A visionary leader in education and social entrepreneurship, transforming learning through innovation, impact, and inspiration

As a platform for Indonesian alumni of Harvard University, the Harvard Club of Indonesia (HCI) has a rich history spanning over 40 years in fostering connections among its members. Headquartered in Jakarta, HCI also serves as a bridge for non-Indonesian alumni seeking strategic relationships while living and working in Indonesia.

Each month, HCI features an inspiring figure in its Alumni of the Month program. This time, they proudly recognize Iman Usman, a young leader who has made a significant impact in education and social entrepreneurship.

A Remarkable Academic Journey

After completing his secondary education in Padang, Iman Usman pursued a degree in International Relations at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia. Throughout his university years, he was known as an active and accomplished student. He served as a Junior Advisor for the United Nations Population Fund Indonesia and was appointed as Indonesia's ASEAN Youth Ambassador by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

His achievements did not stop there. In 2012, Iman was named Universitas Indonesia’s Most Outstanding Student, and later that same year, he won the national title of Indonesia’s Most Outstanding Student, awarded by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Iman continued his postgraduate studies at Teachers College, Columbia University, in the United States, on a full scholarship. He completed his studies within a year with a GPA of 3.90, earning a Master of Arts degree in International Education Development. Not stopping there, in 2020, Iman furthered his education at Harvard Graduate School of Education, obtaining a Master of Education in Specialized Studies Program with a concentration in Education Leadership. During his time at Harvard, he also took classes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was selected as an Adrian Cheng Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School.

Transforming Education and Entrepreneurship

As the Co-Founder and COO of Ruangguru, Iman Usman has brought significant change to the education sector in Southeast Asia. Driven by the mission to bridge the education gap in Indonesia, he and his team have developed innovative, technology-driven learning solutions, including video-based educational subscriptions, tech-powered learning centers, and industry-relevant skills training programs.

Since its establishment in 2014, Ruangguru has impacted over 40 million learners across Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2021, the company was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies.

Beyond Ruangguru, Iman has also made a mark in the entertainment industry by producing and directing Clash of Champions, one of Indonesia’s most viral educational game shows, which garnered over 100 million views. The show won multiple awards at the 2024 Citra Pariwara Awards, further reinforcing Ruangguru’s reputation as an educational innovator.

International Recognition and Achievements

Iman’s dedication to education and youth empowerment has been widely acknowledged. He has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Indonesian Young Leader Award (2008), the Global Changemaker Award (2010), and recognition from the UN Youth Assembly (2011). In 2017, he was listed in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 for Consumer Technology. Additionally, in 2019, he was honored with the Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur Award, and in 2020, he received the Social Impact Award from Credit Suisse & Tatler.

Beyond Education

In addition to his contributions to education, Iman is actively involved in entertainment, sports, and investment. He produced the film Andragogy, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and won Best International Feature at the 2024 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. In the sports industry, he co-founded Neo Tennis Arena, Jakarta’s largest indoor tennis facility.

As an investor and mentor, Iman supports entrepreneurs across various sectors. With an academic background from Universitas Indonesia, Columbia University, and Harvard University, he continues to make a profound impact on education and business in Indonesia. His journey serves as an inspiration and motivation for young generations across the country.

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