Sustainable Development for Thriving Communities Conference

13 & 14 December 2023

The Sustainable Development for Thriving Communities conference, a landmark event held on December 13-14, 2023, has successfully concluded, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of sustainable development. Spanning two enriching days, the conference was orchestrated by the dynamic collaboration between the Thriving Communities Research Cluster of the School of Business at Monash University Malaysia, led by Professor Grace Lee, Dr. Sharon Koh and Dr.  Juliana French, and the CDES - Centre for Development Economics and Sustainability at Monash Business School, under the leadership of Professor Asad Islam and Associate Professor Wang Sheng Lee. This monumental gathering was further fortified by the strategic partnership with The World Bank EAPCE Research Centre and the Asian Development Bank Institute.

The conference served as a vibrant melting pot, bringing together a diverse array of ideas, innovations, and incisive discussions that resonated throughout the academic and policy landscapes. A debt of gratitude is owed to the luminaries who illuminated the proceedings: our esteemed keynote and invited speakers, including the likes of Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Professor Gabriella Conti, Dr. Sudarno Sumarto, Professor Euston Quah, Dr. Xing Xia, Dr. Diahhadi Setyonaluri, Dr. Armand Sim, and A/Prof. Hyuncheol Bryant Kim. Their valuable contributions fostered an environment of intellectual richness and critical exploration.

We are delighted to recognise the successful facilitation of two pivotal policy sessions that have significantly contributed to the discourse on economic and industrial strategies.

• The first policy session titled "Sustainable Prosperity through the Alignment of Economic Policy and Social Protection Goals," moderated by Calvin Cheng of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, featured Minister of Economy Yang Berhormat Rafizi Ramli and Sudarno Sumarto of SMERU Research Institute. The panel delivered insightful perspectives on integrating economic strategies with social protection initiatives, offering practical and applicable solutions to contemporary challenges.
• In the second policy session, "Evolve and Thrive - An Industrial Vision for a New Era," Ong Kian Ming of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Taylors University Malaysia guided the discussion as the moderator. The dialogue benefited from the experiences of Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Yang Berhormat Liew Chin Tong, and Lim Chee Yoong of Thumbprints Utd. Sdn Bhd, who collectively sketched an adaptable and forward-thinking industrial vision.

These discussions have successfully brought to light practical insights and real-world perspectives, greatly enhancing the relevance and actionability of the conversations. We express our sincere appreciation to the moderators and panelists for their invaluable input.

To all the participants, contributors, and supporters who lent their expertise and enthusiasm to this endeavor, we express our heartfelt appreciation. Your active engagement was the linchpin that not only ensured the success of the event but also rendered it a memorable and impactful milestone in the pursuit of sustainable development.

As we reflect on the achievements of this conference, we look forward with optimism to the prospect of hosting many more successful gatherings in the future. May the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to thriving communities continue to drive transformative dialogues and shape the trajectory of sustainable development on a global scale. Cheers to the journey ahead!