Source: Untar Public Relations – VC
The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of Untar held the 13th International Conference on Entrepreneurship and Business Management (ICEBM) under the theme “Innovative Approaches to Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Business Operations” at Untar Campus II on Thursday (14/11/2024). The conference brought together speakers from diverse backgrounds, including academics, practitioners, and business owners, emphasizing the significant role of businesses and educational institutions in effectively integrating the 17 SDGs into their respective fields through sustainable innovation.
ICEBM 2024 aimed to facilitate collaboration among the business sector, educational institutions, government agencies, and communities in accelerating the achievement of the SDGs.
In his opening remarks, Untar Rector, Prof. Dr. Amad Sudiro, S.H., M.H., M.Kn., M.M., highlighted the conference theme’s relevance to the implementation of the SDGs. As a global framework designed to create a better and more sustainable world by 2030, the SDGs require serious attention from all sectors. The 17 goals encompass poverty eradication, reducing inequalities, and combating climate change.
“Achieving these goals requires support from all stakeholders, not just governments. Business actors across all sectors must consciously embrace sustainability and contribute to creating a better future for society,” he stated.
The theme underscored the need for transformative business management approaches that generate economic value while positively impacting social and environmental development.
The audience at ICEBM 2024 attending the presentation session. // Source: Untar Public Relations – VC
This year’s ICEBM featured distinguished speakers, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wong Chee Hoo from INTI International University Malaysia, Dr. Mothilal De Silva (CEO and Co-Founder of Internet Plus Asia, Sri Lanka), and Charles Saerang, Ph.D. (Herbal Medicine Expert and Owner of PT JMK). They shared practical insights and strategies for advancing the SDGs.
The conference emphasized SDG implementation through internationalization and business economics by encouraging global partnerships to achieve common goals. Untar collaborated with international university partners to exchange knowledge on sustainability and develop entrepreneurship programs that support social and economic innovation. Participants discussed inclusive business models and best practices for enhancing global competitiveness while maintaining social and economic sustainability.
Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Untar, Prof. Dr. Sawidji Widoatmodjo, S.E., M.M., M.B.A., explained that ICEBM, as an annual event, not only addresses critical global issues but also offers solutions through research conducted by lecturers and students.
Meanwhile, ICEBM Committee Chair, Dr. Hetty Karunia Tunjungsari, reported that the conference was organized through collaboration between Untar and various higher education partners from Taiwan, Malaysia, China, Timor-Leste, Australia, and Thailand.
Dean of FEB Untar, Prof. Sawidji Widoatmodjo, together with ICEBM 2024 Committee Chair, Dr. Hetty Karunia Tunjungsari, and the conference speakers. // Doc: Untar Public Relations – VH
Discussion on SDGs in the Business World and International Student Exchange.
Wong Chee Hoo, who had the first opportunity as a speaker, discussed the concept of Circular Economy (CE) as a transformational approach to sustainable production and consumption. CE aims to address the linear economic model (take-make-dispose) with a regenerative system that keeps the value of products, materials, and resources intact for a longer period. Regarding the implementation of SDGs in Malaysia, it is voluntary, such as promoting environmentally friendly activities like the use of electric vehicles, solar panels, data-based technology development to create ease, and encouraging economic and social value enhancement.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wong Chee Hoo delivering the presentation. // Doc: Untar Public Relations – VC
The second speaker, Dr. Mothilal De Silva, explained that startups can only survive if they address real challenges faced by communities by creating products that meet genuine needs. He emphasized the importance of establishing a vision, mission, and business strategy that incorporates sustainability principles (SDGs) to create long-term value for stakeholders. According to him, startups must also build collaborative ecosystems through partnerships that allow organizations to share risks, costs, and expertise while addressing technical or managerial gaps. As leaders within such ecosystems, startups can connect various stakeholders to achieve shared sustainability objectives.
Meanwhile, Charles Saerang explained that adaptability and creativity are essential for business survival. “At its core, the SDGs are about the ability to survive,” he remarked.
As part of the ICEBM series, a lecturer and student exchange program was also conducted between Untar and KSU, Taiwan. The participants included representatives from the Faculty of Law (FH) Untar and the Faculty of Economics and Business of KSU, with Prof. Ariawan Gunadi, S.H., M.H., and Assoc. Prof. Linda Linchin Lin serving as academic representatives. (VC/YS/PA/VC)
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