Journalism Study Program of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences (FDIKOM) UIN Jakarta and the Journalism Department of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) have held an international workshop entitled 'International Economic and Financial Data Literacy and Reporting: Bridging Cultures with Technology' which closed on Friday (26/04). The activity, which has been ongoing since March 7, is intended as a shared learning space in understanding cross-country economic data literacy and technology-based reporting practices.

Head of Journalism Study Program (Kaprodi), Bintan Humeira explained that the purpose of the workshop was to provide a forum for exchanging ideas and thoughts on an international scale to students. Furthermore, he hopes that this workshop can open up insights into economics and finance to Journalism students, especially in the context of Hong Kong and Indonesian society.

"Providing learning experiences in an international environment for students and providing economic and financial perspectives for Journalism students so that they can create accurate economic news reports, in local and global contexts," said Bintan when interviewed in the Journalism Study Program room.

The finalization of the workshop held online (online) via Zoom took place from 08:00-10:00 WIB in the Smart Class room, FDIKOM. In this closing event, students from both countries exchanged messages and impressions during the activity, held a group photo session, and received certificates of participation.

One of the workshop participants , Kesha Nathania Nayasza, admitted that she was happy with the economic data literacy discussion activity, especially regarding conditions in Indonesia. In addition, she also considered that this discussion exchange provided experience in studying the history and economic conditions in other countries.

"I'm really happy that there is this activity because it has so many benefits. We can learn to find valid data and criticize the system that underlies the current economic situation in our own country and also in other countries," said Kesha when interviewed in the Smart Class room, FDlKOM, Friday (26/04).

For almost two months, the participants were involved in in-depth discussions led by a number of lecturers, including the Head of Journalism Study Program, Bintan Humeira, Head of the Journalism Department from HKBU, Professor Raymond Li, Professor of Journalism Practitioners, Brian So Ming Hang, and Journalism Lecturer, Achmad Maulana Sirojjudin. This discussion activity presented discussions of materials such as international economic data literacy, writing articles in English, and the history and economic context of each country.

Meanwhile, around 40 UIN Jakarta Journalism students and HKBU Journalism students have participated in this discussion activity through the online learning platform used by HKBU, namely KEEP Moodle. Kesha said that the platform system that presents material in the form of animation is easy to understand, has a user-friendly interface, is responsive, and has minimal technical problems.

" The KEEP Moodle platform is easy to use because the material is presented in animations that are easy to understand, and the display is also user-friendly , responsive, and there are rarely any technical glitches," he said.

In the discussion session, participants were divided into six groups, each consisting of participants from both countries. This allowed for the exchange of ideas and perspectives on topics such as employment and inflation in Indonesia and Hong Kong. Each workshop session ended with an assignment uploaded to KEEP Moodle.

On the other hand, the Head of Journalism Study Program, Bintan Humeira, again expressed his hopes regarding the closing of this workshop . He hopes that the end of the workshop can strengthen intercultural interactions and encourage ongoing academic discussions between Indonesian and Hong Kong students.

"I hope the closing of this workshop can increase intercultural interaction in building dynamic academic discussions between Indonesian and Hong Kong students," he said again.

workshop activity is intended not only to provide an understanding of international economic data literacy, but also to strengthen interaction and exchange of discussions between Indonesian and Hong Kong students. At the end of the event, participants are also expected to bring home knowledge and skills that are useful for their future careers, especially in the field of global economic journalism.