G.R.I.T Dialogue Series Inaugural Session with Dr. Makio Miyagawa
AHIBS successfully hosted the inaugural session of the G.R.I.T – Global Resilience, Innovation & Transformation Dialogue Series, featuring Dr. Makio Miyagawa, former Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, as the keynote speaker on 16 October 2025 at the ACT Lab, AHIBS. The session was opened by the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), who emphasized the importance of fostering strategic global thinking and strengthening academic-industry-international collaboration networks.
Conducted in a hybrid format, the session brought together international partners, industry leaders, academic staff, and postgraduate students, reflecting AHIBS’ commitment to knowledge exchange and global engagement.
Dr. Miyagawa delivered a thought-provoking address that highlighted the evolving global security and economic landscape, and the ongoing transition in international relations dynamics. He outlined how contemporary geopolitical shifts are influencing regional cooperation, global governance, and economic decision-making, including the growing need for businesses to factor economic security and resilience into their strategic considerations.
Rather than framing the situation as one of clear winners or losers, Dr. Miyagawa encouraged participants to adopt strategic foresight, diplomatic literacy, and collaborative problem-solving in navigating uncertainty. The dialogue underscored the relevance of interdisciplinary competencies, spanning global diplomacy, economics, and leadership, in shaping resilient futures.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A dialogue, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Miyagawa on the implications for Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s positioning, and emerging opportunities for academia-industry-government partnerships.
