27/10/2025
๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐: ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐
๐ข๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ, ๐๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ, ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ฒ
In achieving value innovation in curricula and instructional delivery, the ๐พ๐ค๐ก๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ ๐ฝ๐ช๐จ๐๐ฃ๐๐จ๐จ, ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ฃ๐๐ช๐ง๐จ๐๐๐ฅ, ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐ค๐ช๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฎ โ ๐ผ๐ฃ๐๐ง๐๐ฌ๐จ successfully conducted its Series 2: Roundtable Discussion on Industry-Based Global Entry Competencies for Financial Management, Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy in collaboration with Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, Indonesia (UMSU), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), UNITAR International University, Malaysia, Universitas Warmadewa (UNWAR), Indonesia, and ExP Learning Innovations, Inc. on October 24, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at CSU Andrews, Conference Hall and via Zoom.
This international event was participated by the representatives of ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป (๐๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ฌ๐๐), ๐๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ (๐๐ง๐), ๐ฃ๐ต๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ (๐ฃ๐๐๐), ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ, ๐๐
๐ฃ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ป๐ป๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐, ๐๐ป๐ฐ., ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐บ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ต ๐ฆ๐๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ, ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฎ (๐จ๐ ๐ฆ๐จ), ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ธ๐ป๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐ถ ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ (๐จ๐ถ๐ง๐ ), ๐จ๐ก๐๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐, ๐ ๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ฎ, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐๐ฎ (๐จ๐ก๐ช๐๐ฅ), ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฎ.
The event commenced with the National Anthems of Indonesia, Malaysia, Norway, United States and Philippines. Atty. Carla Marie L. Sumigad, Campus Executive Officer of CSU โ Andrews Campus delivered her Opening Remarks. CEO Sumigad emphasized that through this discussion, the institution aims to strengthen its curriculum, align teaching practices with global standards, and prepare candidates not only to enter the workforce but to excel and lead within it. On behalf of Cagayan State University, she expressed deep gratitude to the distinguished guests and partners for sharing their time, expertise, and insights. She expressed hope that the conversation would inspire innovative strategies and pave the way for a more globally competitive higher education system. CEO Sumigad welcomed all participants and wished everyone a productive and enriching roundtable discussion.
CHED Region 2 Director, Dr. Julieta M. Paras represented by Dr. Jocelyn P. Carag, Education Supervisor II, CHED Region 2 delivered her Opening Message. Dr. Carag highlighted the importance of collaboration among industry, academia, and certifying bodies to develop a globally competent workforce. She emphasized that in todayโs fast-changing world, graduates must be skilled, adaptable, and internationally certified to meet global standards. Strengthening industryโacademic linkages, continuous upskilling, and policy support are crucial for addressing skill gaps and enhancing employability. She urged all stakeholders to sustain this dialogue and work together to prepare graduates not just for the workforce but to lead and innovate on the global stage.
OIC โ University President, Dr. Arthur G. Ibaรฑez, ASEAN Engr., on his Message warmly welcomed the university partners, resource speakers, panel reactors, faculty, and students. OIC President Ibaรฑez stressed the significance of conducting this Roundtable Discussion, it is a timely and vital engagement that unites the academic and professional communities in shaping the future of business education and practice. Added to that, he desired that this RoundTable may inspire continued collaboration, critical inquiry, and actionable strategies that empower future business leaders to navigate and shape the ever-changing global business landscape.
