Keynote Speakers
March 25, 2026
10:00 am – Conference Opening and Welcome:
Conference Chair Remarks
Professor Ruth Banomyong (PhD)
Professor
Head of the Center of Excellence in Connectivity
Thammasat Business School
Thammasat University
Bangkok, Thailand
Ruth Banomyong is a Professor in the Department of International Business, Logistics and Transport Management. He is Head of the Center of Excellence in Connectivity. Ruth was Dean at the Faculty of Commerce & Accountancy (a.k.a. Thammasat Business School), Thammasat University in Thailand. Ruth Banomyong is on the board of WICE Logistics (Public) Co. Ltd. and 2 other companies. He was a board member of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. Prof Banomyong received a graduate degree and an undergraduate degree from Université Paris 1, an undergraduate degree from Lycee Michelet and a doctorate from Cardiff Business School. His primary research interests are in the fields of multimodal transport, international logistics, logistics policy development and supply chain performance measurements. He also has a diploma to teach muay thai (thai boxing).
IEOM Society Welcome
Dr. Ahad Ali
Associate Professor
Director, Doctor of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing
Director of Industrial Engineering Programs (BSIE and MSIE)
A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics and Industrial Engineering
Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan, USA
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IEOM Society International
Dr. Ahad Ali is an associate professor and director of industrial engineering programs (BSIE & MSIE) and director of a graduate certificate in Lean Six Sigma at A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics, and Industrial Engineering of the Lawrence Technological University (LTU), Southfield, Michigan, USA. He established the Siemens Electro-Matic Industrial Engineering Lab at LTU. Dr. Ali was the primary author of the ABET self-study report of the BSIE Program at LTU in 2022. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Bangladesh, a Master’s in Systems and Engineering Management from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA. Dr. Ali was an Assistant Professor in Industrial Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez, a Visiting Assistant Professor in Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Toledo, and a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the Bangladesh Institute of Technology, Khulna. He received an Outstanding Professor Award from the Industrial Engineering Department, University of Puerto Rico -Mayaguez. Dr. Ali has been recognized with a Fulbright Award. He has published 75 journal papers and 150 conference papers. Dr Ali conducted research projects with Chrysler, Ford, DTE Energy, New Center Stamping, Whelan Co., Delphi Automotive System, GE Medical Systems, International Truck and Engine Corporation (ITEC), and Rockwell Automation. His research interests include manufacturing systems, quality, lean, six-sigma, simulation, artificial intelligence, supply chain, and optimization. He supervised 11 doctoral students in Doctor of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems (DEMS). He is a Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IEOM Society International. Dr. Ali is a Co-Chair of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. Dr. Ali organized IEOM conferences around the globe on six continents including Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Istanbul, Bali, Dubai, Orlando, Detroit, Rabat, Bristol, Bogota, Paris, Washington, DC, Lima, Johannesburg, Bangkok, Pilsen, Toronto, Costa Rica, Monterrey, Sao Paulo, Riyadh, Manila, Melbourne, New Delhi, Sydney, Augsburg, Tokyo, and Muscat. He is an associate editor of the IJIEOM. Dr. Ali is a member of IEOM, INFORMS, SME, and IEEE.
Host Welcome Address
10:30 – 11:00 am, March 25, 2026 – Opening Keynote:
Dr. Britta Gammelgaard
Full Professor in Supply Chain Management
Department of Operations Management
Syddansk Universitet – University of Southern Denmark
Odense, Denmark
Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Logistics Management since January 1, 2017.
Chairperson of the Danish professional Operations- and SCM association Effektivitet.dk
Presentation Title: A Socio-technical Approach to Urban Last-mile Logistics (ID 421)
Dr. Britta Gammelgaard is full professor in Supply Chain Management at University of Southern Denmark. Her research interest and international publications cover urban and last mile logistics, and other aspects of sustainable supply chain management (SCM) as well as research methodologies in logistics and SCM. She has published in f. ex. Journal of Business Logistics and International Journal of Operations and Production Management. She has served as Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Logistics Management since 2017 and became CSCMP Distinguished Fellow in 2023. In addition to this acknowledgement, she has received numerous awards over time.
