UTM Faculty of Management’s Showcase of Expertise and Industry Collaboration

noraindah@utm.my

Johor Bahru, July 3, 2024 – The Faculty of Management at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) celebrated a milestone achievement with the successful completion of the first-ever Faculty of Management Industry Summit (FMIS) 2024. Held at the Ibis Styles Johor, Iskandar Puteri, the event centered around the theme “Inspiring SMEs for Visionary Growth” and marked a significant step towards fostering stronger ties between the academic and business communities. FMIS 2024 was directed by Dr. Logaiswari Indiran to inspire and empower SMEs to achieve visionary growth through sustainable practices and quality-driven cultures. “This summit has not only showcased the exceptional work being done by our faculty and industry partners but has also set a strong foundation for future collaborations. We are excited to see the impactful projects and research emerging from these new partnerships,” remarked Dr. Logaiswari Indiran.

FMIS 2024 brought together more than 20 participants, including SME owners, industry leaders, academic researchers, and students. The event aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, showcase innovative research, and explore opportunities for collaborative growth. The summit began with a landmark Letter of Intent (LOI) Signing Ceremony, formalizing a new partnership between the Faculty of Management and E3Capital Sdn Bhd. This collaboration aims to further explore and develop various entrepreneurial opportunities and initiatives, underscoring the commitment of both academia and industry to work together on future projects and research endeavors.

*Prof. Andrew Wong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of E3Capital Sdn Bhd, and Prof. Dr. Ahmad Jusoh, Dean of the Faculty of Management signing the Letter of Intent (LOI)*

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ramesh K S @ Mohd Zaidi Abd Rozan from the Faculty of Management, as the lead of FM ACE (Act, Create, Excel), spearheads the faculty’s first dedicated training unit. “FM ACE provides comprehensive training solutions tailored to industry needs, leveraging the expertise of esteemed faculty members. These faculty members, recognized for their academic and practical experience, deliver specialized training programs designed to foster innovation, drive excellence, and create impactful learning experiences for industry professionals,” highlighted Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ramesh K S @ Mohd Zaidi Abd Rozan.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ramesh K S @ Mohd Zaidi Abd Rozan pitching the FM ACE Training Solution to industry participants

The summit featured two dynamic and insightful workshops. Workshop 1, conducted by Ts. Dr. Nazry Yahya, focused on “Green Horizons: Strategic ESG Implementation for Future-Ready Businesses.” Dr. Nazry provided in-depth analysis and practical guidance on integrating ESG principles into business strategies, highlighting the importance of sustainability for long-term success. Workshop 2, led by Ms. Sumitha Kannan, titled “Quality Culture for Profitability in SMEs,” emphasized the critical role of quality culture in driving business profitability. Ms. Sumitha shared best practices and case studies demonstrating how SMEs can enhance their operations through a commitment to quality.

*Participants from Workshop 1 received certificates from Prof. Dr. Ahmad Jusoh, Dean of the Faculty of Management*

*Participants from Workshop 2 received certificates from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thoo Ai Chin, Research Manager, Faculty of Management*

Dr. Jayakumar Raj, the CEO and Founder of Optimum Professional Training Academy and a representative from Kin Pest Management (M) Sdn Bhd are among the exhibitors who showcased their products and services

The exhibition segment of FMIS 2024 featured booths from various industry players and research groups, showcasing cutting-edge innovations and solutions. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with exhibitors, explore potential collaborations, and gain insights into the latest trends and technologies. Notable exhibitors included Optimum Professional Training Academy, Kin Pest Management (M) Sdn Bhd, Xiamen Bridge-Shipping Logistics Co., Ltd., Sixth Sense Sdn Bhd, CTW Infra Solution, Patronage International Sdn Bhd, and BWC Health Studio.

*FMIS team and industry exhibitors pictured together to celebrate the success of FMIS 2024*

FMIS 2024 provided a vibrant platform for networking, enabling participants to forge new connections, share experiences, and discuss potential collaborations. The interactive sessions and informal gatherings facilitated meaningful exchanges and the development of professional relationships. Participants were able to expand their professional networks, identify research grant opportunities, foster collaboration, and enhance their visibility within the academic and industrial communities. “The connections made here today are just the beginning. We anticipate that the relationships formed and the knowledge shared will lead to transformative growth and innovation in the SME sector,” concluded Dr. Logaiswari Indiran.

FMIS 2024 sets a precedent for many more innovative and collaborative events. The Faculty of Management remains committed to driving excellence and fostering an environment where academia and industry can thrive together. The faculty invites potential collaborators and partners to join the next summit, FMIS 2025, to be held next year. Let the summit continue to inspire and innovate for a visionary future.