Iqbal Farabi

Director of PT Gowa Makassar Tourism Development Tbk, Iqbal Farabi, Maximizes Opportunities Through IT

“When I first joined GMTD, the first change I did was maximizing the use information technology – one to which the Millenials would call, 'creating content'. I start encouraging the team to use social media including Instagram, TikTok, podcasts, and other channels to keep up with the crowd. The result of this optimization is extraordinary, as we grow to become more and more dependent on IT. From there, GMTD receives double the attention and our sales has been increasing too,” Iqbal explains, regarding the approach he uses to raise public awareness. He is Iqbal Farabi, UPH's Alumnus to both Law undergraduate (cohort 1996) and Master of Law (cohort 2002). Iqbal is currently entrusted to develop PT Gowa Makassar Tourism Development Tbk (GMTD), one of Lippo Group's newest property project in Makassar, South Sulawesi. This responsibility is certainly challenging anyone, especially when we add other competitor and the people's purchasing power into the equation. What's more though, Iqbal also has to be more flexible in his work because he has to work remotely from Jakarta due to the pandemic situation. For Iqbal, the support from his parents, wife and children is central. They did not only give him purpose, but also joy in everything he does. Iqbal believes that in addition to being honest, hardworking, willingness to learn, and sincerity, his parents and family is his focus today. “When I joined UPH in 1996, my parents were the ones who encouraged me to take legal education. Their hopes for me to succeed were high at that time. After more than 20 years, I see that their hopes and dreams came to life, one of which is achieved by sending me to UPH,” continued Iqbal. For students who are continuing their education, Iqbal advised, “Be either smart or active in campus organizations. UPH and its network will help for you to be able to find your way in society. You would've missed a lifetime opportunity if you do not maximize the knowledge and network you've gained at UPH."