SINTOK: The 5th International Social Development Conference (ISDC 2024) serves as a platform to seek solutions and building connections to shape an inclusive and sustainable future. This future is forged through a convergence of disciplines, including science, social sciences, technology, education, and health.
Director-General of Higher Education, Datuk Prof. Dr Azlinda Azman, stated that ISDC 2024 is an invaluable platform for harnessing innovation and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. It provides opportunities to discover new solutions, explore innovative frameworks, and establish partnerships that will contribute to creating a sustainable future.
According to her, ISDC 2024 also provides opportunities to form new connections in social development, grounded in innovation and strengthened through cross-disciplinary collaboration. This conference acts as a platform for collectively sharing ideas, perspectives, and experiences to drive transformative change.
“We recognise that the most effective solutions often emerge at the intersection of various disciplines, where science, social sciences, technology, education, and health converge.
“Hence, the primary focus of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) is on talent development, research and innovation, and the transfer and sharing of knowledge,” she added, inaugurating ISDC 2024 at EDC UUM.
Dr. Azlinda emphasised that even though the challenges faced may be complex, collaboration among all parties can build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for everyone, where this conference serves as a springboard for action.
Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan highlighted the significance of this prestigious conference as it aligns with the National Education Philosophy and the theme “Innovation and Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration in Social Development for Transformative Change’.
He noted that the gathering reflects a commitment to addressing pressing challenges of the present. In a rapidly changing world filled with complexities, inequalities, and untapped opportunities, the role of social development is crucial.
He also said that this conference provides a unique and essential platform where social work practitioners, scholars, policymakers, and students come together across disciplinary boundaries to share insights and explore innovative approaches.
“Together, we aim to establish collaborative networks, spark creative and critical thinking, and ultimately inspire social actions that can shape a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for everyone.
“Today’s challenges require us to move beyond conventional approaches and embrace cross-disciplinary collaboration. These issues are not confined to a single field of expertise; rather, they demand an integration of knowledge from social sciences, technology, policy, health, economics, and more,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, delivering his speech.
He expressed confidence that ISDC 2024, including keynotes, expert panel discussions, workshops, and parallel presentations, will foster strong social networks and facilitate meaningful exchanges of ideas in the field of social development.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof. Dr Russayani Ismail; Dean of SAPSP, Assoc. Prof. Dr Md. Zawawi Abu Bakar; Director of the Malaysian Social Institute (ISM), Dr. Faridah Awang; and ISDC Director, Dr. Teoh Ai Hua.