Abstract
Last-mile logistics is an integral element in enhancing the environmental and social sustainability of urban contexts. As the most resource-intensive part of the supply chain, implementing change with the last-mile is challenging but the potential sustainability benefits are significant.
We use the socio-technical approach to map and analyse the process towards sustainability. The first level, ‘landscape’, is the wider environment within which the second level, ‘regime’ (last-mile logistics and its stakeholders), functions. Shippers, customers, local authorities, and logistics service providers are the stakeholders influencing the last-mile regime and the process towards sustainability, while citizens bear both the negative and positive consequences. The final level, ‘niche’, brings in new technologies and business models as potential disruptors and instigators towards a more sustainable regime. Triggers for change originate in the landscape as significant exogenous factors such as climate change, geopolitical events, and urbanization.
We empirically examine these potential disruptors and their effect on sustainability within the last-mile regime. Our data consists of interviews, workshops, and focus groups with the outlined stakeholders in the Nordics. The results indicate positive development in the niche and regime, but also a need for comprehensive collaboration among the stakeholders to achieve holistic sustainability results.
11:00 – 11:30 am, March 25, 2026 – Keynote:
Dr. Somphop Rodamporn
Dean (Acting)
Faculty of Engineering
Srinakharinwirot University
Bangkok, Thailand
Presentation Title:
Abstract:
11:30 am – 12:00 pm, March 25, 2026 – Keynote:
Mr. Chalermsak Karnchanawarin
Chairman Thai International Freight Forwarder Association (TIFFA)
ASEAN Federation of Forwarders Association (AFFA)
Topic: Challenges Faced by ASEAN Logistics Service Providers: Competitiveness, Connectivity, and Regional Integration
Mr. Chalermsak Karnchanawarin is a distinguished executive and a leading expert in Thailand’s logistics industry, currently serving as the Managing Director of HazChem Logistics Management and a Director of Triple i Logistics Public Company Limited. With over 30 years of specialized experience in the transportation and management of dangerous goods, he also holds significant leadership roles as the President of the Thai International Freight Forwarders Association (TIFFA) and Chairman of the ASEAN Federation of Forwarders Associations (AFFA). A graduate from Assumption University, Mr. Chalermsak is highly regarded for his contributions to safety standards and regulatory compliance in the chemical industry, while also serving as an inspirational figure through his philanthropic work with the World Vision Foundation of Thailand.
12:00 – 12:30 pm, March 25, 2026 – Keynote:
Udorn Kongkakate
Senior Vice President for B2B2C Business
SCGJWD Logistics Public Company Limited (SJWD)
Topic: “Strengthening Supply Chain Collaboration: Industry Coordination, Competitiveness, and Sustainable Growth”
Udorn Kongkakate is a prominent executive in the Thai logistics sector, currently serving as the Senior Vice President for B2B2C Business at SCGJWD Logistics Public Company Limited (SJWD). In this capacity, he leads the company’s initiatives in business-to-business-to-consumer services, including specialized areas such as premium moving and installation and integrated furniture logistics for major international brands. Beyond his corporate role, Mr. Udorn holds a significant leadership position in the broader industry as the Chairman of the Logistics and Supply Chain Subcommittee at the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), where he advocates for industry-wide strategies focused on efficiency, sustainability, and the adoption of emerging technologies to maintain national competitiveness. He is an alumnus of Chulalongkorn University and has completed advanced management training at Harvard Business School.
