News and pictures by Rozita Ramli
NAGOYA, 21 Julai 2025: Dr. Nurakmal Ahmad Mustaffa and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syahida Abdullah, esteemed senior lecturers from the Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), recently represented the university at the prestigious AAPBS Case Teaching Workshop, held from 16 to 17 July 2025 at NUCB Business School’s Nagoya Campus.
The workshop was jointly organized by NUCB Business School, the Association of Asia-Pacific Business Schools (AAPBS), and Harvard Business Impact.
From the outset, the workshop pulsed with the spirit of the case method—rich dialogue, probing inquiry, and moments of real-time intellectual discovery. Expertly facilitated by distinguished educators including Prof. Ricardo Lim, Prof. Louie Wong, Prof. Mohsin Hakeem, and Prof. Hitesh Shukla, the sessions sparked dynamic and insightful discussions on the impact of generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) in the classroom, and how educators can adapt to these technological shifts.
Participants explored a wide array of case materials, ranging from Harvard Business School cases to forward-looking topics such as “Generative AI and the Future of Work.” A notable moment was the presentation of an original case on leadership succession at Seven & i Hoidings, co-authored by Prof. Hitesh Shukla and NUCB’s Dean for External Relations, Prof. Kenji Yokoyama.
The workshop brought together an international cohort of educators from institutions including the National University of Singapore, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and Universiti Utara Malaysia.
Their diverse experiences and perspectives enriched the learning environment, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaborative insights. Whether seasoned case instructors or newcomers to the method, participants engaged actively in peer learning, reflective dialogue, and practical discussions on enhancing student engagement, facilitating inclusive discussion techniques, and refining assessment practices.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Nurakmal remarked that the workshop served as a timely reminder of the enduring value of human-centered, inquiry-driven learning in an increasingly AI-driven education landscape. She emphasized the importance of leveraging technological tools while preserving the educator’s role in cultivating critical thinking and deep intellectual exploration.
UUM’s involvement in this prestigious event reaffirms the university’s commitment to teaching excellence and its proactive role in championing innovative pedagogical practices in business education, both regionally and globally.
