Uniqlo Offers Path to Global Leadership with UMC Program at Titian Karir ITB 2025

BANDUNG, kemahasiswaan.itb.ac.id – Uniqlo is more than just a clothing brand. Beyond that, this Japanese company carries a significant mission: to inspire happiness through functional and inclusive clothing. In a presentation delivered by Dessy Priska Natalia at  Aula Timur ITB, students were invited to take a closer look at how Uniqlo builds its business and creates leadership opportunities through the Uniqlo Management Candidate (UMC) program.

Founded in 1984, Uniqlo began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013 by opening its first store at Ciputra Mall, Jakarta. Now, within just a decade, Uniqlo has established 79 stores across Indonesia and employs over 1,500 people from Aceh to Papua. Its global expansion continues to grow, reaching major cities such as New York, London, Paris, and Singapore.

With the spirit of “From Japan to the World,” Uniqlo brings a unique business philosophy: Changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom, changing the world. This philosophy reflects Uniqlo’s determination not just to sell clothes, but to reshape the way people perceive fashion.

“For Uniqlo, the customer is the top priority. We don’t simply follow market trends—we strive to understand the functionality and comfort people truly need,” explained Dessy. Products like AIRism and HEATTECH are clear examples—one designed to keep people cool in tropical climates, and the other to retain warmth for those living in colder regions.

Uniqlo’s strong focus on human development as the core of its business is also shown through the UMC program. This program doesn’t just produce store managers, but develops global leaders with managerial insight, analytical skills, and an innovative spirit. “We’re not looking for executors, we’re looking for strategic thinkers who can drive change across different areas,” she added.

UMC participants are placed directly in Uniqlo stores throughout Indonesia and are responsible for managing store operations comprehensively. The three main aspects offered by UMC are: leadership and personal development opportunities, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a fully merit-based work system.

Dessy also emphasized that Uniqlo opens its doors wide to ambitious candidates with strong passion and a desire to grow with a global company. Joining Uniqlo means becoming a full-time employee with various benefits, including shift-based work systems, performance bonuses, employee discounts, and work uniforms.

“People are the heart of our business,” she declared. With this spirit, Uniqlo continues to strive to create a positive impact not only through its products, but also through the people who lead behind the scenes.