International Seminar on Creative Economy and Culture: Challenges, Changes, and Future for the Creative Industries
The Department of Development Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Malang (FEB UM), successfully hosted an international seminar on Creative Economy and Culture on Thursday, 20 March 2025. The event featured two distinguished speakers: Diane Butler, Ph.D., and Dr. Mohamad Zuber Bin Abd Majid.
As part of the seminar, I had the privilege of moderating the second session, where Diane Butler, Ph.D., delivered a presentation on inclusive creative praxis in essential aspects of life—clothing, food, and shelter. Her insights linked these fundamental needs to sustainability and cultural preservation, highlighting the importance of creativity in shaping resilient communities.
Dr. Butler’s presentation explored various local innovations that emerged in response to challenges during the pandemic. These included urban farming initiatives, plastic-to-rice exchange systems to promote environmental responsibility and social welfare, and the rapid digitalisation of the arts, ensuring cultural expressions continued to thrive despite physical limitations.
Her key takeaway was that inclusive creativity has the potential to drive a sustainable economy while safeguarding local wisdom. By embracing cultural heritage as a foundation for innovation, communities can foster economic growth that is both resilient and culturally enriching (TS).