Introduced by Mr. Melvin M. Mora, CBEA Faculty, the first resource speaker is Mr. Mark Quitoy, M.Sc., Employer Relations Marketing Intern at Hult International Business School, New York. Speaker Quitoy delivered his topic, Cross-Functional Skills and Penetrating Marketing Career in the International Arena. emphasized the importance of developing cross-functional skills for modern marketing professionals, highlighting key competencies such as strategic thinking, data literacy, cross-cultural competence, and collaboration. He discussed how marketing has evolved beyond traditional boundaries, requiring professionals to be strategic, analytical, culturally aware, and capable of leading multidisciplinary teams. Quitoy stressed the need for educational reform through curriculum integration, industry immersion, and global exposure to better prepare graduates for international challenges. He also highlighted the value of university-industry partnerships to foster relevant skills and innovation. Ultimately, he advocated for cultivating adaptable, empathetic, and strategic marketers who can connect markets, build trust, and contribute to inclusive economic growth on a global scale.
The second resource speaker is introduced by Dr. Chona P. Agustin, CBEA Faculty. Resource Speaker, Mats Lokebo, Associate at SevenTrain Ventures, NY delivered his topic Emerging Technologies and Investment Competencies that Shape the Future of Work. In his discussion, Mats Lรธkebรธ emphasized the critical need to bridge the gap between university education and the rapidly changing demands of the modern workplace. He highlighted the significance of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, and stressed that the primary challenge lies not merely in acquiring technical skills but in fostering a mindset of curiosity, critical thinking, and adaptability. He advocated for creating an educational environment that encourages inquiry and exploration by making students feel safe to ask questions and engage in discovery, rather than focusing solely on memorization. Furthermore, Lรธkebรธ underscored the importance of experiential learning through industry immersion, including case competitions and real-world problem-solving activities integrated into the curriculum, to develop practical skills relevant to industry needs. He concluded by asserting that transforming education requires a fundamental shift from teaching students what to think to emphasizing how to think, thereby cultivating lifelong learners who are well-prepared to navigate the future of work.
The next speaker is Ms. Visali Sandrasegaran, Regional Employability Manager of ACCA Asia Pacific delivered her topic, Investment Competencies and Green Skills: Pathways to Global Qualifications in Business. Visali from ACCA talked about how the accounting profession is changing and the important role accountants will play in the future. She explained that technology, climate change, and new regulations are impacting how accountants work. She highlighted the need for skills like teamwork, data analysis, and understanding sustainability. Visali also shared that accountants can help make businesses more sustainable, support small businesses, and build trust through strong ethics. She introduced some training programs and resources available to help accountants stay relevant and prepared for these changes. Overall, Visali emphasized that accountants are more than just number crunchers, they have a big part to play in shaping a better, fairer, and greener world.
After the discussion are Panel Reactions, Question and Answer, and Discussion. Panel Reactors are Dr. Putu Ayu Sita Laksmi, B. Bus., M.Sc., Head of the Management Study Program, Warmadewa University, Indonesia and Dr. Arnel P. Ringor, CBEA โ Faculty at CBEA, Andrews. Dr. Ringor reacted on the first speaker and said that the presentation of Mr. Mark Quitoy was very illuminating. The presentation talks on good communication, problem-solving strategy, leadership, adaptability, and effective and efficient collaborative, proactive management, exhibiting cross-functional skills. For the reaction to Mr. Mats Lokebo, indeed, those technologies have changed the business processes and landscape, impacting almost in all aspects of the human life. The workforce has to adopt the dynamics in investment to boost economic performance. The unprecedented advancement in its complexity has improved every single department in the workplace, and this could be achieved through a collaborative effort between the academic and industry partners. Dr. Ringor expressed his profound appreciation for those thought-provoking presentations. As to Visali Sandrasegaranโs presentation, the world would be much a better place having those green skills, showcasing the human dimension. The Earth provides enough to satisfy everyone's needs, but not every man's green. Dr. Ringor said that collaborative efforts such as this, roundtable discussion, will create stronger alliances to meet challenges in acquiring the needed investment competencies to boost economic performance with the academic community.
Panel Reactor, Dr. Putu Ayu Sita Laksmi expressed her sincere appreciation to the organizers and distinguished speakers for sharing the insightful perspectives. For the first speaker, Dr. Laksmi strongly agrees that the developing cross the culture functional skill is the essence for the success in the international business arena. She mentioned that in Indonesia, for instance, they already know the industries as the creative tourism and eco-entrepreneurship, demand the professionals who can integrate it, the marketing, digital literacy, and also the sustainability.
