UTAR hosts Forum on Navigating Change: Exploring Business Analytics, Midlife Reflections, and Smart City Development

From second left: Dr Ucuk, Dr Saraswathy, Dr Dewi, Dr Wilhelmus, Dr Peter Tan, Dr Sonia and Dr Sharon Wilson with UTAR academics, staff and audience

On 15 October 2024, UTAR hosted a special forum titled Navigating Change: Business Analytics, Midlife Reflections, and the Future of Smart Cities at its Sungai Long Campus. Over 80 participants attended the event, both in person and online via Microsoft Teams. Organised by the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT), the Centre for Media & Communication Research (CMCR), and the Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF), the forum aimed to bring together experts from various fields to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from changes in business, personal development, and urban technology.

The event was divided into two main parts. In the morning, the forum featured a discussion in which each speaker shared insights in response to questions from the moderator, Dr Saraswathy Thurairaj, who also served as the Organising Chairperson for the event and represented the Centre for Learning and Teaching. In the afternoon, the speakers presented their own research, giving the audience a closer look at their studies and findings.

Dr Saraswathy moderating the forum session

As the speakers took turns answering Dr Saraswathy’s questions, the audience heard different views on the same topics. The conversational format created an interactive atmosphere, encouraging the speakers and the audience to think deeply about each issue.

Prof Wilhelmus sharing insights related to his area of expertise

The first speaker, Assoc Prof Dr Ir Wilhelmus Hary Susilo from Universitas Persada Indonesia, explained how businesses today use data and technology to make better decisions and connect with customers. He discussed the concept of a “VUCA” environment, which stands for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. Dr Wilhelmus highlighted that in today’s unpredictable market, businesses need to adapt quickly and use data to stay competitive. He explained that by carefully analysing data, companies can improve their strategies, build stronger relationships with customers, and make decisions that will lead to better business outcomes.

Dr Dewi sharing valuable information on midlife crisis

Next, Dr Dewi Syukiyah from the same university shared her thoughts on midlife – a period usually between the ages of 40 and 60 – and the changes people experience during this time. Dr Dewi explained that midlife is often a time when people start to think deeply about their lives, goals, and what really matters to them. She described how physical changes, such as wrinkles or weight gain, are common, as well as mental changes, such as a desire for a new purpose or direction. Dr Dewi encouraged people to see midlife as a positive time for self-reflection and growth, rather than as a “crisis”. She added that this phase can be a valuable opportunity to reset and find new meaning in life.

Dr Ucuk sharing his research on optical wireless communications (OWC)

The final speaker of the morning was Dr Ucuk Darusalam from Universitas Siber Asia. Dr Ucuk spoke about the role of Optical Wireless Communications (OWC) technology in the development of smart cities. He explained that OWC technology uses light to send data over long distances, which can improve the speed and security of internet connections in cities. This technology, he noted, is essential for smart cities, which rely on fast and reliable data networks to support services like transportation, health monitoring, and emergency response. Dr Ucuk’s vision of a smart city involved improved connectivity and efficiency, which could make urban areas more liveable and sustainable for residents.

Throughout the discussion, Dr Saraswathy asked follow-up questions that allowed each speaker to provide more details on their topics. For example, she asked Dr Wilhelmus about how companies can build customer trust in a digital world, to which he responded by highlighting the importance of ethical data use. She also asked Dr Dewi about the impact of midlife changes on family relationships, which led Dr Dewi to explain that midlife can often bring people closer to their loved ones as they re-evaluate what is important. Similarly, Dr Saraswathy questioned Dr Ucuk about the security concerns of OWC technology in urban areas, prompting him to discuss how OWC networks are designed to be secure and reliable.

From left: Dr Peter Tan, Dr Wilhelmus, Dr Saraswathy, Dr Dewi, Dr Ucuk and Dr Setiyowati

After the morning discussion concluded, the forum shifted gears in the afternoon to a research-focused session. This part of the event was part of UTAR’s 1st International Collaboration Academic Trip 2024, themed ‘Collaborative Research Discussion’. The interdisciplinary session included speakers from various Indonesian universities, each bringing insights from their own research areas. The afternoon presentations provided the audience with a closer look at research efforts aimed at solving complex issues in business, heritage, and governance.

Dr Harlis sharing her research for future collaboration

Dr Harlis Setiyowati from Universitas Pradita started the session with a presentation on sustainable practices in the ornamental and consumption fish industries. Her research, titled Ornamental Fish and Consumption Fish Business Based on the Blue Economy, examined how the “Blue Economy” approach can balance economic growth with environmental protection. Dr Harlis highlighted the importance of sustainable fishing practices that support marine biodiversity while creating economic opportunities for local communities. She explained that by adopting environmentally responsible methods, the fish industry can meet market demands while preserving natural resources, a crucial step in supporting long-term economic and environmental health.

Dr Maria sharing her research

Following Dr Harlis, Dr Maria Immaculata Ririk Winandari from Universitas Trisakti presented her work on cultural heritage conservation. Her presentation, titled Heritage Conservation Based on Community, focused on the role of local communities in preserving cultural sites and traditions. Dr Maria argued that community involvement is essential to the success of heritage conservation efforts, as it builds local pride and supports sustainable tourism. She shared examples of successful community-led conservation projects that not only protected important sites but also brought economic and social benefits to the surrounding areas. Dr Maria’s work underscored the idea that cultural heritage can be a valuable resource for both education and economic growth when managed thoughtfully with community participation.

Dr Choirul sharing his thoughts

The final speaker of the afternoon, Dr Choirul Anwar from Universitas Persada Indonesia Y.A.I, discussed how traditional Indonesian values can strengthen modern corporate governance. His presentation, titled Indonesian Local Wisdom of Good Corporate Governance, explored how principles such as respect, integrity, and community support can guide corporate practices. Dr Choirul explained that by integrating these values, companies can build stronger relationships with stakeholders, improve their public image, and enhance business ethics. He suggested that blending cultural wisdom with modern business practices creates a unique approach to governance that supports both corporate success and social responsibility. Dr Choirul’s insights showed how companies could create ethical policies that reflect local values, fostering a sense of trust and accountability.

The forum ended with a Q&A session that allowed the audience to ask questions directly to the speakers. The discussion covered a variety of topics, from the practical uses of business analytics to how smart cities might look in the future. Dr Saraswathy and Dr Sharon Wilson guided the conversation smoothly, creating an open environment where the audience felt comfortable engaging with the speakers.

In her closing remarks, Dr Saraswathy praised the speakers for their insightful contributions and thanked the audience for their active participation. She expressed hope that the forum had provided useful knowledge and new perspectives that participants could apply in their own lives. She also highlighted UTAR’s commitment to promoting lifelong learning and supporting meaningful discussions on important topics.