AHIBS Action Research Challenge 2020 Linking Pin to Industry Solutions

ROSSILAH JAMIL

Azman Hashim International Business School (AHIBS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) recently held the second “Action Research Challenge” (AARC) virtually for the year 2020 on 2nd September.

This time around, 89 students delivered their presentations across nine business areas. The AARC initiative aimed to address industry problems through a rigorous research approach in which the solutions are presented in the forms of action research, business research, and case studies.

The platform brought together important stakeholders including AHIBS Adjunct
Professor, Industrial Advisory Panel (IAP), industry peers and fellow academics.

The AARC is part of the holistic framework for quality and relevant business education at AHIBS and has become a key feature that differentiates AHIBS MBA from other programs elsewhere.

Dean Prof. Dr. Nur Naha Abu Mansor officiated the conference by delivering a message
emphasizing the role for business schools in enhancing practical learning experiences,
collaborations, and publications among stakeholders.

The AARC also hosted a virtual seminar entitled “Driving Sustainable Development Goals in Global Business Schools in Action Research Perspective”. The main speaker, Major Kehormat Prof. Tan Sri Datuk Fng Ah Seng who is one of AHIBS Adjunct Professors delivered the keynote.

This was followed by AHIBS MBA student, Dr. Nusrat Ahmad who was also one of the ‘Pitch For Funding 2019” winners. The forum was moderated by Dr. Haliyana Khalid who is AHIBS Social Media talent.

Insights from the speakers stressed on the importance of collaborative efforts from academia and industries to achieve sustainable global developmental goals. The AHIBS
Action Research Challenge program is modelled towards this collaboration to produce
business ready leaders and managers who are able to meet tough business challenges that the industry needs.

The forum concluded that the action research projects initiative would be able to produce MBA graduates who are able to support the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) for quality education, economic growth and smart partnerships.

The conference ended with the Dean awarding 11 winners across concurrent sessions. The AARC 2020 grand winner went to Mr. Kumaresan a/l Ravichandran who presented his project entitled ”Effect of growth hacking and new business features to increase the merchant and user subscribers in an e-wallet application company in Malaysia”,
supervised by Dr. Haliyana Khalid.

Special acknowledgement goes to Azman Hashim Endowment as a key contributor to the success of AARC 2020. The conference led by Dr. Nazimah Hussin, AHIBS Director for Business Administration together with her team was deemed a success.