Bandar Lampung. Graha UAM at STIE Al-Madani came alive on January 21st, 2025, as it hosted the International General Lecture on Business Development and Entrepreneurship with the theme “Marketing – Creating a Brand.” The event brought together a distinguished guest speaker, enthusiastic students, and dedicated lecturers to dive into the evolving world of branding in business. The program kicked off at 10:00 AM, with Syofian Hadi, M.Pd., Gr., energizing the audience as the moderator. Dr. Liza Alvia, S.E., M.Sc., Akt., CA, speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Education Foundation of Global Madani (YPGM) and as the Director of the College of Higher Education Al-Madani (PTAM), warmly welcomed everyone in attendance. Adding to the event’s prestige was the presence of Dr. Ir. Erwanto, M.S., a senior member of YPGM and Indonesia’s representative for PUM Netherlands.
The highlight of the lecture was an engaging presentation by Drs. Simone Scholtens, a Senior Expert from Amsterdam University and PUM Netherlands. She explained the concept of branding, describing it as a dynamic and meaningful experience rooted in perceptions and associations. “A brand is not just a logo or tagline; it’s a promise of value, a source of trust, and a critical part of any business strategy,” she said. Her real-world examples of successful global brands illustrated how strong branding drives both trust and value for businesses. The session also included a highly interactive group activity, where students from different academic years collaborated to discuss the key elements of successful brands. Each group shared their insights during a plenary session, fostering teamwork and creative thinking. The Q&A segment provided an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and gain deeper insights into the topic.
Closing the event, Eha Nugraha, S.E., M.S.Ak., Akt., CA, the chairwoman of STIE Al-Madani, expressed her gratitude by presenting tokens of appreciation to the guest speaker. A group photo marked the end of the session, leaving everyone with fond memories of an inspiring and enriching day. This event demonstrated STIE Al-Madani’s commitment to connecting global expertise with its educational programs. By inviting international figures like Drs. Simone Scholtens, the institution reinforces its mission to blend academic knowledge with practical insights, equipping future entrepreneurs to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Written by Syofian Hadi