Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

We live in a time of great uncertainties. Extreme climatic changes, the constant fear of recurring zoonotic diseases, mega-scale corporate scandals, and stiffening international relations have tried humans and humanity more than ever. Despite the increasing convenience of life made possible by the advancing Internet of things, social contentment, and happiness are declining as humans incessantly outsource morality to extreme capitalism and materialism. Decaying humanity guarantees that our generation and the others succeeding will experience the most turbulent vicissitudes of life. Their world, the one they inherit from us, is treacherous, battered, and bruised.

But mankind is striking back. We are meticulously devising policies, frameworks, and legislation to mollify the damage. The vigorous momentum of ESG, heightening corporate social responsibility and the United Nations’s Sustainability Development Goals are a testament to this. There has never been a more urgent emphasis on 'inclusive education', and this is a crucial moment when education must play a pivotal role in achieving the three zeros. The time is now for educators, academics, and educational institution operators to act unitedly. This conference is dedicated to triggering debates and constructive ideas on how we can crystalize the world of three zeros with inclusive education. We welcome philosophers and thinkers to present revolutionary views and thoughts that might change the trajectory of education. We seek ideas and deliberations that can reshape education, rendering it to be more inclusive and effective in achieving the world of three zeros.

We are very honoured and fortunate to have the fullest support from the United Nation's Principle of Management Education (PRME) to co-host this conference. We are also indebted to the Global Research Initiatives (GRI) for your fervent support. We are in high hopes that this conference will shed new light on the role of inclusive education. Participants in this conference will be treated to intriguing plenary sessions, knowledge-filled workshops, and scholarly presentations of the same. But this conference is a means to an even greater end. We believe this conference will spawn new collaborations, alliances, and meaningful partnerships, all striving to reinvigorate an inclusive education. Finally, we want to thank our sponsors for believing in the purpose of our conference and having unreservedly supported us. Your sponsorship is meaningful as it supports us in charting new frontiers in education and sets forth purposeful collaborations. With this, we hope that all presenters, participants, and guests will enjoy the presentations.

Professor Dr. Tan Seng Teck

Conference Chair, ASEAN Social Business Conference

Email: sengteck.tan@newinti.edu.my 

Welcome, esteemed guests to an important event focused on three interconnected pillars critical to the future of our planet and its citizens: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions. Today, as we embark on a journey to explore, create and collaborate to imagine a world in which economic success does not harm our environment and everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

Professor Yunus, the renowned social entrepreneur and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, highlighted the importance of shifting our focus from profit-maximising businesses to social businesses that prioritise human well-being. In contrast to the profit-driven traditional business model, Professor Yunus advocates for a paradigm shift towards social businesses that support the holistic development of a civilization. As to the role of universities, Professor Yunus emphasised the need to cultivate imaginations powerful enough to foresee a better future. Universities should challenge our forefathers' knowledge and aspire for the future, just as going to the moon once looked like an impossible goal. In addition, universities can teach social businesses through the formation of a "Three Zero" Club, a concept that social entrepreneurship uses to achieve the three zeros: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero CO2 emissions.

As we strive for Zero Poverty, we recognise our ethical obligation to eradicate poverty and inequality. Poverty is more than simply a lack of financial resources; it deprives people of their dignity, opportunities, and hope. We can improve community’s well-being and disrupt the ongoing cycle of poverty by implementing comprehensive economic policies and promoting sustainable development.

To achieve zero unemployment, it requires a fundamental shift in our perception of work and its societal importance. The advent of automation and technological advancements provides unprecedented opportunities for increasing efficiency and productivity. However, it poses challenges to conventional employment paradigms. We have the potential to generate significant and purposeful sources of income for everyone by reimagining education, encouraging entrepreneurship and capitalising on the opportunities presented by this greener economy.

Our vision is to achieve zero carbon emissions at its core. The climate crisis is a major threat to ecosystems, livelihoods and future generations. Adopting renewable energy sources, incorporating green technologies and advocating for sustainable practices are not only important for the environment but also for economic viability.

As we gather, let us start conversations, form alliances and chart a new course for a future where economic success, fairness, and responsible environmental management coexist with each other. Collectively, we have the ability to make this vision a reality and create a global community that is truly sustainable for everyone.

Associate Professor Dr. Wong Chee Hoo
Co-Conference Chair, ASEAN Social Business Conference

Email: cheehoo.wong@newinti.edu.my