Master of Accounting in Forensic Analysis student, Foo Chen Ling, from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) clinched the prestigious Best Paper Award at the 11th International Management and Accounting Conference (IMAC) 2024.

The conference, a global platform for academic exchange, brings together researchers and industry practitioners to share innovative ideas and the latest research on economics, management, and accounting. This year’s IMAC, organised by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Economics and Management, was held at the Courtyard by Marriott Melaka on July 27–28, 2024. 

Foo’s award-winning research, titled Is There Incentive for Firms to Greenwash in Malaysia? (The Perspective of Professionals), explored the contentious issue of "greenwashing"—a practice where companies make exaggerated or misleading claims about their environmental initiatives. 

By examining this phenomenon from the lens of industry professionals, Foo's research highlighted the challenges of addressing greenwashing within Malaysia’s unique cultural, regulatory, and economic landscape.

With valuable guidance from her supervisors, Dr Ooi Bee Wah and co-author, Mr Suresh Balasingam, both Senior Lecturers of the School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF), Foo tackled the nuanced dimensions of greenwashing incentives under the Sustainable Business Practices stream, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into her analysis. 

Dr Ooi shared insights on the rigorous process behind Foo's research. This study emphasises the difficulty in defining greenwashing and the critical role of theoretical and empirical balance in assessing corporate incentives. 

“Greenwashing is difficult to define precisely, as it encompasses a range of deceptive tactics varying in subtlety. In Malaysia, specific cultural, regulatory, and economic conditions make identifying and analysing greenwashing incentives even more intricate,” she highlighted. 

The depth and complexity of this study underscore Foo’s ability to merge academic rigour with practical insight—qualities that earned her the conference’s top paper accolade. 

Foo’s achievement is a testament to APU’s commitment to fostering practical academics who are equipped to address real-world issues. Through advanced, research-driven programmes, APU continues to groom graduates who bring thoughtful, innovative solutions to global challenges, championing responsible business practices for a sustainable future.