MILA University co-organised the SME World Forum Kuala Lumpur 2024 (SWFKL 2024) Academic Track in collaboration with the Malaysian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship and Business (MGSEB), Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM), and the International Council for Small Business (ICSB).

Held on 29 November 2024 at MILA University in a hybrid format, the conference brought together academics, researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers under the theme “Driving Innovation and Sustainable Growth of MSMEs.”

Key Highlights

• Featured keynote session by Professor Michael Frese, a leading researcher in entrepreneurship
• Parallel research presentations across multiple disciplines
• Discussions on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, sustainability, and SME development
• Hybrid format enabling both physical and virtual participation

Participation & Engagement

The conference brought together participants from academia, industry, and policy sectors, with both physical and virtual sessions enabling broader accessibility and knowledge exchange. Parallel sessions encouraged active discussion, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across disciplines, while the hybrid format supported networking and collaboration across institutions and strengthened connections within the global research and entrepreneurship community.

Research & Publication

SWFKL 2024 placed a strong emphasis on research dissemination and academic contribution. The conference featured a wide range of peer-reviewed research presentations covering key areas such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, and digital transformation. Selected papers were considered for publication in recognised outlets, including Scopus-indexed proceedings, supporting wider visibility and impact of the research presented.

SWFKL 2024 reflects MILA University’s continued commitment to advancing research excellence and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue, the conference contributes to the development of innovative and sustainable approaches to SME growth at both regional and global levels.