PUTRAJAYA, Sept 19 – The recently concluded International Conference on Research and Innovation in Information Systems, Management, Economics, Technology, and Accounting (ICRIIS META) 2025, organised by the Faculty of Management, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has further strengthened UTM’s leadership in advancing research and innovation in smart management and sustainable business practices. Held from 18 to 19 September 2025 at The Everly Putrajaya, the international conference gathered academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and across the region to exchange ideas, share research findings, and explore collaborative pathways toward sustainable economic transformation.
ICRIIS META 2025 is a flagship initiative of the Faculty of Management designed to promote interdisciplinary dialogue across key domains such as management, entrepreneurship, information systems, technology, and accounting. This year’s conference received strong participation from both local and international presenters, showcasing insightful sessions that bridged academia and industry in addressing real-world challenges through research-driven innovations. The vibrant engagement underscored the growing importance of integrating technology, sustainability, and strategic management in shaping resilient and future-ready organisations.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Ahmad Jusoh, Dean of the Faculty of Management, UTM, who emphasised the role of academia in driving national development through cutting-edge research. This was followed by three impactful keynote addresses. Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn. Bhd., highlighted how mega-infrastructure projects contribute to national competitiveness through smart and integrated management practices. Ts. Dr. Irwana Abd Malek, Head of Supply Chain at Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), shared insights on supply chain resilience, innovation, and technology-driven sustainability in global port operations. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Herri from Universitas Andalas, Indonesia, provided a regional perspective on economic resilience and smart management strategies that support sustainable growth across Southeast Asia.
Throughout the two-day programme, participants engaged in multiple physical and online parallel sessions featuring studies on digital transformation, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance, sustainable entrepreneurship, AI readiness, green innovation, and enterprise risk management. These sessions highlighted emerging research trends and practical solutions relevant to both industry practitioners and policymakers navigating rapidly evolving global landscapes.
The conference culminated with the Best Paper Award Ceremony and Closing Remarks, which celebrated outstanding scholarly contributions and acknowledged the collaborative spirit demonstrated by participants. Award recipients were recognised for the quality, originality, and relevance of their research to contemporary challenges in management and technology.
ICRIIS META 2025 underscored the Faculty of Management’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and impactful knowledge exchange at national and international levels. By uniting researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, the conference laid a strong foundation for future collaborative initiatives and policy development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The success of this year’s event reaffirms UTM’s role as a driving force in shaping a smarter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for the region.
By Hanini Ilyana Che Hashim, Faculty of Management