Dr. Laksmi asked a question to Speaker Quitoy on how can higher education institutions effectively measure or assess the development of the cross functional skill among the student.
For the second speaker, Dr. Laksmi said that on the emerging technologies, this reminds us that digital transformation is no longer optional, inevitable. University needs to ensure that our graduates are not only tech literate, but also tech-addictive, able to learn and also to involve. Dr. Laksmi question is with rapid technological change, what are the strategies for universities in South East Asia, especially adopt to close the gap between digital innovation and also curriculum design.
For the third discussion, Dr. Laksmi deeply appreciates that emphasis on the green competency, sustainability is no longer a trend. We are seeing the rise of the eco-based entrepreneurship where investment and decision are tied to environmental and social impact. Together, they've formed the foundation of the future already, and are also responsible leadership. As educators, our mission is to prepare students not only find a job, but also can create impact and also, of course, they can drive a change. Today is the education, and not only about employability. It is about empowering students to lead sustainable, change the futures.
There were 3 questions posted by Dr. Putu Laksmi to be answered by our speakers. Resource Speaker Quitoy replied that if universities want to effectively measure cross-functional skills, it definitely requires assessment, our assessment methods that go beyond just exam and grades. We can do competency-based assessment frameworks and put strategic thinking. According to him, if we want to assess that, it can be measured by the ability to connect marketing goals to financial metrics. or for collaboration, we can assess that through peer evaluations and through projects. Virtual intelligence, for example, can be reflected in how students adopt communication styles for international audiences. We can also do capstone or integrated projects as these projects require students to integrate marketing, finance, and operations concepts that simulate real business challenges. He added that this assessment should focus on how students synthesize knowledge across disciplines, and not just the final outputs. For example, in a marketing strategy project, something they actually had in their program last year, having the marketing plan, which is the creative aspect, the financial projection, which is the analytical aspect, and the implementation plan, which is the operational aspect. Speaker Quitoy reiterated that if you want to measure cross-functional skills effectively, you have to move from knowledge base to performance-based assessments, because the goal is not only to test what students know, but also to evaluate how they apply knowledge across disciplines, and collaborate with others and adapt in dynamic.
The second question is addressed to Speaker Mats Lokebo. When it comes to digital skills, from his experience, we are our best teachers. Digital skills are best learned through practical experience by tackling real problems, encouraging students to use digital tools independently rather than following step-by-step instructions. He recommended giving students projects that challenge them to apply these tools, fostering intuitive understanding and skills. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of directly supporting student impact through initiatives like student-run venture funds, similar to those at Babson College and MIT Sloan. These funds can provide guidance and funding to bright students with ideas, helping them make an impact, while also enhancing the university's reputation and attracting talented entrepreneurs. Overall, he sees these approaches as mutually beneficial for students, entrepreneurs, and the university.
Visali, the third speaker answered, that if an employee wants to see if a graduate is ready to apply ethical practices, we should go back to the old-fashioned way, check their ethical knowledge and thinking through real-life scenarios. Give them situations to see how they approach them and include practical assessments from small to big projects. This teaches them not just knowledge but also awareness and staying in sync with ethics in businesses and organizations. Itโs important to focus on ethics, not just fraud or not doing things properly. We should keep assessing, sharing knowledge, and encouraging students to stay updated with current news. She stated that the younger ones are more exposed, so we can also update the older ones.
Dr. Giged T. Battung, College Dean, CBEA posed a question on how do we develop interdisciplinary and cross-functional skills. Speaker Visali answered the question wherein she said that accountants need to ensure they do not lose human values with digital skills. They must understand basics like data privacy, which is very important, even if it seems simple. They should be transparent and have strong judgment, especially with AI and digital changes. Ethically, they need to step back and think about why theyโre doing things, even when everything moves fast. Being ethical is crucial, not just for accountants but across all professions. Itโs about always acting ethically, as it carries a lot of meaning and is very important.
