Warmest greetings to all distinguished guests, esteemed delegates, keynote speakers, researchers, industry leaders, and change-makers. Welcome to the Asian Social Business Conference 2026 (ASBC2026) and welcome to INTI International University. 

In an era defined by complex socioeconomic disparities and ecological challenges, traditional market models that prioritize profit above all else are increasingly insufficient. Social business offers a compelling and robust paradigm shift—one where entrepreneurial ingenuity is harnessed not for private financial return but to solve pressing human and environmental problems. By treating social impact as the bottom line, social businesses empower marginalized communities, foster inclusive innovation, and create self-sustaining solutions that outlast traditional philanthropic models.

The social business is tightly knitted to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether addressing poverty eradication (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), quality education (SDG 4), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), or climate action (SDG 13), social enterprises serve as vital operational engines for sustainable development. Social businesses operationalize the SDGs by turning lofty global targets into grassroots, market-driven realities. ASBC2026 provides an essential forum to critically examine how social business models directly advance these global commitments, ensuring that our pursuit of growth leaves no one behind.

Asia is a powerhouse of economic dynamism, yet it remains home to diverse developmental challenges that require regionally contextualized solutions. Having a premier international platform at the Asian level is paramount. It allows scholars, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and practitioners from diverse cultural, economic, and institutional backgrounds to cross-pollinate ideas, share empirical insights, and forge cross-border collaborations. By pooling our academic resources and industrial needs on this shared stage, we can scale high-impact innovations tailored to the unique demographic and structural landscapes of Asia.

May ASBC2026 inspire robust dialogue, spark fruitful partnerships, and generate actionable frameworks that redefine the future of business and sustainable development. Thank you for gracing us with your expertise, passion, and presence.

I wish you a deeply stimulating conference and a most memorable stay with us.

Best regards,

Prof. Ts. Dr. Wong Ling Shing 

Pro Vice-Chancellor

INTI Inaternational University

Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Speakers, Researchers, Social Entrepreneurs, and Respected Participants, it is my great honour and privilege to welcome you to the ASEAN Social Business Conference 2026. Our theme, “Advancing Social Business for Sustainable and Inclusive Impact”, reflects the growing need to redefine business success. Today, success should not be measured by profit alone, but also by the positive value we create for people, communities, and the planet. Social business provides an important pathway to address poverty, inequality, unemployment, environmental challenges, and unequal access to education, healthcare, finance, and technology.

Achieving meaningful impact requires transformative and responsible leadership - leadership guided by purpose, empathy, integrity, innovation, and collaboration. Technology and AI can further empower social businesses, but their use must remain ethical, inclusive, and human-centred. ASEAN's diversity provides a unique opportunity for collaboration among governments, universities, businesses, social entrepreneurs, and communities.

I encourage all participants to use this conference not only to exchange knowledge, but also to build partnerships and transform ideas into action. Let us move from profit to purpose, from exclusion to inclusion, and from individual success to shared prosperity.

Together, let us advance social business and create a more sustainable and inclusive ASEAN.

Thank you, and welcome to ASBC2026.

Best regards,

Dr. Khan Sarfaraz Ali 

(Ph.D., M.Phil, PGDHRM)

Conference Chair

ASBC2026

Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Speakers, Researchers, Social Entrepreneurs, and Respected Participants,

It is my great honour and pleasure, as Co-Chair, to welcome you to the ASEAN Social Business Conference 2026 (ASBC2026). Our theme, “Advancing Social Business for Sustainable and Inclusive Impact,” highlights the need to redefine business success beyond profit towards meaningful social and environmental value. Social business can help address poverty, inequality, unemployment, and unequal access to education, healthcare, finance, and technology. Through responsible leadership, innovation, collaboration, and ethical use of AI, we can create lasting impact. May ASBC2026 inspire meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and transformative solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive ASEAN.

Thank you, and welcome to ASBC2026.

Best regards,

Ap. Dr. Mcxin Tee 

Co-Conference Chair

ASBC2026