USM PENANG, 7 December 2023 - The School of Management (SOM) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in collaboration with the Department of Standards Malaysia, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) today hosted the 15th Asian Academy of Management International Conference (AAMC) 2023.

With the theme “Creating a Sustainable Future: Powering Innovation and Accelerating Transformation”, the conference serves as a platform for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas, fostering collaboration and accelerating the pace of positive change.

Emphasising collective efforts, the conference underscored the shared responsibility in confronting contemporary challenges.

Beyond being a forum for idea exchange, its overarching goal was to catalyse actionable initiatives contributing to a future characterised by sustainability and resilience.

Attending and officiating the ceremony was the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed.

Abdul Rahman in his officiating speech highlighted the pivotal roles played by academics and practitioners in propelling innovation and accelerating the transformative journey towards sustainability.

He emphasized the need for innovative approaches, ensuring that today's actions lay the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable tomorrow.

“One of the critical pillars of creating a sustainable future is collaboration. USM always believes that it is through partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and a shared commitment to a common purpose, we can accelerate our progress towards a sustainable future,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Dean of SOM, Professor Dr. Noor Hazlina Ahmad encouraged participants to engage in meaningful discussion, share insights and explore possibilities at the intersection of innovation and sustainability.

“I am confident that the knowledge exchanged here will not only inspire but also catalyse real-world actions.

“May our collaborative endeavours pave the way for a future where innovation becomes synonymous with sustainability and together we create a lasting impact,” she added.

The officiating ceremony included the launch of Innovation management – Innovation Management System – Guidance MS ISO 56002:2019 by Director of Trade Facilitation Division, Jamaliah Hamzah representing MITI Secretary-General.

MS ISO 56002 provides guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an innovation management system, focusing on innovation, organisational competitiveness, and community development.

Following that, the keynote address was delivered by the Group Chief Exceutive and Managing Director, Dato’ Seri Dr. Michael Tio and Malaysia’s First Astronaut, Dato’ Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor entitled "Creating a Sustainable Future: Powering Innovation and Accelerating Transformation".

The programme continued with a forum session entitled "Innovation Adept, Industry 4.0, Digital Ready Knowledge for ISO 56002" with panellists Dato’ Dr. Ts. Shanmuganathan Palanisamy; Dr. Khoh Soo Beng and Ts. Ng Kwang Ming, moderated by Mohd Parid Sulaiman.

The diverse participants of the two day conference, numbering approximately around 141 people, comprised of delegates from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, Nigeria, China, Pakistan, Oman, Jordan and Malaysia.

Also present were the Member of the Board of Governor, USM and Chief Digital Officer, USM, Professor Dato' Ir. Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan; Senior Director, Department of Standards Malaysia MITI, Hussalmizzar Hussain; AAM President, Professor Dr. Hasliza Abdul Halim; and principal officers of USM.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa