Biography
Profile Photo

Adamas Belva Syah Devara

ID

Indonesian entrepreneur and social activist

Editions

Successful People in Indonesia (2nd Edition)

06/2027

Successful People in Indonesia (1st Edition)

02/2026

PSEUDONYM - PSEUDONYM

Belva Devara

E - EDUCATION

Tunas Jaka Sampurna Elementary School, Bekasi; Al Azhar 8 Islamic Junior High School, Jakarta; 2007 - 2011 Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore - B.Sc. in Computer Science & Business; 2013 - 2015 Harvard University, USA - Master of Public Administration (MPA); 2013 - 2015 Stanford University, USA - Master of Business Administration (MBA); 2014 - 2015 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Visiting Student

CA - CAREER

2011 - 2013 McKinsey & Company - Management Consultant; Presidential Working Unit for Development Supervision and Control (UKP4); 2014 - Present, Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PT Ruang Raya Indonesia (Ruangguru); 2019 - 2020 Special Staff to the President of Indonesia for Innovation; 2018 - Present, Member of the Young Leaders for Indonesia Network

CO - COMPANIES OWNERSHIP

Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PT Ruang Raya Indonesia (Ruangguru)

WACW - WRITINGS AND CREATIVE WORKS

Contributed opinion and research articles on education, leadership, and social innovation in publications such as The Jakarta Post and Harvard Policy Review; Frequent speaker and contributor at international forums such as the Global Education Technology (GET) Summit, World Economic Forum on ASEAN, and Mobile World Congress; Published insights on education technology, equal access to education, and digital economy transformation

CASA - CIVIL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Through Ruangguru’s strong social mission, Adamas Belva Syah Devara has been actively committed to providing equal access to quality education across Indonesia. He initiated the “Free Ruangguru for Indonesia” program during the COVID-19 pandemic to support students’ learning continuity. Beyond that, he advocates for teacher empowerment and digital skill development, especially in underprivileged areas. Additionally, he supports various scholarship programs and online training opportunities through Skill Academy, helping individuals enhance their competencies and career prospects.

AW - AWARDS

Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal 2011; Accenture Gold Medal 2011; Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore Gold Medal 2011; Social Enterprise of the Year (Wirausahawan Sosial) 2016; Most Promising Entrepreneur in ASEAN 2016; Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia - Technology Category 2017; GSMA Innovation Fund Award 2017; MIT Solve Global Recognition 2017; Prestige 40 Under 40 - The Vanguards 2018; ASEAN 40 Under 40 (ASEAN Advisory) 2018

ME - MEMBERSHIPS

Secretary-General, Indonesian Students Association in Singapore (PPI Singapore); Young Leaders for Indonesia (YLI) – McKinsey & Company (2011); Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association; Stanford Graduate School of Business Alumni Network; World Economic Forum Participant (2018)

ACH - ACHIEVEMENTS

Adamas Belva Syah Devara is recognized for his achievements as the Founder and CEO of Ruangguru, Indonesia’s largest education technology company, which has reached over 10 million students and 150,000 teachers. He became the first Indonesian to be admitted to a dual-degree program at Harvard University (MPA) and Stanford University (MBA) simultaneously. Earlier in his career, Belva worked at McKinsey & Company, leading education and public health transformation projects across Southeast Asia. He was also active as Secretary-General of the Indonesian Students Association in Singapore, a research fellow at the Harvard Ash Center, and was invited by President Joko Widodo to provide strategic insights on national education. In addition, he has spoken at major international forums such as the World Economic Forum and the Mobile World Congress, promoting Indonesia’s vision for educational innovation on the global stage

LS - LANGUAGE SKILLS

Indonesian, English

H - HOBBY

Reading business books and biographies of world leaders, Regular jogging and fitness activities, Playing music and writing innovative ideas, Engaging in youth mentoring and social projects

ROS - REASON OF SUCCESS

Belva Syah Devara’s keys to success lie in his visionary leadership that integrates technology and education to create long-term impact. Guided by integrity and a strong social purpose, he leads a mission-driven enterprise dedicated to advancing social equality. His commitment to lifelong learning drives him to continually seek knowledge across various disciplines. Embracing innovation and adaptability, he navigates rapid technological and societal changes with agility. Rooted in empathy and public spirit, he leverages innovation to address real-world social challenges, while his global perspective ensures he thinks globally yet acts locally to contribute meaningfully to national development.

B - BORN

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

P - PARENTS

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

MS - MARITAL STATUS

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

CH - CHILDREN

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.