22/10/2025

The 18th IFEAMA Congress Concludes with Global Dialogue on Asian Management Innovation

The 18th Congress of the International Federation of East Asia Management Associations (IFEAMA) concluded successfully at Hohai University in Nanjing, China, on October 18, 2025. Co-hosted by IFEAMA, IFSAM China, Hohai University, the Asian Organization Development Network (AODN), the Alliance of Oriental Management Research Institutions, and the Shanghai Society for Management Education, the event brought together leading scholars, senior executives, and research experts from across the globe.

Under the theme “Asian Management Innovation in the Changing Century,” the congress served as a vibrant platform for exploring frontier theories, international cooperation, and business innovation through extensive dialogue and exchange.

The opening ceremony, held at Hohai University’s Jiangning Campus, welcomed over 300 participants from China, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The ceremony was chaired by Prof. Zhang Yang, President of IFEAMA-China and former President of both IFEAMA and IFSAM.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by:

• Prof. Zheng Jinhai, President of Hohai University
• Prof. Tran Thi Van Hoa, President of IFEAMA and former Vice President of the National Economics University, Vietnam
• Prof. Zhang Zhang Yingying, Secretary-General of IFSAM and Professor at the International University of Japan
• Prof. Lu Leehsing, Chairman of AODN, former Vice President of IFSAM, and Professor at the National Institute of Development Administration, Thailand
• Prof. Rafis Abazov, President of IFEAMA Kazakhstan and Vice President of the Kazakh National Research University of Agriculture
• Mr. Li Songbai, General Manager of Jiangsu Water Source Company Limited, Eastern Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project

The keynote session, chaired by Prof. Zhang Changzheng, Dean of the Business School at Hohai University, featured thought-provoking presentations on topics ranging from Chinese-style innovation and cross-border sci-tech cooperation to business ethics, ecological product valuation, and capital market governance.

Speakers included:

• Prof. Yang Zhong (Nanjing University)
• Prof. Phouphet Kyophilavong (National University of Laos)
• Prof. Batsukh Davaasuren (National University of Mongolia)
• Prof. Huang Dechun (World Water Valley Institute, Hohai University)
• Prof. Hu Haibo (Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics)
• Prof. Hayashi Takabumi (Rikkyo University, Japan)
• Mr. Xu Yude (Chinese Academy of Fiscal Sciences)
• Mr. Tian Shubin (Former President of Xinhua Net Co., Ltd.)

The congress program included:

• 17 thematic forums
• 4 roundtable meetings
• 14 parallel paper sessions
• 2 case study sessions
• An “Editor Meets the Author” event

Topics spanned strategic management, organizational change, digital transformation, and water governance modernization. Discussions were dynamic, interdisciplinary, and future-oriented.

Set against the backdrop of global transformation and a new wave of technological and industrial revolution, the congress highlighted Asia’s growing role in shaping sustainable and resilient development. It aimed to chart the evolution of Asian management, foster academic collaboration, and contribute innovative cases to global practice.

During the IFEAMA Council meeting, Prof. Zhou Haiwei (former Dean of the Business School, Hohai University) was elected as the new President of IFEAMA. Prof. Tang Zhen (former Vice Dean of the same school) continues as Co-standing Secretary-General.

This congress was not only a high-level academic gathering but also a strategic initiative to advance management innovation across Asia and contribute to global sustainable development.