Public Relations of UPNVJ - The Islamic Economics Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, National Development University (UPN) Veteran Jakarta held an International Seminar & Alumni Association Inauguration on Friday (3/10/2025) at the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Auditorium, UPNVJ Rectorate Building, and on the Zoom platform.
Themed "Global Vision, Local Action: Strengthening Soft Skills for Islamic Economic Students," the event strengthened alumni networks while honing students' skills in navigating the dynamics of the global Islamic economy.
Fadhli Suko Wiryanto, Head of the Islamic Economics Undergraduate Program, opened the event and inaugurated the Islamic Economics Alumni Association (IKAES) at UPNVJ. The discussion, moderated by Ade Nur Rohim, featured international speakers and alumni.
Prof. Dr. Musa Mustafa Qudhah of WISE University, Amman, Jordan, reviewed the development of Islamic finance education since 1985. He recommended a balanced curriculum: 40 percent fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), 40 percent financial science, and 20 percent field practice. Key challenges, such as a lack of expert instructors and low incentives, are addressed through content improvements and practitioner recruitment.
Prof. Dr. Aini Aman of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia emphasized essential soft skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, digital literacy, cross-cultural communication, and trustworthy leadership. "Digital applications for zakat and mobile banking strengthen a global vision with local actions based on Islamic character," she said.
IKAES alumni Fatimatuzzahra, SE (PT Bibit Tumbuh Bersama Indonesia) and Hanifa Budiwati Utami, SE (PT Flip.id), highlighted the priority of soft skills in the workplace: effective communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, work ethic, and leadership. They shared development strategies through organizations, internships, and networking.
Participants enthusiastically asked questions and created an interactive discussion. The event aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education, which highlights the development of 21st-century skills. Data from the 2023 World Economic Forum shows that soft skills increase graduates' competitiveness by up to 30 percent in the Islamic finance sector.
This seminar will shape UPNVJ's Sharia Economics students into visionary, competent, and Islamic-characterized leaders, supporting the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.