“Sekolah Ciputra’s motto: Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus (we learn not for school, but for life) still resonates with me.”
LAURENTIUS JUDHIANTO
GRADUATED: 2008
1. After graduating from Sekolah Ciputra, where do you study? What is your major?
Saxion University of Applied Sciences and my major is Art and Technology.
2. What did you do after graduating from university?
After completing my university studies, I continued my career at a small web development agency where I had previously worked on for my graduation project, as a junior programmer. Additionally, I took on side clients, building websites and webshops, with the long-term goal of establishing my own company.
3. What is your current occupation?
I’m the founder and platform engineer of Storeframe B.V. in the Netherlands.
4. What product/service do you provide?
We offer a comprehensive platform as a service (PaaS) solution that empowers ecommerce developers, agencies and merchants to efficiently create and manage webshops. Our automated infrastructure streamlines operations, allowing businesses to scale up effectively while saving valuable time and resources.
5. What was the inspiration behind your business?
The inspiration behind my business venture stemmed from personal frustrations. Working for an agency during the day and managing my own clients’ webshops in my free time, I found myself constantly trading time for money and reaching my limits as an individual. Thus, I sought a solution–a tool or system–that would enable me to scale beyond my own capabilities.
6. Do you use social media to promote Storeframe B.V.? If yes, please include the link as well
Yes, we actively promote our business through our website (https://www.storeframe.io/) and LinkedIn account (https://www.linkedin.com/company/storeframe/). Additionally we have a dedicated business partner and sales team that leverages our internal network to approach B2B customers throughout the Netherlands.
7. As founder and platform engineer, what are the challenges? How do you overcome it?
One of the primary challenges I face is keeping up with the rapidly evolving technologies in the industry; it involves selecting and implementing the best practices as standards within our company. Being consistent is important; helping customers and my teams in the middle of the day, improving our platform towards the end of the day and at night learning new things to implement for tomorrow.
8. What was the biggest challenge of moving to a new country?
Moving to a new country presented two major challenges: language and culture. Language barriers were the first obstacle I encountered, which affected my integration into the new society, although the Netherlands have a long history with Indonesia and one of the most welcoming countries in Europe. Additionally, culture differences, including instances of racism, could occasionally be observed in work and business settings, albeit not prominently.
9. What do you enjoy most about your new environment?
Personally, the most enjoyable aspect of moving to a new environment is the freedom to chart my own path. While the initial transition can be challenging, immersing oneself in a different culture and system allows for valuable insights and the development of respect for others’ perspectives, particularly as a minority.
10. In what way did Sekolah Ciputra contribute to your job right now?
Sekolah Ciputra played a significant role in shaping my current job. Despite struggling during my high school years and not excelling in many areas, it was a turning point in my life. I learned the importance of self-esteem and the value of education as a continuous process, rather than focusing solely on the end results. These lessons propelled me through university and ultimately led me to become an entrepreneur.
11. What was the best thing about Sekolah Ciputra? Tell us something memorable from your time at Sekolah Ciputra
Among the countless memorable experiences at Sekolah Ciputra, the IB Diploma program and the friendships I formed stands out the most. The challenges we faced during that period shaped us into the individuals we are today. I feel grateful and indebted to my friends and teachers for their guidance and support; thank you.
12. What advice would you give to a graduating student who was interested in creating their own business?
I would offer this advice based on my journey; first, establish principles that you are committed to living by. Regardless of the principles you choose, living by them consistently will be the most powerful aspect of your character that no one can take away. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly challenging. For me, my principles revolve around Curiosity (without it, you stop learning), Commitment (without it, you never start) and Consistency (without it, you never finish).
13. Would you recommend Sekolah Ciputra to others? If yes, what would you say about it?
While it has been over 10 years since I attended Sekolah Ciputra, making it difficult for me to give a definitive recommendation, I can say that Sekolah Ciputra holds a special place in my heart. Although it may not be the most affordable option for everyone, the school’s motto “Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus” (We learn not for school, but for life) still resonates with me. If the school continues to uphold this principle, then yes, I would recommend Sekolah Ciputra. Personally, I attribute a part of my success today to what Sekolah Ciputra stood for during my time in Sekolah Ciputra.
14. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
As an entrepreneur, free time is a rare luxury and it often feels like something is amiss if I have too much of it. However, when I do find a moment to spare, I utilize it to learn and engage in activities unrelated to my day-to-day work. Currently, I’m investing my free time in building my own LEV (Light Electric Vehicle); an electric longboard – bike, which helps me travel more efficiently from one point to another.
15. Anything else you would like to share?
Building an IT company or any startups is far from easy. Many of the challenges encountered in startups cannot be solved solely with money or education. Even individuals with prestigious degrees like MBAs, ex-McKinsey consultants, or PhD holders face their fair share of struggles when starting out. Having a better start doesn’t guarantee reaching the finish line. It’s a habit; it requires good work, hard work and consistent efforts. Small improvements made every day, combined with unwavering faith, will propel you towards your goals. Stay committed to your journey and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
