Source: Untar Public Relations – NK

Untar supported the Panel Discussion themed “Halal Economy, Islamic Finance, and Entrepreneurship Education” held on Wednesday (02/07/2025) at Building A, Untar Campus II. This event was a collaboration between Untar and global experts, aimed at equipping the younger generation with insights into the halal economy, Islamic finance, and the importance of entrepreneurship education in the modern era.

The event was hosted by Ivan A. Sandjaja, Executive Director of GEN Indonesia, and continued with a panel discussion session moderated by Dr. Galuh Mira Saktiana, S.E., M.Sc., a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Untar. Four international experts from various prestigious institutions participated as speakers:

1. Dr. Heba Al Ashry – Director of the AAST Entrepreneurship Center, Egypt
2. Dr. Jane Hanna – Deputy Director of the AAST Entrepreneurship Center
3. Mohamed Aly – Head of Entrepreneurship at London South Bank Innovation, United Kingdom
4. Dr. Wael El Desouki – Secretary General of SKSEED of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Egypt

In the discussion, the international speakers highlighted the importance of preparing Indonesia’s younger generation to actively participate in the global halal economy value chain through innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Heba Al Ashry and Mohamed Aly emphasized that Indonesia holds great potential to become a hub for the halal industry in Southeast Asia, provided it can integrate local potential with international networks.

“Considering Indonesia’s majority Muslim population, the country certainly has the potential to become a strong center for halal business in Southeast Asia. The key to achieving this lies in strengthening innovation, adaptability, and technological systems,” said Mohamed Aly.

The discussion was lively and interactive, with high enthusiasm from the participants, including Untar lecturers who also posed questions. The event concluded with the presentation of appreciation plaques and a group photo session.

The Dean of FEB Untar, Prof. Dr. Sawidji Widoatmodjo, S.E., M.M., M.B.A., expressed his appreciation for this initiative.

“I hope this event brings a wealth of new knowledge about the world of business and entrepreneurship to the participants. I also hope this collaboration does not end here but continues to grow in the future,” he said.

Similarly, Dr. Ir. Steven Darmawan, S.T., M.T., Head of the Untar Learning and Academic Innovation Institute, also expressed his support for the successful organization of this event.

“Untar is a campus that upholds the value of entrepreneurship, in line with today’s discussion topic. I highly appreciate this event and hope that Untar will continue to support initiatives like this in the future,” he said.

This collaboration is a concrete manifestation of Untar’s commitment to broadening students’ entrepreneurial horizons through international networks, as well as shaping graduates who are ready to contribute in the global economy era based on values and innovation.

(VA/AJ)