After the in-depth question and answer portion, was the awarding of Certificates of Appreciation to resource speakers: Mark Quitoy, Mats Lokebo and Visali Sandrasegaran. Certificates of Appreciation is also awarded to Dr. Putu Ayu Sita Laksmi and Dr. Arnel P. Ringor who served as Panel Reactors.
The second batch of discussion, Dr. Hari Narayanan, CEO of the Penang Skills Development Center (PSDC) who discussed the topic, Global AI Adoption Trends Shaping Business and Entrepreneurial Competencies. Dr. Hari shared that he represents Pine Skills Development Center, the oldest skills center in Malaysia, started in 1989, managed by a council of CEOs and MDs from multinational and local companies in Penang, known as the Silicon Valley of the East. Dr. Hari said that our focus is on technology, manufacturing, R&D, and workforce upskilling and reskilling covering technical, software skills, and diploma programs. We work with many industries like electrical, electronics, medical devices, automation, and financial services, especially in global business services, which have about 78 companies in Penang.
Dr. Hari said that for some, AI is hype, but many top leaders highlight its impact. AI wonโt replace humans, but those who donโt adopt it risk being replaced. Leaders like Satya Nadella see AI as disruptive, collapsing traditional apps, and companies like Accenture are already replacing employees without AI skills. To succeed, students and workers must prove they can do what AI cannot, and later, show they can work with AI. Over the next five years, many jobs will grow, especially data specialists and fintech engineers, while some jobs will disappear. Companies want ROI from AIโimproving productivity and growth. AI has been around for decades, but recent growth is driven by Gen AI, which offers easy productivity gains. Use cases like Professor Bharat Anandโs work show AIโs role in education, balancing information and riskโlow error costs with lots of data are ideal for AI, but high-risk areas need human expertise.
The main challenges globally are AI skills, fear of the unknown, and data quality. Many companies are unaware of their AI readinessโsurprising, since Penang is called the Silicon Valley of the East. We use a simple AI Singapore tool called RE to assess companies on five areas: organizational, business value, ethics, data, and infrastructure readiness. Most are unaware of their AI status, especially smaller companies. Our approach is to help them develop strategies and identify business cases, then support them through transformation and upskilling. Most talents need application-focused trainingโindustry consumers of AIโwhile only 10-15% are AI experts capable of designing solutions. We customize training for different sectors like software, manufacturing, and finance, supported by government programs.
Dr. Hari said that our roadmap aims to move from awareness to team productivity with AI agents, and eventually to autonomous AI in a few years. Industry must understand where they are, find benefits in real use, and adopt AI step-by-step to avoid fear. Leaders must inspire and help workers upskill. As Tim Cook said, AI isnโt a threat if aligned with human values, but there's concern about losing control. Developing talents who understand AI fundamentals and apply it responsibly is key, so we donโt just use AI as a black box, which can be dangerous with Gen AI.
Following him is Speaker Nanda Ashari, SE., MM, Relationship Manager at PT Bank Mandiri, Tbk, who discussed his topic, Financial Management Competencies in the Banking World.
