From top left: UCSI’s Faculty of Business and Management dean and UCSI Poll Research Centre CEO, Associate Professor Dr Eugene Pek Chuen Khee; Gratia Christian College Hong Kong, School of Business head Dr Shirley Yeung and Department of Management Studi

Undoubtedly, knowledge in International Business is instrumental in staying relevant within today’s ever-changing global landscape. However, nowadays, one must also possess the means and ability to conduct business in a sustainable manner.

In light of this, UCSI University recently held a preview on its International and Sustainable Business programme. This new programme offered by the Faculty of Business and Management combines the two components of International Business and Sustainability in a blend of specialised courses for students.

According to UCSI’s Faculty of Business and Management dean and UCSI Poll Research Centre CEO, Associate Professor Dr Eugene Pek Chuen Khee:

“The general definition of Sustainable Business is about striving to meet the triple bottom line, taking care of the global and local environment as well as the community, society and economy. Our programme supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals where a shift in work culture and mind-set is very timely and urgently needed.”

Dr Pek also said that UCSI emphasises quality education which is sustainable and equitable for individuals and for the overall contribution of economic growth. He remarked that it is not possible these days to talk about innovation and industry without referring to sustainable development and business sustainability.

During the preview, Department of Management Studies head Dr Tee McXin, outlined the various courses to be offered in the programme highlighted the learning outcomes of this programme: application, lifelong learning and soft skills.

Invited guest, Dr Shirley Yeung, Head of the School of Business at Gratia Christian College, Hong Kong spoke on why and how sustainable business is an integral part of transformative business management. Dr Shirley is also the UNESCO HK Associate Vice President and Sustainable Development Solutions Network Kenya, Asia Ambassador.

“Experts need to think about resilience and emotion and businesses need to serve in a responsible way. Hence, it is not just about business but about the mind-set of system thinking, creativity in innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit. We also need to care about the humanistic demand of our core customers,” she said.

UCSI University’s International and Sustainable Business programme is currently being offered at its Kuala Lumpur campus and essentially, seeks to produce graduates who can demonstrate competency in applying the theoretical and practical knowledge of sustainable and responsible management in international business transactions.