MATARAM – The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at Universitas Mataram successfully held an International Guest Lecture on Friday, August 28, 2026. This academic event took place in the Theatre Hall, 3rd Floor, Building C, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Mataram, starting at 09.30 WITA until completion.

The event carried the theme “Culture Is Not a Soft Skill: Strategic Implications of Culture for International Business”. Aligning with the theme, this guest lecture featured an international expert, Dr. Christian Chalid Hainsch, the Academic Director of the Islamic Leadership Institute (ILI).

The presentation and discussion sessions were interactively guided by a lecturer from FEB Universitas Mataram, Imanuella Romaputri Andilolo, M.Sc., Ph.D., who acted as the moderator. The event was officially opened by the Vice Dean I of FEB Universitas Mataram, Prof. Embun Suryani, SE., M.Si., Ph.D..

During this guest lecture, it was emphasized that cultural issues are not merely complementary interpersonal or soft skills. Furthermore, the academic presentation positioned culture as a crucial strategic factor directly influencing communication methods, decision-making, leadership, and the formulation of business strategies within an international operational context.

The event, which was free and exclusively open to FEB Unram students, received enthusiastic participation. Based on the attendance recap, the event was attended by approximately 197 participants. The participating students came from various study programs within FEB Universitas Mataram, predominantly from the Management study program, followed by students from Development Economics and Accounting.

Overall, this International Guest Lecture was organized with the following objectives:

• To enhance students’ understanding of the role of culture in international business.
• To broaden students’ insights into the influence of culture on communication, decision-making, leadership, and business strategy.
• To provide an academic experience through interaction with an international speaker.
• To support the strengthening of internationalization and the academic atmosphere within FEB Universitas Mataram.
• To encourage students to view cross-cultural competence as part of strategic capabilities in the global workforce and business world.

For students, this activity is beneficial in enriching their perspectives on cross-cultural business challenges and improving their readiness to face the global work environment. Meanwhile, for the faculty, this event strengthens the implementation of internationally-oriented academic activities and provides a comprehensive learning space outside of regular lectures.

Fotografer: Ezi
Editor: Chandra