Nanda Ashari expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, introducing himself as a representative of UMSU to provide input on finance management. He mentioned his 13 years of experience at Bank Mandiri as a relationship manager and briefly outlined his background before continuing the discussion on financial management competencies in banking. He explained that these competencies include work in the credit department, which encompasses various sections such as corporate banking, commercial banking, small-medium enterprise banking, consumer banking, and microbanking. The credit facilities involve different types of loans like working capital, investment, customer loans, school loans, deposit credit, multipurpose credit, bank guarantees, and letters of credit, all of which are recorded in the bankโs assets. Loan provisions support business development and consumer needs, with financial management acting as a fund manager to ensure liquidity, security, and profitability of lending activities. Fund collection from the public and channeling back as credit is also part of this management, with careful consideration of the proportion of funds allocated to maintain healthy liquidity ratios, as over-lending could deplete cash reserves needed for customer withdrawals. Credit risk control involves analyzing customer ability, assessing risk, and setting credit limits, which is highly valued in banks because customer financial statements are crucial in determining their ability to repay obligations and sustain their businesses. These responsibilities fall under credit analysis, which employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative analysis involves financial indicators such as income statements, balance sheets, ratios, cash flows, working capital, net present value, debt service coverage ratio, and other measures used for approving loans. Qualitative analysis considers business legality, models, credit schemes, management, marketing, cultural aspects, management structures, and customer data. Mastery of these skills is essential in banking, especially in credit departments, as they help understand customer repayment capacity and reduce risks. Data-based analysis ensures the collectability of credit portfolios and maintains their quality, preventing profit reduction. Credit must be granted according to applicable regulations, making financial management skills highly valuable in the banking sector. Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative analysis is necessary for aspiring credit analysts, and mastering these skills is critical for success in the field. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of these competencies in the banking industry and thanked the audience for their attention.
This was followed by Mr. Jesus B. Obana, CEO, EXP Learning Innovations, Inc. who discussed the topic, Leveraging on International Certification for Careerโs Upward Mobility. Mr. Obana talk about upward mobility, how individuals, a nation, and a region can rise beyond boundaries through international certification. Skills, not just titles, are what open doors and create global opportunities, connecting cultures and competing worldwide. Many students from humble beginnings now build careers across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, showing that global competence begins locally with the right mindset and opportunities. He discussed future-ready skills that go beyond knowledge, focusing on global certifications like the ACCA, which is structured to develop technical and leadership skills, and micro-credentials that help build in-demand skills for a rapidly changing world. Success today is about building strong foundations, developing capabilities, and continuously learning as technology and society evolve. The ACCA pathway begins with the Foundation in Accountancy, suitable for learners with no background in accounting, offering flexible entry points. It leads to the full ACCA qualification, which is recognized worldwide and can be achieved even without college or university, allowing students to start studying while still in school. A new ACCA qualification coming in 2027 will be more focused, modern, and aligned with future needs, with updates in areas like sustainability, digital transformation, and analytics. Micro-credentials are short, focus, and globally recognized programs that teach practical skills in digital finance, data analytics, leadership, and sustainability skills industries need now. They are supported by government agencies and help learners stay ahead, adaptable, and ready to lead. ACCA also offers specialized micro-credentials in areas like business valuation, international auditing, and financial reporting, and provides career opportunities through the ACA Careers platform, connecting professionals to global jobs. In his conclusion, Speaker Obana said that success in the future depends on continuous learning, global certifications, and micro-credentials that build real skills. At ExP Group Philippines, he believes that education is lifelong and the learning passport is key to a successful global career.
After that are Panel Reactions, Question and Answer, and Discussion. The panel reactors are Agus Sani, SE., M. Sc, Board Member, Office of the International Affairs and Lecturer of the Faculty of Business and Economics at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, Indonesia and Dr. Junaidah Hanim Ahmad, Coordinator Postgraduate Programme at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. Reactor Agus Sani talked about AI adoption as his expertise is strategic management, digital transformation. AI is changing how businesses and entrepreneurs think and compete, itโs a new business language. He agreed with the first speaker that if you donโt learn AI, you might fall behind. Those not using AI will be replaced. AI makes entrepreneurs more agile, and we canโt just rely on institutions or intuition; we need data and AI for faster, smarter decisions. AI also changes skills, it's about combining creativity with technology, called โcreative intelligence.โ Thereโs a global gap in AI readiness and access to tools or training; education should make AI inclusive for all students. The real challenge is how to use AI to empower, not replace, people. Financial management today is about combining strong skills with technology, data, and strategic thinking. Bankers need to be more agile, using digital tools, but we must also consider leadership, ethics, and trust. Itโs about balancing technical skills with human values, ensuring AI helps us, not replaces us. International certification can open career doors, show commitment to standards, and help us be more professional and industry-relevant. Itโs not just about the certification but how we apply knowledge, build networks, and grow our careers. Itโs also a mindset of learning, adapting, and being ready for global opportunities. I have only one question for all three presenters.
