FBF wins Best Paper Award and Best Idea Award at 14th ASIP Conference

UTAR Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Master of Philosophy student Darren Peter, together with FBF academic from the Department of Business and Public Administration Dr Azeyan binti Awee, proudly won the prestigious Best Paper Award at the 14th Asian Society for Innovation and Policy (ASIP) Conference, held from 8 to 10 September 2024 at the National University of Kaohsiung, Taiwan (ROC). Darren was also joined by Mr Mohan Selvaraju, an academic from Saito University College.

The conference, themed Twin Transformation - Digital and Green, gathered academics and professionals from across Asia to explore innovative solutions and provide a platform for impactful research. The ASIP conference aimed to enhance academic networking, improve the visibility of entrepreneurship-related research, and influence curriculum development while reflecting labour market trends.

The UTAR team’s winning paper, Synergising Sustainability and Technology: A Comprehensive Scientometric Study of Digital and Green Logistics, explored the intersection of sustainability and digital innovation in logistics. Their research offered a bibliometric analysis of global trends in digital and green logistics, identifying key contributors, influential publications, and central themes driving innovation in the field.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Darren shared, “This recognition for two consecutive years, ASIP 2023 and ASIP 2024, validates the relevance and rigour of our work. It motivates us to continue exploring innovative solutions to industry challenges.”

Reflecting on UTAR’s contribution, the team credited their success to the strong foundation provided by the university. Darren remarked, “The academic environment at UTAR fostered critical thinking and creativity, which were instrumental in shaping our research. The guidance of our lecturers and access to valuable resources helped refine our skills and deepen our understanding of logistics and supply chain management. This achievement would not have been possible without UTAR’s emphasis on innovation and practical application.”

The team’s research not only advances academic understanding but also provides practical applications for the logistics industry. Their findings offer valuable insights for businesses seeking to integrate digital transformation with green practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and optimising supply chains through smart logistics. Policymakers can also leverage the research to shape policies that promote sustainability and innovation within the sector.

In addition to its academic and industry contributions, the study addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By aligning with these goals, the research supports the broader global push towards a more sustainable future.

Moreover, Darren, together with Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management student Marsyall Peter, former Centre for Foundation Studies student Paul Peter, and former UTAR FBF academic Dr Peter Yacob, earned the Best Idea Award at the 14th ASIP Conference.

Their winning entry, titled Strategic Drivers of 3PL Retention: A Malaysian Perspective on SERVQUAL and Dynamic Capabilities, explored the vital role of third-party logistics (3PL) companies in Malaysia. The research examined how service quality (SERVQUAL) and dynamic capabilities contribute to 3PL service provider retention, which is crucial in the logistics industry.

Darren, representing the team, reflected on the achievement and said, “I am honoured to be recognised with the Best Idea Award at the ASIP 2024 conference alongside other prominent researchers. Contributing to discussions on the strategic drivers of 3PL retention based on SERVQUAL and Dynamic Capabilities was incredibly rewarding. Being acknowledged among esteemed peers is truly gratifying. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication that went into our research, and I am excited to continue contributing to this vital field.”

The research surveyed 312 3PL logistics companies in Malaysia and provided critical insights into the relationship among service quality, data analytics, innovation capabilities, and 3PL retention. Key findings revealed that two SERVQUAL dimensions, reliability and empathy, positively impact 3PL retention, while tangibility, responsiveness, and assurance do not. The study also found that data analytics and innovation capabilities fully mediate this relationship, offering strategic pathways for improving long-term partnerships between 3PL providers and their customers.