Speakers engage in a panel discussion on renewable energy, research based on green economy, and MSME empowerment during the GICC seminar..
Bekasi, April 22, 2026 – The Green Innovation Cooperation Center (GICC), in collaboration with the ASEAN-ROK Financial Cooperation Centre, BINUS University, Innobiz Association, and supported by the Ministry of Cooperatives and the Ministry of MSMEs of the Republic of Indonesia, successfully held the GICC Seminar themed “Enhancing the Sustainability of a Green Economy through the Utilization of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Finance by Strengthening MSMEs and Cooperatives in the ASEAN Region”.
GICC is an initiative established under the ASEIC (ASEM SMEs Eco-Innovation Center), an organization based in the Republic of Korea that focuses on advancing eco-innovation and strengthening the capacity of SMEs in ASEM partner countries.
The seminar took place at BINUS University in Bekasi and served as a strategic platform that brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and international organizations to discuss an inclusive and sustainable green economic transition in ASEAN.
The event was attended by several distinguished figures, including Kim Heesoon (Director, Green Innovation Cooperation Center), Lee Young Jick (Head, ASEAN-ROK Financial Cooperation Centre), George Wijaya Hadipoespito (Vice President, BINUS Higher Education), Bastian (Head of Bureau of Performance Management and Cooperation, Ministry of MSMEs of the Republic of Indonesia), as well as representatives from the Indonesian government and BINUS University, including officials from the Ministry of Cooperatives, the Ministry of MSMEs and academic leaders.
Key stakeholders from government, academia, and industry participate in the GICC seminar on green economic transformation at BINUS University, April 22, 2026.
In her opening remarks, the Director of GICC emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a sustainable economic ecosystem.
“To build a sustainable green economic ecosystem, cross-sector collaboration is essential, with MSMEs and cooperatives serving as the key pillars of the ASEAN economy.”
This seminar addressed various strategic topics, including the utilization of renewable energy technology for MSMEs, strengthening sustainable finance, and the integration of digital innovation to support business transformation toward a green economy.
Highlighting the practical challenges faced by MSMEs, Andi Darell Alhakim, Speaker of the Seminar (Business Decarbonization Analyst at the University of Oxford), noted that the transition toward sustainability often begins with simple, actionable steps.
“For many MSMEs, the biggest challenge is not the lack of solutions, but knowing where to begin. In reality, small and practical steps can already lead to meaningful impact,” he explained.
The event also underscored the importance of innovation, digitalization, and cross-sector collaboration in accelerating the green transition across the region.
Lee Young-jick, Head of the ASEAN-ROK Financial Cooperation Centre, highlighted the need for stronger integration between key enabling factors.
“Strengthening the connection between technology, finance, and policy will be key to accelerating a successful green transition across the region,”
The seminar served as a strategic platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange, featuring an opening session, interactive talk show, and presentations from experts and practitioners. Key discussion topics included sustainable cooperation strategies, the role of universities in MSME innovation, government support policies, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in green transition, and MSME decarbonization.
Beyond knowledge sharing, the seminar also aimed to foster strategic partnership among diverse stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, while expanding cooperation opportunities across the ASEAN region.
Through the organization of this seminar, GICC reaffirmed its commitment to continuously promote innovation, strengthen international collaboration, and support the development of an inclusive and sustainable green economy in the ASEAN region.
Participants and stakeholders pose for a group photo during the seminar, highlighting collaborative efforts toward green economic sustainability in the ASEAN region.