After the reaction, Agus Sani posed a question: Nowadays, in the context of AI adoption, as the higher education institution, how can we find the right way, or the right thing that we can balance between using AI to enhance the learning process and still maintaining, at the same time, the essential elements of human elements like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Dr. Junaidah Hanim Ahmad gave her reaction to Speaker Dr. Hari Narayanan. Dr. Ahmad agreed with about young graduates needing to prove they can do what AI cannot. She encourages students to use AI, but worries about how they use it, many just copy without thinking, which affects their character and critical thinking. She said that we need to find a balance and teach them to use AI wisely, ethically, and to think independently. Dr. Ahmad shared concerns about over-dependence on AI, especially since students often accept answers without questioning. She also agrees with Dr. Hari about the importance of values and compassion. The second speaker, Mr. Nanda Ashiri, discussed financial management in banking. She believes finance is about decision-making, and students must think critically, not rely solely on AI, to make good decisions. They need political, economic, and global awareness to succeed. The third speaker talked about international certifications and the gap between accessibility and affordability, especially in rural Malaysia. Collaboration and affordable courses can help, but acceptance worldwide is key. Dr. Ahmad liked the Career Success Model, showing students are strong in technical skills but need to develop critical thinking, motivation, and leadership. Her concern is how students can balance AI and human values ethically, instead of copying.
Dr. Hari Narayanan response to the question is the importance of ensuring that talents are able to think critically rather than just rely on tools without understanding the fundamentals or strong foundations. He emphasized that this is not just about AI; reflecting on his own background, he comes from the Industry 3.0 era, having used punch cards, which gave him an understanding of how computers work and how AI and neural networks are used. He highlighted the pressure on industries in Malaysia, pointing out that graduates are often perceived as lacking industry-readiness, a concern echoed globally. He noted that academia often finds itself in a dichotomy between teaching tools and fundamentals, stressing the importance of teaching students the basicsโwhether in finance, engineering, or other fieldsโbefore introducing advanced concepts like AI or digitalization. He advised universities to focus on problem-solving fundamentals to improve productivity and cautioned that engineers, while skilled at assembling systems, often struggle with diagnosing issues because they lack foundational knowledge. He underscored that understanding how things work is crucial before AI, which he views as an enabler for high productivity and efficiency, takes over, emphasizing that educators must teach the basics and fundamentals to prepare students for the future.
Mr. Jesus B. Obaรฑa on the other hand, addressed the concern about the cost and accessibility of global certifications. These certifications are expensive and an investment for the future. However, ExP Group Philippines has a special partnership with global certification bodies, offering discounts and financing options to make these certifications more affordable for everyone in the Philippines. We can also extend these benefits to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, and even worldwide. Our goal is to raise awareness and encourage everyone to pursue international certification because of the many benefits. Mr. Obaรฑa said that the good news is that these certifications are becoming more accessible and affordable, and weโre happy to share these discounts with local certification bodies so more people can become globally recognized professionals and enjoy the benefits.
Following that session is the Awarding of Certificates of Appreciation to Speakers: Dr. Hari Narayanan, Nanda Ashari, SE., MM, Mr. Jesus B. Obaรฑa and Panel Reactors: Agus Sani, SE., M. Sc and Dr. Junaidah Hanim Ahmad.
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โ๏ธMike Aresta
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