The Faculty of Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, is honored and proud to have co-hosted the 5th International Conference on Technology and Operations Management 2026 (iCTOM 2026) in collaboration with Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Indonesia. This year’s conference was held in conjunction with the 14th International Research Symposium.

The Faculty of Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, was honored to have Associate Professor Theerawat Hungsapruek, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, deliver the welcome address to conference participants. 

The event was further strengthened by the active participation of faculty members from the Faculty of Management Sciences, who took on key roles throughout the conference. These included Assistant Professor Dr. Sarunyoo  Kanchanasuwan, who served as a Plenary Speaker, and Associate Professor Dr. Muttanachai  Suttipun, who participated as a Forum Panelist. In addition, several faculty members contributed as invited speakers and distinguished experts, sharing their knowledge, perspectives, and valuable insights with participants included Associate Professor Dr. Muttanachai  Suttipun, Assistant Professor Dr. Ruchdee Binmad, Dr. Songsin  Teerakunpisut, Assistant Professor Dr. Kayanee  Ch.Boonphan, Assistant Professor Dr. Sumana Laparojkit Along with faculty members from the Faculty of Management Sciences who presented their research, including: Assistant Professor Dr. Ruchdee Binmad, Assistant Professor Dr. Sutika  Rukprasoot, Dr.Kittiphan Ekareesakul, Dr. Kunlagan  Mewes, Dr. Songsin  Teerakunpisut and, Lecturer Alawee Lateh at this international conference.

The conference was held under the theme “Advancing Technology, Transforming Operations, Shaping Tomorrow,” or “Elevating Technology, Transforming Operations, and Shaping the Future,” from 7–8 September 2026 at Cititel Hotel, Penang, Malaysia. The conference served as an international platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in technology and operations management.

In addition, the Faculty’s academic contributions were prominently presented at this international conference, with 5 papers nominated for consideration for publication in PRJ, a Scopus-indexed journal. In addition, 57 research papers were included in the Conference Proceedings, along with 23 research poster presentations showcased at the event.

Beyond fostering international research networks and collaboration, iCTOM 2026 also provided an authentic learning platform for students, under the leadership of Dr. Patcharaporn Bunlueng, Conference Lead Organizer. Students enrolled in the Convention Management course had the opportunity to take on professional conference-organizer roles while developing essential skills in planning, coordination, communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, protocol, and international conference operations in both onsite and online formats. 

This approach reflects Authentic Project-Based Learning, connecting classroom knowledge with real-world practice. Through hands-on experience, students were able to learn from actual situations while having their professionalism and competencies assessed, providing meaningful preparation for their future careers.

Faculty of Management Sciences would like to extend its appreciation and recognition to Assistant Professor Dr. Wanamina Bostan Ali and Dr. Patcharaporn  Bunlueng for their dedication to continuously mentoring, coaching, and developing students across seven cohorts over seven consecutive years. Their commitment has played an important role in strengthening students’ confidence, professional competencies, leadership skills, and career readiness.

This activity also reflects the Faculty’s mission-driven approach, aligned with AACSB principles across multiple dimensions, including mission-driven strategy, relevant curriculum development, Assurance of Learning (AoL), learner success, teaching effectiveness and impact, international engagement, and positive societal impact.

Faculty of Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, sincerely thanks Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) for this valuable collaboration. Together, we remain committed to advancing international research, developing future professionals, and creating meaningful academic impact across the ASEAN region, And we sincerely look forward to having the opportunity to organize more joint activities and projects together in the coming years.