12:30 – 1:00 pm, March 25, 2026 – Keynote:
Dr. Lu Aye
Professor of Energy Engineering
Leader of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Group
Department of Infrastructure Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
University of Melbourne
Victoria, Australia
Lu Aye is the leader of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Group in the Department of Infrastructure Engineering at the University of Melbourne, Australia. With more than 40 years of engineering experience, he has built an international reputation as an expert in low-carbon technologies for built environment applications, spanning university teaching, research, development, demonstration, and commercialisation of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Professor Aye’s research focuses on heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems, waste-to-resources applications, and complex systems modelling. He applies phenomenological modelling and simulation approaches to optimise energy systems, while also using computational and participatory methods for modelling socio-ecological systems under deep uncertainty. His system models serve practical purposes, identifying the effects of policy interventions. They also support robust decision-making processes. Professor Aye has been recognised as a leading expert in modelling, simulation, optimisation, and forecasting of complex systems behaviours. Through his work, Professor Aye bridges rigorous engineering research with real-world implementation, supporting industry, government, and community partners in accelerating the transition to sustainable operations. His contributions continue to inform policy development and guide the adoption of energy-efficient technologies across Australia and beyond.
Presentation Title: Heat Pumps and Solar Energy: Real-World Applications for Reducing Fossil Fuel Consumption
Abstract
Moving to low-carbon operations needs solutions that work in practice, can grow with demand, and make financial sense. This keynote looks at how heat pumps, solar panels, and renewable energy systems can be used effectively in factories, offices, and buildings. Using examples from research projects, real installations, and industry partnerships, the session shows proven ways to cut energy use, reduce emissions, and build reliable systems. The presentation covers what makes projects succeed—from designing and fine-tuning systems to long-term performance, costs versus benefits, and working with existing equipment. It also explores new developments in hybrid systems, advanced heating and cooling, and smart energy management. By connecting engineering knowledge with practical implementation, this keynote gives industry leaders, engineers, and policymakers clear guidance to accelerate the shift to low-carbon energy and improve the sustainability of energy-heavy operations.
March 26, 2026
10:00 – 10:30 am, March 26, 2026 – Keynote:
Professor Kou Yamada
Graduate School of Science and Technology
Gunma University, Japan
Professor Kou Yamada received B.S. and M.S. degrees from Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan, in 1987 and 1989, respectively, and a Dr. Eng. degree from Osaka University, Osaka, Japan, in 1997. From 1991 to 2000, he was with the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering at Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan, as a research associate. From 2000 to 2008, he was an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical System Engineering, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan. Since 2008, he has been a professor in the Department of Mechanical System Engineering, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan. He is a coordinator for the Special Program “Education Program on Intelligence and Control for Developing Human Resources of Japanese Companies” at Gunma University. His research interests include robust control, repetitive control, process control, and control theory for inverse systems and infinite-dimensional systems. Outstanding Achievement Award from the Kanto Branch of the Japanese Society for Engineering Education in 2022, JSME (The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers) Education Award in 2023. He is a member of IEEE, SICE, and a fellow of JSME.
Presentation Title: Advancing Asia-Pacific Technological Capacity through Early Science and Technology Engagement and International Collaborative Education
Abstract:
Developing the next generation of technology leaders is essential for sustaining technological advancement across the Asia-Pacific region. Gunma University has implemented a comprehensive, continuous Science-Technology education framework that spans from early childhood outreach to international graduate education. Since 2000, the university has organized hands-on robotics competitions and science experiences for elementary to high school students, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and experiential learning through robot programming and experimentation and sustained engagement throughout pre-university education.
In parallel, Gunma University has established international collaborative education pathways with partner institutions in Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. Some programs allow students to complete foundational engineering education in their home countries and continue advanced studies in Gunma University, promoting academic mobility and global competence. Joint project-based learning, particularly in robotics and control engineering, fosters technical expertise and cross-cultural collaboration. Furthermore, through a specialized government-supported graduate program, international students earn Master’s and Doctor’s degrees in intelligence and control engineering to meet global industry needs.
This plenary talk presents over two decades of integrated educational initiatives that connect early Science-Technology inspiration with international engineering pathways. These efforts demonstrate an effective model for cultivating globally competent engineers, strengthening regional and international partnerships, and advancing sustainable technological development across the Asia-Pacific region, while reinforcing inclusive access to technology education and supporting long-term innovation ecosystems in both local and international communities for future resilience and prosperity worldwide.
