The Department of Management Information Systems, Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), successfully organized a seminar titled “Digitalization and Service Marketplace: Operational Barriers for Entrepreneurs in Achieving a Sustainable Business Ecosystem” on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Multipurpose Hall, Level 10, D-Building, AIUB. The event commenced with opening remarks by Professor Dr. Anwar Hossain, Advisor and Dean-in-Charge of FBA, who succinctly highlighted how data analytics enhances business value and positions business analysts as highly sought-after professionals in the Industry 4.0 era. Mr. Mehzabul Hoque Nahid, Senior Assistant Professor and Department Head of Management Information Systems, introduced the resource speaker, Mohammad Ilmul Haque, COO and Co-Founder of sheba.xyz, and moderated the session. During the seminar, Mr. Haque shared the inspiring journey of sheba.xyz, detailing its evolution into a pivotal player in Bangladesh’s service-based SME ecosystem by 2025, with over 15,000 service providers and more than 200,000 orders served. He emphasized that funding is not the primary obstacle for startups; rather, scalable solutions to customer problems are essential for entrepreneurial success. Drawing from a decade of experience at Grameenphone and Summit Communications Limited, Mr. Haque explained how lifelong learning shaped his entrepreneurial outlook. The effectiveness of Sheba.xyz’s training and resources in elevating operational standards was also highlighted. Mr. Haque’s interactive engagement with the audience fostered a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere, encouraging active participation and making complex digitalization topics accessible and engaging for all attendees.

The seminar made a significant contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By showcasing how digital platforms like sheba.xyz empower SMEs and create employment opportunities, the event directly addressed SDG 8, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The discussion on leveraging digital tools and data-driven solutions for operational efficiency exemplified SDG 9, as it underscored the importance of innovation and resilient infrastructure in modern business ecosystems. Furthermore, the collaborative approach highlighted by Sheba.xyz’s partnerships with thousands of service providers mirrored the spirit of SDG 17, demonstrating how strategic alliances can drive sustainable development. Key takeaways from the seminar included the necessity of continuous upskilling, the role of ethical business practices in adapting to digital marketplaces, and the transformative impact of technology-driven entrepreneurship on society. By equipping future business leaders with practical insights and fostering industry-academia collaboration, the event reinforced AIUB’s commitment to producing globally competitive graduates and supporting Bangladesh’s progress towards the SDGs

The seminar was attended by distinguished FBA faculty members, including Dr. Md. Aftab Anwar, Jubayer Suhan, Md Nur Al Ahad, Khandakar Tahurul Islam, and Mohammad Baijed, with Dr. Rezbin Nahar, Associate Professor and Director of the Undergraduate Program (BBA), delivering the closing speech.