UTAR academics advance sustainable development discourse at Luminary International Conference 2026

UTAR reinforced its commitment to impactful, sustainability-driven research when members of its Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) received international recognition at the 8th Luminary International Conference, held from 3 to 5 February 2026 at its Sungai Long Campus. The conference, themed Global Innovation in Sustainable Earth Through Research, Technology, and Education, brought together academics, educators, and practitioners to address pressing global challenges through interdisciplinary scholarship.

Jointly organised by the Lumina Foundation (Philippines), UTAR, University of Economics and Finance, Ho Chi Minh City, NU Lipa (Philippines), and De La Salle University (Philippines), the conference served as a platform for the exchange of evidence-based research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its programme highlighted the critical role of education, innovation, governance, and community engagement in shaping sustainable and resilient societies.

UTAR’s academic staff distinguished themselves across multiple panel sessions, securing Best Paper Presentation Awards in recognition of the originality, relevance, and societal value of their research. From FCI, Ms Lim Wai Ping Penny was recognised for her paper Mental health and community resilience through urban gardening: Evidence from a Malaysian case study, which examined how urban gardening initiatives contribute to psychological wellbeing and foster stronger community bonds.

Further recognition was accorded to Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes of FCI Dr Cynthia Lau Pui-Shan, Mr Beh Chun Chee, and Cik Nur Farhana Bte Abd Wahid for their study Social inclusion of transitioning youths with autism spectrum disorder in Malaysia. Their research provided valuable insights into inclusive educational and social frameworks that support youths with autism as they navigate critical life transitions, underscoring the importance of equity and accessibility in sustainable development.

Dr Hooi Chee Mei, Ms Khor Gee Khing, and Ms Jeevamalar Kumarasamy were honoured for their paper Assessment of students’ needs in tertiary education in Malaysian universities, which addressed emerging challenges within higher education and proposed strategies to enhance student support systems. Complementing these achievements, Ms Er Pek Hoon from UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management received recognition for Training needs analysis of educators in a Malaysian maritime university, while Dr Rajini Kumar Sreedharam was awarded for his examination of corporate governance and sustainability through the implementation of Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009.

Completing UTAR’s list of award recipients, Irene Chooi Mei Ting, a Master’s student from the Faculty of Creative Industries, was recognised for her paper Effective partnerships between environmental non-governmental organisations and corporations. Her research examined how strategic collaboration between civil society and industry can strengthen environmental governance and advance sustainable development outcomes, reflecting UTAR’s emphasis on nurturing impactful research at both academic staff and postgraduate levels.

Many of the award recipients described the recognition as a meaningful milestone in their academic journey, particularly as it marked their first experience presenting at an international conference of this scale. They noted that UTAR’s supportive research environment, strong institutional encouragement, and culture of interdisciplinary collaboration were instrumental in enabling their work to gain international acknowledgement.

Collectively, these achievements reflect UTAR’s strategic emphasis on research that transcends disciplinary boundaries while addressing real-world challenges. By contributing scholarly work on mental health, inclusive education, ethical governance, and environmental partnerships, UTAR continues to advance knowledge that supports sustainable and equitable development.