Prof. Abdelhak Senadjki

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia

Introduction: Prof. Abdelhak Senadjki is a Professor of Economics at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia. He earned his PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2013 with a thesis on rural poverty vulnerability in Malaysia. He also holds a Master’s in Economic Management from USM and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Algiers. Prof. Senadjki’s research spans Energy Economics, Developmental Economics, Housing Economics, Health Economics, Organisational Culture, and Social Protection. He has held key leadership roles at UTAR, including Deputy Dean of R&D and Postgraduate Programmes (2024–present) and Head of various programmes. An active contributor to academia, he has published extensively in reputable journals and serves as reviewer and article editor for multiple international publications such as Sage Open and the Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research. Prof. Senadjki has received numerous awards, including the Emerald Literati Awards (2019, 2023) and several best paper and reviewer recognitions. Additionally, he is a certified Train-The-Trainer and Accredited Trainer by HDR Corp Malaysia, highlighting his dedication to academic mentorship and professional development.

Speech Title: Smart Nation, Smart Markets: Big Data’s Role in China's New Digital Silk Road

Abstract: Big data is becoming a driver of economic change and global collaboration in the age of digital globalization. China, as a leader in this wave, is integrating data-driven technologies into its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has spawned the Digital Silk Road, a strategic approach to increase cross-border connectivity, smart infrastructure, and digital trade. Although its increasing significance can be observed, the economic consequences of this digital expansion have not been explored in full. The question that is critical and to be answered in this keynote speech is how big data technologies are influencing trade flows, economic performance, and digital governance among countries that are partners of the BRI, with China playing the main role. The first goal is to analyse how big data can be used to power innovation, support smart logistics and digital markets by means of advanced technologies like AI, cloud computing, and IoT. Based on empirical evidence and policy trends, the presentation unravels the fact that the countries involved in the digital infrastructure investments of China have recorded faster growth in digital trade and enhanced connectivity. Such results make big data not only a technological device but also a strategic tool of the Chinese international economic policy. The keynote ends with some policy implications to be made to enhance inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital development in the emerging global digital ecosystem.

Prof. Evan Lau Poh Hock

Faculty of Economics and Business, University Malaysia Sarwak, Malaysia

Introduction: Evan Lau is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). He has a wealth of experience in academia, having held several key positions within UNIMAS, including Deputy Dean for Research and Postgraduate, Director of the Centre for Business, Economics and Finance Forecasting (BEFfore) and currently serves as the Head of Strategy. Evan is also an internationally recognized scholar, having held visiting positions at the University of Cambridge and various universities in Indonesia. Evan has a strong research record, having published 106 journal articles and 90 research papers in books, conference proceedings, working papers, newsletters, and newspaper articles. He has been awarded numerous awards for his research excellence, including the Young Researcher Award in UNIMAS, the Excellent Service Award, research medals from Research Expos, best papers, and the Highest-Impact Journal Paper Award. As an active researcher, Evan has secured 30 research grants and has supervised 84 postgraduate students, examining 66 postgraduate theses and 142 undergraduate research projects. Evan speaks at numerous international conferences in countries like Indonesia, UAE, Sri Lanka, Italy, India, Philippines and Malaysia. Evan's research contributions have been recognized internationally, with him being listed among the Top 9% of economists in Malaysia and ASEAN while in the Top 10% for Asia by the Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) network. Top 9% of economists in Malaysia since 2008 and the Top 10% in Asia by the Research Papers in Economics (RePEc) network. He is also among the highly cited authors in UNIMAS. Outside of academia, Evan is passionate about running and travelling. Overall, Evan's achievements and contributions demonstrate his commitment to research excellence, academic leadership and service which bring sustainable impact to the academia world.

Speech Title: Digital Banking

Abstract:The inexorable march of digitalization and the rise of financial technology (Fintech) are fostering a compelling case for the emergence and proliferation of digital banks. This paradigm shift gains further significance in light of the substantial populations categorized as unbanked or underbanked, presenting a ripe terrain for digital banking opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic, acting as a catalyst, has accentuated the imperative for traditional banks to swiftly pivot towards digital landscapes, underscoring the urgency for agility, adaptability, and transformative measures. Pertinently, institutions that had invested significantly in digital transformation prior to the pandemic found themselves better positioned to navigate the evolving financial landscape. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emerge as a collaborative model for the Digital Banks Ecosystem, offering a potential solution aligned with global commitments encapsulated in the 5Ps (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership). As the financial sector charts its trajectory into the future, the prospect of metaverse and multiverse banking journeys looms large, signifying a dynamic evolution in the way banking services may be conceptualized and delivered. This journey envisions a holistic integration of digital technologies and sustainable practices, presenting a transformative vista for the financial industry on a global scale.

A. Prof. Thomas Andreas MAURER

The University of Hongkong, China

Introduction:Thomas Andreas Maurer is an Associate Professor of Finance at the HKU Business School, The University of Hong Kong. Before joining HKU in 2019, he was an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis from 2012 to 2019. Thomas earned his London School of Economics MSc in Finance and Economics degree in 2008 and his LSE PhD in Finance degree in 2012. During his PhD studies he has spent one year as a visiting scholar at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

His research contributions are in the area of theoretical and empirical asset pricing, international finance and household finance. He regularly serves as a committee member for academic conferences and as an academic referee for many major economics and finance journals.

At HKU, Thomas is teaching classes on derivative securities to undergraduate students. In 2017, the graduating Master of Finance class at Wash U has chosen him as the best teacher and he was awarded the Reid teaching prize for the professor “whose enthusiasm and exceptional teaching most inspire, energize, and transform students”.

Speech Title: Unfair Benchmarks and Excessive Risk Taking of Mutual Funds

Abstract:We find that unfair peer group assignments in relative performance evaluations often lead mutual funds with disadvantaged styles to take on more risks in an effort to keep up with their peers with advantaged styles. Until June 2002, when Morningstar ranked all U.S. equity funds against one another, star ratings were highly correlated with the value premium, leading growth funds to take significantly greater risks than value funds. This excessive risk-taking was more pronounced among lower-rated funds and when the value premium was expected to be higher. The refinement of Morningstar’s peer groups in 2002 substantially reduced such excessive risk-taking.