Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology (SMUCT), Bangladesh, participated as a co-organising institution in ASEAN Social Business Conference 2026 (ASBC 2026) at INTI International University in Malaysia on Thursday.
Addressing the conference, SMUCT Vice Chancellor (VC) Md Shah-E-Alam emphasised social business as a sustainable approach to addressing social and environmental challenges. He said that profitability and economic growth should go hand in hand with social responsibility and inclusive development, said a press release.
“Business should not succeed at the expense of society; it should succeed by creating value for society,” he said, highlighting the need for financially sustainable business models that create opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
Shah-E-Alam underscored the role of universities in promoting social entrepreneurship, ethical leadership, research and innovation. He noted that sustainable fashion, responsible textile production and digital innovation offer opportunities to generate employment and empower communities.
He said that Bangladesh and ASEAN countries share development priorities, including employment generation, education and environmental sustainability. He encouraged universities, industries and policymakers to strengthen cross-border partnerships through joint research, academic exchanges and collaborative innovation projects.
The conference, held under the theme “Advancing Social Business for Sustainable and Inclusive Impact”, brought together academics, researchers, industry representatives and social entrepreneurs. It was organised by INTI International University in collaboration with SMUCT, Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB) and Politeknik Negeri Lampung (POLINELA), Indonesia.
