Haya Aqilah Zhafirah, a batch 2022 student of the International Business Management program at Petra Christian University, won the Emerald-GAMAICEB 2026 Research Impact Award for a paper written with her thesis advisor.

Haya Aqilah Zhafirah, a batch 2022 student of the International Business Management program at Petra Christian University, won the Emerald-GAMAICEB 2026 Research Impact Award with her thesis advisor, Mrs. Ruth Srininta Tarigan. The award was made at the 14th Gadjah Mada International Conference on Economics and Business in Yogyakarta, on 16 and 17 September 2026.

How did the Research Impact Award begin?

Their paper, The Accuracy-Signal Paradox, grew out of Haya’s thesis. It examines how openness about data, and a service that is genuinely useful, can outweigh the unease people feel about AI personalisation.

The idea of a conference came from Haya. While working on her thesis, she told Mrs. Ruth she would like to present her research. Mrs. Ruth advised her to aim only for a reputable conference, where she would receive honest feedback and see the work of other researchers. Haya wanted both, so they chose GAMAICEB, and Mrs. Ruth worked with her on the paper and the presentation.

Haya was unsure the paper would be accepted. Mrs. Ruth answered with a line she has always used: “We can only do our best, and try to submit.” When the acceptance arrived, Haya’s reply was short: “Wow… I can’t believe it.”

What happened in Yogyakarta?

Haya’s presentation drew real and detailed feedback, and it showed clearly where the paper could improve. She stayed until the last session, watching other researchers present and collecting ideas for her next study.

Then her name appeared on the screen as the winner of the Research Impact Award, which Emerald Publishing makes through its Regional Awards. Haya said the same words again, this time visibly shocked. Both authors have since been invited to submit the paper to the Journal of Indonesian Economy and Business.

What does the award show about studying International Business Management at Petra?

Haya’s award is a fine result for a bachelor’s thesis, and a good example of what high standards can achieve when they come with real support. Congratulations to Haya and Mrs. Ruth of the International Business Management program at Petra Christian University. More news is on the News and Events page.

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