Pan -Legislature Tom Liwafa receives a doctoral degree from Airlangga University

Jakarta – Member of the DPR RI Commission V of the Pan Faction, Arizal Tom Liwafa, officially holds the title of Doctor of Human Resources Development (PSDM) of Airlangga University (Unair) Surabaya. He successfully defended his thesis, which discussed the influence of entrepreneurial orientation and knowledge transfer on innovation and sustainable competitive advantage. “This research is important to understand how businesses, especially MSMEs, can continue to innovate and compete in an increasingly competitive era,” Tom said in a written statement on Wednesday (15/10/2025). The thesis session entitled ‘The influence of entrepreneurial orientation and knowledge transfer on innovation -aesthetics and sustainable competitive advantage’ was held in the Warmadewa International Lecture Room III, Unair nocturnal building in a hybrid way. Browse to continue with the content The investigative team consists of prof. Dr. Bagong Suyanto as promoter, prof. Dr. Fendy Suhariadi as co-promoter, as well as prof. Dr Thomas Stefanus Kaihatu and a number of other doctoral lecturers. The research discusses how entrepreneurial orientation and knowledge transfer can strengthen aesthetic innovation and create sustainable competitive benefits, especially for the MSME sector in Indonesia. Tom acknowledged that the struggle to complete his doctoral studies amid his busy life as a councilor was not easy. “With discipline, clear priorities and support from family and colleagues, everything can be done well. Education is a long -term investment, and this knowledge will be very useful in my duties as a people’s representative,” he concluded. Prof. Fendy Suhariadi, co-promotion of the thesis, said that Tom diligently performed the academic process and produced new findings in the field of aesthetic innovation. “Every student continues according to their achievements. Mas Tom has discovered a new concept that has the potential to enrich PSDM research,” Fendy said. Meanwhile, Prof. Thomas Stefanus Kaihatu that the results of this research can make an important contribution to the development of PSDM science and the competitiveness of MSMEs. “Knowledge without practice will be paralyzed, and practice without knowledge will be interrupted. Therefore, research like this must continue to develop,” he said. Tom’s success contributes to the list of young figures that can balance political activities with high academic achievements. (Akn/Ega)