AIU Brings Together Experts and Students to Address Contemporary Economic Issues

Albukhary International University (AIU) continues to position itself as a hub for academic excellence and global engagement. On 22 August 2025, the AIU Economics Students’ Association successfully hosted a webinar on Contemporary Economic Issues, attracting students, faculty, and external participants eager to explore the pressing challenges facing today’s global economy.

The event, held virtually from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, served as a vibrant platform where knowledge, innovation, and critical inquiry intersected, demonstrating AIU’s commitment to nurturing future economists and thought leaders.

Inspiring Words from Leadership

The webinar opened with an address by Dr. Noorul Hafidzah Binti Zawawi, Dean of the School of Business and Social Science (SBSS). In her inspiring remarks, Dr. Noorul Hafidzah emphasized the urgent need for academia and students to stay engaged with real-world economic developments. She highlighted the value of dialogue, collaboration, and research in understanding complex issues such as global inequality, sustainable growth, and digital transformation in financial systems.

Her message was clear: economic education must not remain confined within classrooms but should actively respond to the dynamics of globalization, environmental change, and evolving financial landscapes.

Moderation with Purpose and Clarity

The session was skillfully moderated by Mr. Osaid Abdaljawad, Head of the Bachelor of Economics Program at AIU. His role was not merely to manage the flow of the webinar but to guide discussions in a way that connected theoretical insights with practical realities. His thoughtful questions and seamless transitions ensured that participants remained engaged and that the conversation stayed intellectually rich and accessible to all.

Distinguished Speakers: Bridging Global Perspectives

Two renowned scholars shared their expertise during the webinar, each bringing a unique lens to the discussion on contemporary economic challenges:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Alsaleh, Shanghai Ocean University
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Zakaria Lacheheb, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

Key Themes Discussed

1. Sustainability and the Green Economy
   • Dr. Mohd Alsaleh emphasized the urgency of sustainable economic development, noting that climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss are not just environmental issues but also economic imperatives. He argued for policies that balance growth with long-term ecological stability.
2. Innovation in the Digital Age
   • Dr. Zakaria Lacheheb highlighted how technological disruption is reshaping labor markets, financial systems, and consumer behavior. He pointed out that countries must adapt their policies and educational systems to prepare for industries of the future, where AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making will dominate.
3. Financial Inclusion and Global Equity
   • Both speakers stressed the importance of inclusive financial systems. Millions around the world remain unbanked, and without access to credit and financial tools, poverty cycles persist. The discussion underscored how financial inclusion is not merely a social issue but also a driver of economic resilience and innovation.

Interactive Q&A Session: Engaging the Audience

The webinar concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session. Students and participants seized the opportunity to interact directly with the speakers, posing thought-provoking questions on topics such as:

• The role of Islamic finance in achieving inclusive economic growth.
• How governments can balance short-term recovery measures with long-term sustainability goals.
• The impact of geopolitical shifts and trade conflicts on developing economies.

This exchange of ideas showcased the intellectual curiosity and critical thinking of AIU’s students, reinforcing the value of such academic platforms.

Acknowledgment of Collaborative Effort

The event’s success was the result of a collective effort:

• The Economics Students’ Association, who worked tirelessly to coordinate and promote the webinar.
• The distinguished speakers, whose insights deepened participants’ understanding of global challenges.
• The moderator, who ensured the discussion remained focused, inclusive, and engaging.
• The participants, whose active involvement made the dialogue dynamic and meaningful.

The Webinar on Contemporary Economic Issues was more than just an academic event — it was a demonstration of AIU’s commitment to fostering intellectual growth, critical discourse, and global engagement.

Through this initiative, AIU reaffirmed its role as a university that not only educates but also empowers students to engage with the world’s most pressing issues. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, AIU is shaping the next generation of economists who will play vital roles in addressing challenges of sustainability, innovation, and inclusion.

This webinar stands as a testament to AIU’s vision of nurturing future-ready graduates, capable of leading in an ever-changing global economy.