By Dr. Wadi Khalid Anuar
UUM ONLINE: Langkawi - The Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) School of Technology Management and Logistics (STML) successfully hosted the 4th Conference of Technology and Operations Management (CTOM) at Aloft Hotel Langkawi, Pantai Tengah, on 15 and 16 July 2024. CTOM4 successfully garnered an overwhelming response from both academics and industry representatives worldwide.
The CTOM4 was jointly organized by the School of Business, IPB University, Indonesia, which is a strategic partner of STML. Additionally, CTOM4 collaborated with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and Thaksin University, Thailand, and received sponsorship from PKT Logistics Sdn Bhd, Qatar Airways, MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad, D&D Control Sdn Bhd, Metalcoat Engineering Sdn Bhd, Itau Travel & Tours, and Hasani Group for this series of events.
The conference was officiated by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr Mohd Kamarul Irwan bin Abdul Rahim, the Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) of STML. CTOM4 made its own history as it was the first conference organized off-campus compared to previous series.
Over 80 participants, including 17 committee members, and 30 online participants, attended the conference. These participants included professors, academics, researchers, and students from across Malaysia, as well as from Indonesia, Thailand, India, Nigeria, Qatar, and Bahrain, ensuring a vibrant exchange of ideas from various perspectives across international borders.
In addition to the conference proceedings, Assoc. Prof. Dr Zulkifli Mohamed Udin from STML moderated an industrial forum featuring prominent national figures such as Dato' Seri (Dr.) Michael Tio (Group CEO, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd), Dato' Haji Ramli Mohd Tahir (KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd), and Tuan Haji Mohd. Ridwan Mohamad Yunus (D&D Control (M) Sdn Bhd).
Moreover, a workshop called the SmartPLS Workshop, led by Professor T. Ramayah, which was conducted on the second day of the conference, attracted 20 participants from various countries. The workshop was graciously sponsored by the College of Business (COB).
Dr Haikal Ismail, the director of CTOM4, expressed his pride in the successful event and acknowledged the efforts of the University Seminar Committee, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Prof. Dr Russayani Ismail, the Dean of the School, Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohamed Najib Salleh, and the former Dean of the School, Prof. Dr Norhasni Osman. "The success of this conference can be attributed to the collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication of the committee members who worked hard to ensure the event's success," said Dr Haikal.
The conference concluded with three participants winning the ‘Best Presenter Award’, namely Fithriyyah Shalihati and Anggi Mayang from IPB University and Mohd Riduan Jamalludin from UniMAP. Meanwhile, Minyu Zheng from Universit Putra Malaysia (UPM) received the ‘Best Paper Award’ and a round-trip ticket to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, sponsored by Qatar Airways, and the ticket was presented by Dato' Muzammil Mohamad, the ASEAN regional manager of Qatar Airways.
Upon its closing, CTOM4 successfully brought together experts from academia and industry, strengthening strategic partnerships and marking a significant achievement for all involved.