Participation in the "Strong Encounters of National Development" Seminar
As the Marketing and Advertising Department of Balıkesir University, Balıkesir Vocational School, we attended the "Strong Encounters of National Development" seminar, organized in collaboration with Balıkesir University and the ASKON Balıkesir Branch on December 10, 2025, together with our students. The guest speaker for the event was Yunus Şahin, Co-founder of Fintables, known for his work in financial technologies. Asst. Prof. Dr. Fulya Güngör and Lecturer Nevin Polat also accompanied and supported the program.
Şahin provided a broad framework covering topics ranging from the global economy and Turkey's inflation outlook to artificial intelligence-driven transformation and investment markets. His emphasis on the fact that, as of 2025, artificial intelligence has reached a level where it can undertake a significant portion of routine tasks in many sectors once again highlighted the importance of financial literacy, data literacy, digital competency, and strategic thinking skills—particularly in the field of marketing.
The presentation provided a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the Turkish economy: while the low debt-to-GDP ratio is a significant advantage, it was noted that the struggle against inflation remains at the center of economic policy. The expected recovery in industrial production in 2026 and increasing foreign interest in capital markets were highlighted as positive developments.
Urging young people to acquire long-term investment habits, Şahin raised awareness on topics such as the stock market, investment funds, and access to global markets. This message served not only as an opportunity for marketing students to understand economic trends but also as an important reminder regarding personal finance management and strategic planning for the future. The event provided our students with a valuable learning opportunity by allowing them to hear directly from an expert about macroeconomic developments and the impact of artificial intelligence on the business world.
