomed by parents here. And together we can shape better future for Indonesian children in Surabaya," Dr. Guvercin concluded. (*/)