Bandung, UNIKOM – The Doctoral Program in Management Science at the Indonesian Computer University (UNIKOM), chaired by Prof. Dr. Ir. H.M. Yani Syafei, M.T., CSBA, in collaboration with Kuningan University (UNIKU), held an international guest lecture titled “Navigating The Digital Landscape: Opportunities & Challenges For Virtual Branding and Supply Chains”. The event featured prominent speakers, including Prof. Dr. Ir. H.M. Yani Syafei, M.T., CSBA, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahma Wahdiniwaty, Dra., M.Si., and Dr. Abdisamad Abdirahman Omar, Ph.D., who discussed the role of technological innovation in improving the efficiency and sustainability of supply chains in the manufacturing industry.
In his presentation, Prof. Yani Syafei, who also chairs the Doctoral Program in Management Science at UNIKOM, emphasized how the application of technologies such as Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy can assist industries in increasing efficiency and transparency in supply chains. According to him, digitalization not only serves to increase production efficiency but also as a solution in addressing environmental challenges, such as waste reduction and excessive energy consumption.
The Dean of the UNIKOM Postgraduate School, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahma Wahdiniwaty, Dra., M.Si., explained the concept of sustainability in supply chains, including strategies for adopting the principles of a circular economy. She emphasized that companies must optimize the reuse of raw materials and reduce dependence on increasingly limited natural resources. One approach that can be taken is using additive manufacturing (3D Printing) which allows for on-demand production, thereby reducing waste and extending product life cycles.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdisamad Abdirahman Omar, Ph.D., who is the Director of the African Institute for Multidisciplinary Studies (AIMS) – Somalia, Lecturer at the University of Hargeisa – Somalia, and Researcher at Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University – Turkey, provided global insights into the challenges and opportunities in implementing digital technologies in supply chains. He highlighted how developing countries can leverage digital technologies to enhance competitiveness in the worldwide market. According to him, innovation not only depends on technology but also requires policy support and the readiness of human resources to adapt to rapid changes.
The three speakers agreed that although technology offers various solutions, there are still challenges in its implementation, such as cultural resistance to change, limited resources, and difficulties in integration within global supply chain systems. Therefore, they emphasized the importance of synergy between academics, industry, and government so that digital transformation can run more effectively and sustainably.
As a form of commitment to the development of research and innovation, UNIKOM through the Doctoral Program in Management Science will continue to present academic discussions that are relevant to industry developments. Prof. Yani hopes that this activity can become a bridge for students to understand the challenges and opportunities in the increasingly digital industrial world while equipping them with the skills needed in the future. (Digital Marketing Division – UNIKOM)
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