KARACHI: Ilma University proudly inaugurated the 17th International Conference on Management and Social Sciences, a distinguished event focused on promoting international cooperation, sustainable development and academic exchange. The conference brought together diplomats, experts and thought leaders from around the world to confront global challenges and explore opportunities for cooperation in various fields.
The event began with a warm welcome by Prof. Dr. Mansoor Zafar Dawood, Vice Chancellor of Ilma University, who emphasized the importance of the conference in strengthening academic and diplomatic relations between countries. He reiterated ILMA University’s dedication to advancing knowledge and innovation and facilitating global cooperation for the betterment of society. He commended the efforts of the Conference Chairman, Prof. Dr. Raja Rayhan, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Organizers, Syed Kashif Rafi, Registrar, Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Subhani, Director, ORIC, Dr. Fahad Lassi, Additional Director, QAL and the conference co-chairs, members of the advisory and organizing committee, faculty and staff. And students for this distinguished conference.
The opening session was marked by the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by the national anthem, which contributed to giving a sense of respect to the day’s events. Distinguished keynote speakers include:
Herman Hardinata Ahmad, Consul General of Malaysia, spoke about the role of advanced technology in driving economic progress in Malaysia and the growing academic cooperation between Malaysia and Pakistan, especially through ILMA University.
The keynote speaker, Muhammad Faiz Kidwai, founder of Rotary Smart Villages Pakistan, discussed the importance of sustainability in education and shared Rotary Pakistan’s transformative role in advancing rural development and contributing to global sustainability goals.
Professor Dr SM Tariq Rafi, Chairman, Sindh Higher Education Commission, lauded ILMA University for hosting the conference and stressed the need for universities to embrace technology and innovation to prepare students to face the challenges ahead.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by ILMA University Registrar and Conference Organiser, Syed Kashif Rafi, expressing deep gratitude to the chief guests, guests of honor and the keynote speaker for their invaluable contributions to the success of the event. A special vote of thanks was given to the conference’s main partner, Pakistan Trading Company Limited (PMEX), for their support and recognition of the important role played by PMEX as one of the engines driving our economy.
The second part of the conference included a series of thought-provoking panel discussions covering a wide range of topics in management, social sciences and sustainability. Notable sessions included:
The 17th International Conference on Management and Social Sciences included a series of engaging panel discussions covering a wide range of important topics in management, economics and sustainability. The experts explored debt management and policy coordination, emphasizing how effective debt strategies and international policy alignment can promote financial stability and economic growth in the long term. A session on sustainable development practices focused on how these practices contribute to regional stability, and integrate economic, environmental and social factors to build a more sustainable future. Another panel examined consumer perceptions and attitudes towards SMS advertising in Pakistan, providing insights into how consumers’ engagement with SMS marketing is shaped by perceptions and its broader impact on marketing strategies. Discussions also addressed the impact of content marketing on consumer purchase intentions, in particular the mediating role of social media and online convenience, along with the moderating effects of brand equity.
The session on sustainable strategies and business value creation highlighted how companies can integrate sustainability into their operations and achieve a balance between profitability and social and environmental responsibility. The experts also explored the synergy between HR initiatives and a positive work environment, examining how HR practices can improve job satisfaction, employee engagement, and organizational success. The conference also addressed the determinants of unemployment in Pakistan, analyzing how economic factors such as GDP growth, inflation, foreign direct investment, and population growth affect unemployment trends. The session focused on the employability of graduates in Malaysia, and addressed the critical role of technology skills, self-efficacy, and personality in shaping employability outcomes within the Malaysian Technical Universities Network (MTUN). Finally, the Committee on Sustainable Financial Growth in the Automotive Sector in Pakistan analyzed the impacts that solvency, company size, leverage, and degree of financial leverage have on long-term sustainability within the industry.
As a token of appreciation for their valuable contributions, plaques were presented to the distinguished speakers and guests. The first day of the conference concluded with a networking session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage in meaningful exchanges and explore potential future collaborations in academic and professional fields.
