A student from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), contributes to another accomplishment at the international stage. Siti Maysarah, an undergraduate student of the Digital Business Study Program, won the 2nd Best Paper Award at the 9th International Conference on Management in Emerging Markets (ICMEM) 2025 in Bandung.

Also attending the conference were three students of Digital Business Study Program FEB UNS: Sabrina Najwa, Rahayu Trisnawati, and Soni Elenia, who presented their research at the international academic forum. Among them, Siti Maysarah earned the 2nd Best Paper Award, marking a noteworthy achievement for UNS.

Presenting an article entitled “Gender Diversity on Corporate Boards and ESG Controversies: A Sector-Sensitive Analysis of Women in Governance,” she highlights the relationship between gender diversity on corporate boards and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) controversies in Indonesia. Drawing upon the Upper Echelons Theory and Resource-Based View (RBV), the research examined four sensitive sectors: energy (PT Pertamina), mining (PT Adaro Energy), agribusiness (PT Astra Agro Lestari), and banking (Bank Rakyat Indonesia).

The study found that greater female representation on boards of directors correlates with a lower risk of ESG controversies. These findings align with the global sustainability agenda, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5 (Gender Equality): strengthening women’s roles in strategic decision-making; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): fostering inclusive corporate governance; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): reducing harmful business practices for society and the environment; and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): promoting transparency and accountability in corporate governance.

“This achievement is tangible proof of the quality of students from the Digital Business Study Program, who are capable of competing on the international stage. We are proud that our students excel not only academically but also produce research that is relevant to global issues, particularly in supporting the SDGs agenda,” said Aldy Fariz Achsanta, Ph.D., Head of the Digital Business Study Program at FEB UNS. The participation of FEB UNS students in this conference received full support from the Student and Alumni Affairs Division, which consistently encourages the development of student potential, creativity, and achievements at both national and international levels.

ICMEM 2025 served as an international forum bringing together academics, practitioners, and researchers from various countries to discuss business and management challenges in emerging markets. This accomplishment further strengthens UNS’s commitment to producing research that is relevant to global challenges, inclusive, and sustainable.

This achievement not only brings glory to Universitas Sebelas Maret at the international level but also reflects the meaningful contribution of UNS’s academic community in supporting the achievement of the SDGs. By focusing on gender diversity and responsible corporate governance, this research is aligned with global efforts to promote gender equality (SDG 5), advance inclusive and sustainable economic growth (SDG 8), and ensure responsible business practices for the environment and society (SDG 12). Furthermore, the study reinforces UNS’s dedication to strengthening just and transparent institutions (SDG 16), which serve as a foundation for sustainable development.

Thus, this achievement illustrates how the advancement of knowledge at FEB UNS not only prioritizes academic excellence but also actively contributes to addressing global development agendas that are both urgent and essential for today’s world.