Looking on the bright side Citibank country officer Shariq Mukhtar tells Aulia Rachmat that Indonesia’s banking industry is remaining optimistic, despite current economic uncertainties. “The next 18 months are going to be tough for the country,” says Shariq Mukhtar. Citibank’s country officer for Indonesia is referring to the inescapable impact of the global economic crisis, which has affected almost all sectors including banking and finance. Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, Shariq left for the US in 1976 for higher education at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Soon after earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance in 1981, Shariq qualified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). His initial experience, though, of living with an American family proved to be an object lesson in cross-cultural understanding. “I remember when (the host mother) asked me if I wanted to eat something. As I’d been taught to say ‘no’ for a couple of times before finally accepting an offer, (she) took my first ‘no’ as the final answer, leaving me to go to bed hungry. “I learnt that I had quickly to adapt to the cultural norms of my host country.”

Leaving the comfort zone Passing up an opportunity to take over the running of her family’s batik company, Denise Tjokrosaputro decided to strike out on her own. Aula Rachmat discovered why. “Life is now so much more exciting in the capital!” exclaims batik heiress Denise Tjokrosaputro joyously, observing that more and more people have been opening a variety of restaurants, entertainment venues and media after returning from their studies overseas in the US, Britain, Australia and Singapore. During her years of study in the US, Denise was amazed at the facilities and amenities that enliven many large American cities. Her entrepreneurial spirit inspired her to move beyond Batik Keris, a leading batik manufacturer and retailer established by her family.       Her bachelor’s degree in textiles from Philadelphia University (1997) and masters in finance from George Washington University (1999) gave her the technical savvy for a leading role in Balik Keris. Nevertheless, after five years there she had second thoughts. Her initial move, in partnership with Singaporean Petrina Leong, was to establish a children’s magazine, Inspired Kids, and consulting firm PT Spinner PR & Marketing Communication. She also entered the entertainment and F&B business as she owns Black Cat Jazz Supper Club and House of Ipoh restaurant.