The 2nd ICDBSE conference focused on innovation and technology for sustainability and lifelong learning, attracting over 150 attendees from 11 countries with key discussions included the role of technology in sustainable and quality frameworks for lifelong learning, digital business and economy, digital learning and society, and emerging technologies.

The 2024 International Conference on Digital Business, Society, and Economy (ICDBSE) took place at the prestigious Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) in Nonthaburi, Thailand, in collaboration with the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). 

Under the theme ‘Innovation and Technology towards Sustainability and Lifelong Learning’, the conference attracted over 150 attendees from 11 countries, coming together to explore ground-breaking ideas that are shaping the future of digital business, education, and society.

APU delegation at ICDBSE 2024 led by our esteemed Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman, included Dr Hafinaz Hasniyanti Hassan, Ms Analisa Hamdan, Dr Nurul Farhaini Razali, Dr Ooi Bee Wah, Dr Marjea Jannat Mohua, Ms Ong Yu Yan, Mr Suresh Kumar, Ms Kavitha Arunasalam and Associate Professor Dr Shahrinaz Ismail.

The conference kicked off with insightful opening remarks from Assistant Professor Dr Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, and Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of APU, setting the stage for two days of engaging discussions and idea exchanges.

The first day featured a keynote address by Associate Professor Dr Ninnat Olanvoravuth, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL), who presented on Innovative Technology for Sustainable Lifelong Learning. 

This was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Professor Ts Dr Murali, where experts such as Professor Dr Ojat Darojat, President of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU); Dr Torunn Gjelsvik, Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE); and Mr Emiljohn Columna Sentillas from the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) discussed the crucial topic ‘Envisioning Excellence: Establishing a Robust Quality Framework for Lifelong Learning’.

The conference covered a diverse range of sub-themes, including Digital Business and Economy, Digital Learning and Society, Accounting Technology (FinTech), Engineering and Technology for Sustainability, Society 5.0, and Emerging Technologies (AR/VR/MR/Metaverse). 

These topics sparked engaging debates, inspiring attendees to reflect on the role of technology in shaping sustainable, inclusive futures.

On the second day, the focus shifted to a keynote speech titled ‘SMEs and Digital Business Transformation’, delivered by Professor Ts Dr Murali. 

This was followed by an engaging session called ‘Join Forces for Impactful Advocacy ― The ICDE Global Advocacy Campaign in Asia’. 

The session was moderated by Dr Torunn Gjelsvik (ICDE) and featured thought leaders such as Professor Dr Ahmad Ezanee Awang (OUM), Dr Melinda dP. Bandalaria (UPOU), and Dr John Cribbin (HKU Space). 

The conference concluded with a celebratory prize-giving ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions.

The awardees were:

The two-day conference left a lasting impact on participants, who took away key insights on empowering lifelong learning through innovation, driving digital transformation in business and education, enhancing digital learning quality and access, and advocating for digital and social equity. 

The role of generative AI in education and society also became a key talking point, sparking forward-thinking discussions among attendees.

Professor Ts Dr Murali Raman reflected on the experience, saying, “It was a fantastic experience leading a dedicated team from APU in co-hosting the 2nd International Conference on Digital Business, Society, and Economy with Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Our partnerships with esteemed institutions such as Open University Malaysia, Universitas Terbuka, AAOU, ICDE, and Chitkara University were instrumental in making this event a success. 

“I am especially proud of our staff and students, whose achievements shone amidst more than 150 participants from 11 nations.”

At the same time, the delegates were also taken to visit the Grand Palace and participate in Loy Kratong celebration activities.

The ICDBSE 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together innovators, educators, and business leaders to explore the intersection of technology, society, and lifelong learning.