PUNE: The All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society’s Institute of Information Technology (AISSMS IOIT), Pune, successfully organised the International Conference on SDG-Driven Innovation and Excellence Awards 2026 at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering Technology (UniKL MICET), Melaka, Malaysia, on October 28, 2026.The international conference witnessed the participation of 38 delegates from Australia and various Indian states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It brought together academicians, industry professionals, entrepreneurs and distinguished leaders on a common global platform. The conference served as a forum for academic exchange, international networking, research dissemination and knowledge sharing.Researchers, academicians and professionals presented research papers addressing various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their presentations highlighted innovative ideas, impactful research findings and practical solutions aimed at addressing contemporary challenges and promoting sustainable and inclusive development.A major highlight of the conference was the International Excellence Awards 2026, which recognised and felicitated distinguished individuals for their achievements and contributions across various categories, including Academia, Corporate Excellence and Leadership. The awards acknowledged professional accomplishments, commitment to excellence, contributions to institutional development, and efforts towards innovation and societal progress.Another significant outcome of the conference was the signing of Letters of Intent (LOIs) between UniKL MICET and various organisations participating in the conference.The LOI signings marked an important step towards strengthening international institutional relationships and exploring opportunities for academic collaboration, joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges, knowledge sharing and other mutually beneficial activities.This initiative further reinforced the conference’s objective of fostering global partnerships and creating sustainable opportunities for cross-border academic and professional engagement.As part of the three-day international delegation programme in Malaysia, delegates also visited the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLSICCI) and Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). These visits provided valuable insights into industry–academia engagement, institutional best practices and emerging opportunities for international collaboration. The interactions also opened avenues for future academic partnerships, knowledge exchange, research collaboration and strategic institutional relationships.The conference was coordinated by Dr. M. A. Thalor, Dean, International Partnership Cell, AISSMS IOIT, under the guidance of Dr. Pradeep Mane and with the support and encouragement of Shri Malojiraje Chhatrapati.The successful organisation of the international conference marks another milestone in AISSMS IOIT’s efforts to strengthen its global presence, expand international academic partnerships and promote research-driven innovation. The initiative reinforces the institution’s commitment to advancing quality education, fostering meaningful global collaborations and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting a sustainable, inclusive and globally connected future.