10:30 – 11:00 am – Keynote:
Dr. Jiraroth Sukolrat
Director-General
Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning
Topic: Strategic Integration of Thailand’s Multimodal Transport System: Policy, Connectivity, and the Transition toward Low-Carbon Infrastructure
Dr. Jiraroth Sukolrat is the Director-General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the primary agency responsible for formulating Thailand’s national transportation master plans. A distinguished civil engineer and policy strategist, Dr. Jiraroth holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Bristol (UK), an M.Sc. from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and a Bachelor’s degree from Prince of Songkla University. With over two decades of experience in infrastructure development, he currently spearheads Thailand’s most ambitious transport initiatives for 2026, including the Common Ticket System Management Act, the M-MAP 2 Railway Master Plan, and the Southern Land Bridge project. As a leader at the intersection of engineering and public policy, Dr. Jiraroth oversees the strategic integration of Thailand’s multi-modal transit networks, focusing on reducing national logistics costs, enhancing regional connectivity, and transitioning toward sustainable, low-carbon transport systems. He also serves on the boards of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).
11:00 – 11:30 am, March 26, 2026 – Keynote:
Dr. Mohammad T. Khasawneh, Ph.D.
SUNY Distinguished Professor
Director, School of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering
Director, Watson Institute for Systems Excellence
Director, Healthcare Systems Engineering Center
Graduate Program Director, Executive Master of Science in Health Systems
Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science
Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY)
Binghamton, New York 13902, U.S.A.
Dr. Mohammad Khasawneh is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and Director of the School of Systems Science & Industrial Engineering at Binghamton University. He received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University, South Carolina, in August 2003, and his B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan, in 1998 and 2000, respectively. Dr. Khasawneh’s research is focused on healthcare systems engineering. Dr. Khasawneh currently serves as the Director for the Watson Institute for Systems Excellence (WISE), an institute for advanced studies that generates 3-4 million US$ in research funds annually. In addition, he currently serves as the founding director of the Healthcare Systems Engineering Center, an organized research center (ORC) at Binghamton University.
Since 2003, Dr. Khasawneh has been leading a wide spectrum of projects with U.S. hospital systems that focus on applied research in the area of healthcare systems engineering. More specifically, his research is focused on the novel application of systems engineering to transform healthcare systems into high-performance environments that produce better patient outcomes at lower costs. His work is applied in ways that lead to optimal healthcare, including more efficient use of hospital resources; better outpatient scheduling; streamlined patient flow; improved patient satisfaction; reduced hospital-acquired conditions (e.g., infections and patient falls) through predictive analytics; and improved clinical, operational and financial performance using advanced data science methods.
His health systems engineering center generates over $1.5 million annually in sponsored research from various healthcare and hospital systems. Building on a successful research program and partnerships with health systems around the country and an academic concentration/minor, at the graduate/undergraduate levels, Dr. Khasawneh developed a 12-month Executive Master of Science with a Health Systems Concentration, which has been offered in Manhattan since 2013. He also helped develop a new M.S. degree program in Healthcare Systems Engineering, which has been offered at Binghamton University since 2018.
Over the years, Dr. Khasawneh presented his research at various national and international conferences, including China, India, Mexico, Jordan, Korea, Thailand, Japan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Canada. Dr. Khasawneh’s research activities thus far have led to 85+ refereed journal articles, 175+ conference articles, one patent, and three new invention disclosures. In addition, his sponsored research efforts thus far have resulted in over $25 million in external funding and over $39 million in software/equipment grants. Since 2003, Dr. Khasawneh graduated 43 doctoral students and 120+ MS students with the thesis option.
In 2006, Dr. Khasawneh received a U.S. Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship to evaluate the use of multi-sensory cues to improve the landing of unmanned aerial vehicles. In 2009, he received another fellowship from the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research to design ergonomic computer workstations for very large displays. Dr. Khasawneh received the State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2011, the University Award for Outstanding Graduate Director in 2015, the University Award for Excellence in International Education in 2016, and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities in 2021. He is a member of the Alpha Pi Mu and Alpha Epsilon Lambda honor societies.
