USM PENANG, 4 October 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its Graduate School of Business (GSB), successfully held the 4th International Conference on Business Sustainability and Innovation (ICBSI 2024) from 3 – 4 October 2024 at the Olive Tree Hotel, Penang.

The conference, themed “Smart Sustainability: Navigating the Future with Innovation and Resilience,” focuses on how the integration of smart technologies can drive sustainable practices to address critical environmental challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and pollution.

USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, who officiated the opening ceremony on the first day of the conference on behalf of the USM Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the significance of the conference in navigating the digital era with sustainability at its core.

“In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and global challenges, the pursuit of smart sustainability requires us to harness the power of innovation and resilience.

“As we confront pressing challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and socio-economic disparities, it becomes increasingly clear that smart solutions driven by sustainable practices and innovative technologies are indispensable,” he said.

Azlan added, “By leveraging these innovations, industries can optimise resource utilisation, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance resilience in the face of global uncertainties.”

In his opening speech, he also congratulated USM Graduate School of Business, and fellow collaborators namely Multimedia University (MMU), Sukkur IBA University, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Cawangan Kedah for successfully organising the ICBSI 2024.

ICBSI 2024 has attracted significant interest from more than 130 participants across Malaysia and other countries, with around 80 presenters selected to share their research on cutting-edge topics related to business innovation, sustainability, and technology.

All accepted papers will be published in MyCite indexed journals, and selected papers will be considered for publication in Scopus/ERA indexed journals.

Keynote speakers included notable experts in the fields of sustainability and innovation, such as Professor Azlan himself, and Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, Director General of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).

Their sessions provided invaluable insights into building a sustainable future through innovation and resilience.

Also present were the GSB Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation and Industry-Community Engagement, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Yulita Hanum P Iskandar who represented the Dean; Chairperson of the 4th ICBSI 2024, Associate Professor Dr. Goh Yen Nee; and other distinguished academics, industry leaders, researchers, and key university officials.

ICBSI 2024 has set a new benchmark for evaluating current research in business sustainability and innovation, offering participants avenues for wider dissemination of their research outcomes, while promoting a future shaped by smart, sustainable practices.

Text: Graduate School of Business (GSB) USM/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe