OYAGSB UUM strengthens ASEAN research collaboration through the 12th International Research Symposium in Thailand
News and pictures by Saharah Saad
THAILAND, 2 November 2025: The Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), in collaboration with the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand, successfully hosted the 12th International Research Symposium in conjunction with the ASEAN Summit 2025.
The symposium brought together scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students from 21 institutions across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Italy, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, and France. The event featured 149 research papers, 32 research posters, and 57 global commentators, drawing a total of 712 participants – a testament to the growing momentum of regional academic cooperation.
Aptly themed “Research is Not Theory. It’s Direction,” the symposium embodied OYAGSB’s vision of transforming academic inquiry into actionable knowledge that fuels innovation, sustainability, and regional development. The collaboration with PSU Thailand underscored a shared aspiration to elevate ASEAN’s academic excellence through purposeful research and cross-border partnerships. Serving as a dynamic platform, the symposium encouraged postgraduate researchers to exchange ideas, gain constructive feedback, and shape the future of direction-driven scholarship in the region.
Collaboration that Inspires Excellence
The opening ceremony was graced by Professor Dr. Hassan Abu Bakar, Dean of OYAGSB UUM, who warmly welcomed delegates and expressed appreciation to PSU for hosting the event. He expressed confidence that the symposium would offer participants valuable insights, networking opportunities, and meaningful academic engagement.
In his remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Theerawat Hungsapruek, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, PSU, celebrated the enduring partnership between PSU and OYAGSB, emphasizing that such collaborations are vital in nurturing ASEAN’s next generation of researchers and innovators.
The ceremony also featured an inspiring keynote address by Professor Dr. Paul Matthyssens of the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy. He highlighted the importance of aligning research with practical innovation, business sustainability, and societal advancement.
Plenary Sessions that Defined Purposeful Research
A major highlight of the symposium was Plenary Session 1, where Associate Professor Dr. Herman Anuar of OYAGSB UUM joined academic representatives from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in delivering a thought-provoking session titled “Research is Not Theory. It Is a Direction.” The engaging discussion resonated strongly with participants, reinforcing the idea that research should not only interpret phenomena but also guide innovation, leadership, and policy for tangible real-world outcomes.
Plenary Session 2, themed “Beyond Research Towards Sustainability and Innovation,” was led by Associate Professor Dr. Francis Chuah Chin Wei, Academic Director of OYAGSB, alongside distinguished international panelists. Conducted online, the session explored how postgraduate research can become a cornerstone in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable solutions.
UUM’s Strong Academic Presence
OYAGSB proudly led a delegation of 17 postgraduate researchers from the UUM College of Business (COB) who presented their work across diverse business and management disciplines. Their participation fulfilled the colloquium requirement prior to proposal defense, reflecting OYAGSB’s commitment to fostering research exposure, scholarly engagement, and academic excellence.
Supporting them were eight COB academicians who served as commentators and reviewers, providing expert critiques and valuable mentorship that elevated the overall quality of presentations and discussions. The distinguished panel comprised Professor Dr. Salniza Md Salleh, Associate Professor Dr. Indraah Kolandaisamy, Dr. Aminullah Abdulrasheed Abdullah, Dr. Mohd Hadafi Sahdan, Dr. Safwan Marwin, Dr. Hafiz Waqas Ahmed Ansari, Dr. Zeittey Karmilla Kaman, and Dr. Mohamad Hanif Abu Hassan. Their active participation reflected OYAGSB’s academic depth and its pivotal role in nurturing emerging scholars within and beyond UUM.
Advancing ASEAN’s Shared Vision
Participation in the symposium was free of charge, with joint certificates of participation and recognition issued by PSU Thailand and OYAGSB UUM, symbolizing a shared commitment to open, inclusive, and impactful knowledge exchange.
As ASEAN continues its pursuit of a more connected and sustainable future, the partnership between OYAGSB UUM and PSU Thailand stands as a model for regional academic unity. The symposium’s success not only strengthened cross-border research ties but also exemplified how collaboration can ignite innovation and leadership across nations.
The 12th International Research Symposium concluded on a note of shared pride and optimism, marking yet another milestone in OYAGSB’s journey toward academic excellence and transformative education. Building upon this strong foundation, OYAGSB UUM will continue its collaboration with PSU Thailand in organizing the upcoming 13th International Research Symposium, further advancing ASEAN’s shared vision of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
