SBM ITB once again held the 9th International Conference on Management in Emerging Markets (ICMEM) at the Bandung Campus (August 20-21). With the theme “Sustainable Growth and Innovation in Emerging Markets: Strategic Decisions, Collaboration, ESG Goals, and Circular Economies,” the Dean of SBM ITB, Prof. Dr. Aurik Gustomo, S.T., M.T., emphasized that this conference aligns with SBM ITB’s mission to educate innovative leaders with an entrepreneurial leadership mindset.
“This conference is not just an academic forum, but also a call to action to provide real solutions for the future of emerging markets. For over 11 years, SBM ITB has consistently published more than 100 international journal articles annually, supported by laboratories such as financial innovation, business analytics, neurobusiness, educational games, and technology management. ICMEM is a manifestation of our commitment to education, research, and community service,” he said.
Meanwhile, a representative of the ITB Rectorate, Prof. Dr. Zulfiadi Zulhan S.T., M.T., emphasized that ICMEM is a crucial platform for addressing global challenges. Emerging markets are facing serious issues ranging from climate change to digital disruption to social inequality. Through this conference, ITB is committed to fostering dialogue, cross-border collaboration, and inclusive and sustainable solutions.
“Hopefully, the fresh ideas emerging from this conference can make a real contribution to society and civilization,” he said.
According to Novika Candra Astuti, Ph.D., Chair of the ICMEM 2025 Committee, this year’s conference has a fresh perspective. The ICMEM this year is no longer solely a requirement for SBM ITB students to meet their conference attendance obligations.
“This year, we aim to enhance SBM ITB’s entrepreneurial brand, setting an example for other universities and creating a conference that serves as a platform for knowledge sharing between researchers from Indonesia and abroad,” she explained.
This year’s theme highlights the pressing need for sustainability in light of the various challenges facing global businesses and the environment. These challenges include climate change, poverty, hunger, conflict, refugee crises, pandemics, and inequality. Novika emphasized that this urgency affects multiple generations; we must consider not only our present needs but also those of our children and grandchildren.
“How can they live comfortably without traffic jams and without litter? From the world of education, this conference can be a starting point for educating the community about the importance of sustainability,” she said.
Several keynote speakers highlighted this year’s conference, including Prof. Shaker A. Zahra (University of Minnesota), Dr. Shane Mathews (Queensland University of Technology), Dr. Mohamad Rohieszan Bin Ramdan (Sultan Idris University of Education, Malaysia), Prof. Yos Sunitiyoso, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D. (SBM ITB), with Helmy Yahya serving as the host.
In addition to parallel paper sessions, ICMEM 2025 also broadened its program by featuring talk shows, an industry forum with PT Pertamina (Persero), and marketing talks in collaboration with Markplus Corp.
With a comprehensive program design, ICMEM 2025 further affirms its role as a bridge between academia, industry, policymakers, and the public. Its presence was further enhanced by the participation of more than 100 papers presented by researchers from universities in Indonesia and other countries such as Japan, Australia, Vietnam, the US, Germany, and Malaysia.
ICMEM 2025 is not just an academic forum, but a call to action. By involving students, researchers, business practitioners, and policymakers, this conference is expected to be a concrete step towards generating sustainable and innovative solutions for emerging markets and to contribute to Indonesia’s global reach.
“Through ICMEM, we aim to foster cross-border collaboration that generates real-world ideas, research, and strategies. All for an inclusive, responsible, and sustainable future,” Novika concluded.
