MIRI: The Faculty of Business at Curtin University Malaysia has taken a proactive step in demystifying the complex landscape of international trade policy, hosting the Global Business Seminar (GBS) 2025 at a prominent hotel, here.
Centred on the repercussions of US reciprocal tariffs, the seminar formed a key component of the university’s Master of International Business (MIB) programme, specifically within the ‘Managing Sustainable Global Operations’ module.
It attracted a cross-section of participants including industry experts, academics, students and members of the public, all eager to explore the broader economic consequences of evolving US trade strategies.
Moderated by Dr Ting Qian Hui, lecturer in management and marketing, the event featured three focused sessions examining the effects of American tariffs from multiple angles.
Opening the seminar, Dr Samuel Adeyinka-Ojo, a senior academic at the Faculty of Business, offered a comprehensive overview of how US reciprocal tariffs are impacting Malaysia, Asean, and the global economy.
His analysis delved into the geopolitical motivations underpinning the policies and offered a long-range view of their potential macroeconomic fallout.
Following this, John Teo, chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (Sarawak Chapter), addressed the hospitality sector’s vulnerabilities in a session titled ‘The Impact of US Reciprocal Tariffs on Tourism, Business Events, and the Global Hospitality Sector’.
He highlighted the need for regional industries to develop adaptive strategies amid increasing global trade uncertainty.
The seminar ended with Associate Professor Lew Tek Yew presenting practical insights in ‘US Reciprocal Tariffs: Impact on Sarawak and Malaysian Businesses’.
His session focused on how local enterprises can respond strategically to trade disruptions, offering policy-relevant recommendations for economic resilience.
Beyond academic exploration, the seminar functioned as a platform for meaningful dialogue between sectors.
Participants engaged in an energetic Q&A session, fostering discussion on local policy adaptations and industry responses in the face of shifting global trade dynamics.
“This seminar is more than a classroom exercise,” said Dr Adeyinka-Ojo in his closing remarks.
“It’s a bridge between academia and the real-world challenges industries and policymakers face today.”
The event also reflected Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by encouraging sustainable and inclusive economic dialogue.
Sponsored by Meritz Hotel Miri, the seminar ended with acknowledgements and a group photo, marking another milestone in Curtin Malaysia’s efforts to produce globally aware and industry-ready graduates.
As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, initiatives like GBS 2025 affirm Curtin Malaysia’s role as a regional thought leader, equipping students and stakeholders alike with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing economic landscape.
