Curtin Malaysia hosts Global Business Seminar 2025 to tackle US tariffs and global economic impacts

Miri, Sarawak – 13 May 2025 – In a move to unpack the ripple effects of U.S. reciprocal tariffs on economies near and far, the Faculty of Business at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently hosted the Global Business Seminar (GBS) 2025 at a leading hotel here.

Organised as part of the ‘Managing Sustainable Global Operations’ module under its Master of International Business (MIB) programme, the seminar brought together thought leaders, industry experts, students, and the public to explore how shifting U.S. trade policies are shaping economic realities in Sarawak, Malaysia, the ASEAN region, and beyond.

Dr. Ting Qian Hui, lecturer in Management and Marketing at the Faculty of Business, moderated the seminar, which featured three high-impact sessions:

Dr. Samuel Adeyinka-Ojo, a senior academic at the Faculty of Business, kicked off the seminar with a sweeping analysis titled ‘An Overview of US Reciprocal Tariffs on Malaysia, ASEAN, and the Global Economy’. His session unpacked the geopolitical motives behind the tariffs and their long-term macroeconomic implications.

John Teo, Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (Sarawak Chapter), followed with a compelling presentation on ‘The Impact of US Reciprocal Tariffs on Tourism, Business Events, and the Global Hospitality Sector’. He urged regional industries to embrace adaptive strategies in the face of growing uncertainty.

Associate Professor Lew Tek Yew, also from the Faculty of Business, wrapped up the series with ‘US Reciprocal Tariffs: Impact on Sarawak and Malaysian Businesses’, providing pragmatic insights and strategic responses for local enterprises grappling with trade disruptions.

The seminar was not just an academic discussion; it served as a vital platform for policy dialogue, drawing connections between global trade policies and local economic resilience. Participants examined actionable recommendations for Malaysian policymakers and industries navigating the shifting tides of global trade.

Importantly, the seminar echoed Curtin Malaysia’s deep-rooted commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by promoting sustainable and inclusive economic discourse.

A lively Q&A session followed, encouraging cross-sector engagement among students, academics, business leaders, and members of the public. Dr. Adeyinka-Ojo concluded the event with closing remarks and acknowledgments to event sponsor Meritz Hotel Miri, before the participants gathered for a commemorative photo.

GBS 2025 once again affirmed Curtin Malaysia’s role as a catalyst for critical thinking and practical learning, ensuring its graduates are not only academically prepared but also globally aware and industry-ready.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit its website at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

(Front row, second from left) Dr Samuel Adeyinka-Ojo, John Teo, and Dr Lew Tek Yew with seminar participants