FBF PhD student wins Best Paper Award at International Conference on CSR and Sustainable Development

Iddrisu Mohammed Awal, a PhD student from the Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) at UTAR, was honoured with the Best Paper Award at the 7th International Conference on CSR & Sustainable Development. The conference, held from 10 to 11 June 2024, took place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and featured both online and physical participation.

Organised by Janabadra University, the event brought together thought leaders from academia, industry, government, and non-governmental organisations to discuss the latest trends and developments in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development.

The conference focused on the critical role of CSR in promoting ethical business practices, sustainability, and social responsibility, especially in light of current global challenges such as climate change, environmental protection, and waste management. Participants explored how CSR initiatives can be aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a more sustainable future.

Iddrisu’s award-winning paper, titled “Technology for good ESG practices? Investigating the direct effect of IR 4.0 technology adoption on sustainability and competitiveness”, investigates the impact of Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) technologies on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and firm competitiveness. His research used data from 268 responses across the manufacturing and services sectors, employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the relationship between technology adoption and ESG practices.

The study revealed that while IR 4.0 technology adoption has a moderately insignificant direct effect on ESG practices, these practices themselves significantly enhance a firm’s competitiveness. This finding suggests that for ESG integration to be more effective, firms should invest in employee training and technology transfer, which could help them better leverage these advanced technologies to achieve their sustainability goals.

Reflecting on his achievement, Iddrisu expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am honoured to be recognised with the Best Paper Award at the CSR 2024 International Conference among other prominent professors and researchers. The opportunity to contribute to discussions on CSR and sustainability was incredibly rewarding. My research aimed to provide actionable insights into sustainable business practices with the adoption of advanced IR 4.0 technologies. Being acknowledged among esteemed peers is truly gratifying. I joined this conference to engage with thought leaders and learn from the diverse perspectives shared. Winning this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication that went into our paper, and I am excited to continue contributing to this vital field.”

The award-winning research aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By examining the impact of technology on ESG practices, the work supports more responsible consumption and production methods, reduces environmental footprints, and promotes sustainability.

“This achievement reflects the strong academic foundation and support I have received at UTAR,” he added. “The rigorous research environment and the guidance from my supervisors, Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee and Prof Dr Abdelhak Senadjki, have significantly contributed to the quality of my work. UTAR’s emphasis on research excellence and its commitment to sustainability has provided me with the tools and resources necessary to excel in my field. This award is a testament to the supportive academic community at UTAR and its role in fostering innovative research that addresses global challenges.”

Iddrisu’s research highlights the importance of integrating advanced technologies with ESG practices to drive innovation and competitiveness while promoting sustainability and responsible business practices. His work serves as a valuable resource for firms looking to enhance their ESG initiatives and aligns with global sustainability goals. The insights from his study provide actionable recommendations for companies seeking to improve their sustainability practices through technology adoption, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and socially responsible business landscape.