Two academics from APU’s School of Business take on key leadership roles at ICETMR 2026, advancing international research collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange while highlighting the importance of employee well-being in a technology-driven world.

Two academics from the School of Business (SoB) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) played prominent roles at the 2nd International Conference on Emerging Trends in Multidisciplinary Research (ICETMR 2026), demonstrating the University's growing contribution to international scholarly engagement and research excellence.

Assoc Prof Dr Jugindar Singh Kartar Singh, Associate Professor at SoB, was appointed Conference Chair, while Dr Nor Nazeranah Omar Din, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for International Business Management, served as a Session Chair.

Organised by Zep Research on 7–8 October 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, the conference brought together researchers, academics, industry practitioners, professionals and students from around the world to explore how multidisciplinary research can address emerging challenges in technology, leadership, sustainability and global development.

Held at the Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre on the first day, followed by hybrid sessions on the second day, the conference provided opportunities for international collaboration, knowledge exchange and the dissemination of research across disciplines.

Leading Conversations That Shape Global Research

As Conference Chair, Dr Jugindar provided strategic direction and oversaw the conference's academic and organisational development, helping to ensure a meaningful and productive experience for international delegates.

Delivering the Conference Chair's Address and Opening Remarks, he emphasised the importance of breaking down disciplinary boundaries to address increasingly complex global challenges.

His address highlighted how research excellence, innovation, sustainability and international partnerships can drive evidence-based solutions with tangible benefits for industries, communities and society.

His leadership reflected not only his scholarly expertise but also APU's commitment to empowering academics to contribute beyond the classroom and influence international research conversations.

Bringing Workplace Well-being into the Digital Conversation

Complementing this leadership contribution, Dr Nor Nazeranah played an active role in facilitating academic dialogue as Session Chair, moderating technical presentations and encouraging meaningful exchanges among researchers from diverse disciplines.

She also shared insights from her doctoral research examining the challenges of working and learning in increasingly technology-driven environments.

Her research addressed three interconnected workplace pressures: technostress, arising from the demands of technology use; telepressure, associated with expectations of rapid responses to digital communications; and role stress, which emerges from competing or unclear responsibilities.

These issues are particularly relevant as organisations accelerate digital transformation and employees navigate increasingly connected workplaces.

Through her presentation, Dr Nor Nazeranah drew attention to the importance of employee well-being, organisational support and effective digital adaptation in sustaining productivity and healthy working environments.

Her contribution demonstrated how academic research can inform workplace practices while addressing the human dimensions of technological progress.

Connecting Academic Excellence with Real-World Impact

Both academics are members of SoB's Management, Operations and Research (MOR) Cluster, where scholarly inquiry and interdisciplinary engagement contribute to addressing contemporary organisational and societal challenges.

Their participation at ICETMR 2026 reinforced APU's commitment to fostering an academic environment in which educators actively engage with international research communities, exchange expertise and translate knowledge into practical insights.

With conference tracks spanning technology and innovation, organisational transformation, sustainability and social impact, the event reflected the increasing importance of collaboration across disciplines in tackling global challenges.

Congratulating both academics, Professor Dr Kashif Hussain, Senior Head of the School of Business and Global Hospitality and Tourism at APU, remarked:

"We are proud to see our academics contributing their expertise and leadership on an international scholarly platform. Their involvement demonstrates that academic excellence extends beyond teaching and publications; it is also about shaping conversations, building meaningful partnerships and generating knowledge that benefits industries and communities. At APU, we remain committed to nurturing academics whose research and engagement make a difference in an increasingly interconnected world."