Dr. Khasawneh also holds the Diplomate status with the Society for Health Systems (SHS), a professional society within the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) that supports the industrial engineering profession and individuals involved with improving quality and productivity within healthcare. More recently, Dr. Khasawneh was also recently recognized as an IISE Fellow, the highest classification of the IISE membership. Dr. Khasawneh also holds an honorary visiting professor position with the Industrial Engineering Department at Hebei University of Technology in Tianjin, China, and Vellore Institute of Technology in Vellore, India.
11:30 am – 12:00 pm, March 26, 2026 – Keynote:
Professor Emeritus Devinder Kumar Banwet
VC (Founding) UEM Kolkata, Ex HOD DMS IIT Delhi
Fellow IEOM, Global Council Member IEOM
Prof. Dr Devinder Kumar Banwet is Vice Chancellor Founding Retd. of University of Engineering & Management, Kolkata India. Prof Banwet is a Distinguished Honorary Professor (SCM & Operations Management) of IIM Jammu. He is an Emeritus Professor of DMS IIT Delhi in the area of Operations & Supply Chain Management, Industrial Systems Engineering, Infrastructure Project Systems Management, TQM, DSS, Operations Research Applications, Prof Banwet is a graduate Mechanical Engineer, with Master of Industrial Engineering and a PhD (Industrial Engg. / Production Management from IIT Delhi.
Previously he served as a first engineering faculty member of University Business School of Panjab University at Chandigarh for a decade, next to CSMS IIT Delhi was Professor HAG) in DMS IIT Delhi and Chairman of 2 Interdisciplinary Programmes ASRP Applied Systems Research Program and Entrepreneurship Program at IIT Delhi, after being Professor Emeritus for 4 + years, became Founding Vice Chancellor of the University of Engineering and Management at Kolkata. He has made significant contributions in publications related to Operations Management. His areas of research interest include Operations Management, Supply Chain and Logistics, Services Management, Project Management, IT-enabled DSS, Industrial Systems Engineering, Total Quality Management, Manufacturing Strategy, Technology Management, Materials Inventory Management, Facilities Planning, Operations Research Systems Modelling, Telecom Systems and Entrepreneurship Management.
Prof Banwet has more than 40 years of academic teaching, research and administrative experience Prof Banwet has guided 35 + PhD projects: 200+ PG Projects, has many research publications in reputed journals in India and abroad, Has had prestigious assignments at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, University of Sorbonne at Paris, Asian Institute of Technology Bangkok;
Awarded Lillian Gilbreth Award of IIIE, Best Engineer Award IE, India, PMI Distinguished Researcher Award, Dewang Mehta Award, Pioneer Award of SCM, IEOM Award, Life Time Achievement Award of POMS & SOM India, ISTD India, President of professional Societies Decision Science Institute of USA India Chapter, National President Past ISTD, Chairman IIIE Delhi Chapter, Chairman BOS IIMM Prof Banwet is on the Governing Board of many Professional Institutes of Technology, and Management, and usually Chairman of many NBA Nat Board of Accreditation team expert visits.
12:00 – 12:30 pm, March 26, 2026 – Keynote:
Dr. Md. Saniat Rahman Zishan
Professor & Director, Faculty of Engineering
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Prof. Dr. Md. Saniat Rahman Zishan received B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Master of Engineering in Telecommunications degree from American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). He completed PhD from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin in the field of e-Health. On September 2009, he started his teaching career as a lecturer in AIUB. At present he is serving as a Professor and Director of the Faculty of Engineering in the same university. He also worked as the Special Assistant of Office of Student Affairs (OSA) from December 2012 to September 2018. Prof. Zishan has published more than 70 articles in reputed journals and at international and national conferences. His research interest includes e-Health, wireless Communication, Signal Processing, Telemedicine and Robotics. Prof. Zishan is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and life member of Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB).
