To win business competition with similar products, entrepreneurs need to create unique and memorable experiences for customers. Through creative content, attractive outlet designs, and a personal approach on social media, products can not only be market-friendly but also attract buyers and build loyalty. This was the conclusion drawn from a talk show at the Ganesha Business Festival 2026, held by the School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), in Bandung (May 23).
Emil Zam Harira, owner of Kabobs Premium Kebab, said that even a product that seems similar can still be differentiated and more appealing to customers. This uniqueness can be showcased through social media content, such as showing the product’s manufacturing process.
“To attract a lot of interest, products must be made attractive, not just through the image, but also through the actual product,” said Emil while speaking at the “Intelligence with Elegance: Where Sharp Minds Meet Conscious Hearts” talk show at the 2026 Ganesha Business Festival.
Emil explained that outlet design also influences buyers’ purchasing decisions. Outlet designs must be striking yet pleasing to the eye. For example, at Kabobs, Emil explained, the logo is boldly painted in red with bright lights. Furthermore, when customers enter the store, they are immediately greeted by the scent of Kabobs’ signature butter.
Business insights come not only from Kabobs, but also from Paddy, an accessories store popular with today’s Generation Z. Paddy was born as a brand that provides a space for modern youth to create their own style.
According to Paddy’s Chief Marketing Officer, R. Riski Ramadhan Aris, the business idea was born after his team engaged in direct dialogue with several young people. From these conversations, they understood what today’s generation truly wants and needs.
“We want young people to remember their experiences at Paddy’s. When they return home or hear the word ‘Paddy,’ we want them to recall the wonderful moments they had,” said Riski.
To achieve this goal, Paddy not only provides an experience during accessory production but also works like a human, fostering a close relationship between buyers and employees through social media. Riski explained that social media administrators often respond to user comments to foster interaction and a sense of closeness.
The series of GBF 2026 events didn’t stop at the business masterclass. The peak of the event continued with the GBF 2026 Awarding, where all participants gathered enthusiastically, waiting for the announcement of the winners from the three competitions that had taken place.
GBF 2026 successfully completed three prestigious competitions, with equally impressive winners, namely the International Business Case Competition, the International High School Business Plan Competition, and the Student Founder Challenge. In the International Business Case Competition, a team consisting of Jesslyn Carlina, Natasha Aurelia, and Theresia Sanvia Santoso managed to win 1st place. They were followed by the 1st Runner Up, a team consisting of Gregory William Sutjipto, Muhammad Azka Rahadian, Keira Halim, and Keisha Daffa Aryani, as well as the 2nd Runner Up by Michelle Claudia Angel Sugianto, Andhika Hernando, Daiva Akmal Surjaatmadja, and Raisa Nurhafiza.
Next, in the International High School Business Plan Competition, 1st place was won by a team consisting of Karen Kathryn Ginting, Louis Bryant Sianturi, and Tristan Pramudya Adiwijaya, with the 1st Runner Up by Nayjananda Prameshwi, Queenischa Izabel Hananto, and Jason Yodelino, and the 2nd Runner Up by Tarishah Indah Assyifa, Aisya Shafa Nazaya, and Kinarhayu Aisha Wasisso.
In the Student Founder competition, Awwahun Halim became the main winner, followed by the runner up, Belina Margareth Yosephine.
