Interconnected economies have brought unprecedented success to all countries, including cost-efficient labor, economic growth, and access to untapped markets. Yet, the international economy also gives rise to complex and multifaceted issues. Climate change, sustainability, the cost-of-living crisis, and technological disruptions such as AI and automation have become specters that plague the grassroots and middle class in Asia. In pursuit of formulating the right approach to these issues, Universitas Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI) and its partners have united in an international seminar.
First Building Blocks
Universitas Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI) organized an international seminar titled “Global Economic Disruptions: Problems and Solutions” on January 14, 2025, in the Multipurpose Room of the UAI building. UAI invited Akemi Business School (ABS), with its delegation led by Dr. Kirti Dang Longani, Associate Director. A delegation from Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU), led by Dr. Sugandh Arora, Assistant Professor at the School of Management, was also invited. Meanwhile, representatives from National Taipei University (NTPU) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, joined the seminar via Microsoft Teams.
UAI students quickly filled both the physical venue and the Microsoft Teams room. As curiosity lingered in the air, the MC, Safaa Sabika from UAI’s Psychology Study Program, opened the seminar. The event began with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by a sing-along of Indonesia Raya and Mars UAI, during which all participants stood and sang together.
Opening Remarks as Statement of Intent
Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, M.Sc, Rector of UAI, highlighted the importance of maximizing every opportunity in the face of myriad global economic challenges.
Living in the 21st century have brought us numerous benefits, we saw technological advancements, higher quality education and accessible information. So, in the face of climate change, AI, housing and living cost crisis, it’s imperative for all of us to maximize our opportunity in harnessing these technological and education advancement to navigate the tide of economic disruptions.
Afterwards, Ms. Ira Utari, the Client Relations Consultant from International Test Center (ITC) echoed Prof. Asep remarks.
Continuing what Prof. Ased said, maximizing opportunities it’s one of the key solution to tackle the ever-growing global economic disruption. One of it is through institutional collaboration between ITC and UAI wherein we can hand-in-hand tackling this issue by providing affordable and valid English test for students.
With statement of intent already put forward by respective leaders, the photo session for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Agreement (MoA) signing commenced.
Photo Session
In the spirit of continuing and enhancing the partnership of each partner, MoU signing between UAI and ITC was represented by Prof. Asep and Yeni Widiyasari as the Business Support GM of ITC, MoA signing between Faculty of Business and Economy (FEB) of UAI and ABS that was represented by Dr. Kuncoro Hadi, S.T., M.Si, Dean of FEB of UAI and Dr. Kirti along with MoA signing between Faculty of Business and Economy of UAI and ADYPU that was represented by Dr. Kuncoro and Dr. Kirti.
Then, the session was closed with a group photo that carried us to the main event.
International Seminar Session
The International Seminar session commenced with introducing the speakers of the seminar by Ditha Riyansa, S.E., M.S.M, Lecturer of Management Department of UAI as a Moderator of the seminar. She introduced the first speakers, Dr. Kirti who conveyed the importance of communications and strong leadership to weather the storm of international economic challenges.
In digital era, great leadership raise the nation economic resiliency by formulating strategic vision and policy. This was further reinforced by astute communication skills to communicate the policy in an effective way, to handle delicate negotiations and tackling complex issues that facing the country.
Next, Dr. Sugandh, represented her presentation on “Leveling the Playing Field: Transforming Challenges to Strategic Solutions for Global Prosperity”. She conveyed how India has mitigates global economic hurdles.
Under Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, India has successfully approach numerous economic issue by enhancing strategic partnership with Japan, South Korea, Rusia, USA and multi-lateral diplomacy such as Gulf Cooperation Council and European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Furthermore, India pivot to sustainable economic development ensure long term growth for the country.
With Dr. Sugandh finished her presentation, Robin delivered his presentation on “The Dynamics of University Education in Taiwan: Challenges and Future Directions” where he delved on Taiwan strategy to overcome its education challenges.
With the decline of Taiwan population and visible difficulties in internationalization, Taiwan has implement Billingual 20230 policy to supplement English educations at all stages of schooling in Taiwan and developing digital learning. This will invite international investment that create high-quality jobs for young Taiwanese, increase foreign professional living and working in Taiwan and enhance its global competitiveness.
Then, Dr. Kuncoro conveyed his material on “Integrating Islamic Social Finance to Address Climate Change and Global Economic Challenges”.
Islamic social finance (ISF) provides comprehensive financial instruments such as Green Sukuk and Cash Waqf Linked Sukuk that can mobilize capital for renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation initiatives. Therefore, integrating Islamic social finance to address climate change and global economic challenges is the right path going forward”
Q&A
The international seminar lit an interactive Question & Answer (Q&A) session wherein the participants asked regarding the crisis management implemented by Taiwan and India to mitigate such perilous disruptions while still contributing to the world. Robin remarked Taiwan rely on its innovation such as Taiwan semi-conductor company that made chips for iPhone and other international phone companies. This ensures Taiwan strategical contribution to the global market whilst providing jobs to its people.
Dr. Kirti and Sugandh expounded that India tackled this issue by providing clear foundation that stemmed from shrewd leadership and vision. Then, it’s continued with a key collaboration with developed countries such as Japan, USA and other. Combined it with a government policy that incentivize innovation, thus, making India one of the best developing county to response the global economic disruptions.
Conclusion
With the Q&A finished, the MC closed the curtain of the seminar with a renewed spirit, enriched mind and innovative methods in tackling global economic disruption that would significantly alleviate the plight of the grass-root class in Asia and preparing them to succeed in facing other international challenges. (BR)