12:30 – 1:00 pm, March 26, 2026 – Keynote:
Dr. Nagajyothi Koripella
Pro VC
Bharatiya Engineering Science & Technology Innovation University (BESTIU)
Gownivaripalli, Gorantla, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr K Nagajyothi, AICTE Margadarshak, NAAC peer team chairman and Pro Vice-chancellor of Bharatiya Engineering science and technology innovation university has 24 years rich academic experience in various reputed academic universities and colleges across South India. Dr Jyothi has published 31 research papers in journals and presented 46 papers in conferences. She has three patents to her credit in which two are granted, one by Indian Patents and other by Australian patents. She has received best innovator and best researcher award for the Indian patent. She is the recipient of many awards for academics and community services. To name a few recent ones include Exemplary women in education award by Asia Today in 2020, Best youth worker award by Indian Srilankan embassy in 2019, the super woman award by Star network in 2022 apart from many best teacher awards. recently she has been honoured as the Best Education Leader in Hyderabad by forever star group. Her long academic service has facilitated her to get recognised by AICTE as margadarshak in 2018 to guide higher educational institutions to improve quality of education and acquire accreditation. Dr Jyothi has been recognised as an expert committee member by Ministry of education for NEAT and SLA. With rich expertise in accreditation process of NAAC, NBA, Dr Jyothi has been guiding many colleges presently towards accreditation. As a NAAC peer team chairman, Dr Nagajyothi Visited many universities and colleges across the country and guided many colleges for NAAC and NBA accreditation.
March 27, 2026
10:00 -10:30 am, March 27, 2026 – Keynote:
Dr. Kullapa Soratana
Dean
Faculty of Logistics and Digital Supply Chain
Naresuan University
Naresuan University
Thailand
Dr. Kullapa Soratana is Dean of the Faculty of Logistics and Digital Supply Chain, Naresuan University, Thailand. She earned both her BSc, majoring in Environmental Science, in 2002, and her MSc, majoring in Environmental and Hazardous Waste Management (International Program) in 2005 from Chulalongkorn University. She completed her PhD in sustainability and green design at the University of Pittsburgh in 2012. Dr. Soratana has written 17 papers in peer-reviewed journals, 21 conference proceedings and abstracts, and has teaching experience in the fields of research methodology in science and technology, and sustainable logistics and supply chain management. Her research interests include the fields of life cycle approaches and their implications and sustainable development in the tourism industry.
Presentation Title:
Abstract:
10:30 – 11:00 am, March 27, 2026 – Keynote:
Dr. Aldy Gunawan
Associate Professor of Computer Science (Practice Track)
School of Computing and Information Systems
Singapore Management University
Singapore
Aldy Gunawan is currently an Associate Professor of Computer Science (Practice Track) at the School of Computing and Information Systems, Singapore Management University. He received his Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the National University of Singapore in 2009. His main research interests include operations research, algorithm design, and data analytics, with a focus on metaheuristics, algorithm configuration, design of experiments, combinatorial optimization, and automated planning and scheduling. His work has been published in leading conferences and top operations research journals, including the European Journal of Operational Research, Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Annals of Operations Research, Applied Soft Computing, among others. He is currently serving as Vice President of the Operational Research Society of Singapore.
Presentation Title: How Machine Learning Enhances Operations Research
Abstract:
This presentation explores the synergistic integration of machine learning (ML) and operations research (OR), highlighting how ML techniques enhance decision-making, optimization, and predictive modeling in complex operational environments. By leveraging data-driven insights, ML augments traditional OR methods to improve accuracy, adaptability, and efficiency across industries such as logistics, supply chain management, and resource allocation. We will discuss case studies and emerging trends that demonstrate the transformative impact of ML on OR, offering a roadmap for innovation in analytical problem-solving.
11:00 – 11:30 am, March 27, 2026 – Keynote:
Dr. Yi-Chi Wang
Professor
Department of Industrial Engineering and Systems Management
Feng Chia University
Taichung, Taiwan
Dr. Yi-Chi Wang is Professor of Industrial Engineering and Systems Management Department at Feng Chia University. He joined the faculty of IESM of FCU in 2005. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tatung Institute of Technology of Taiwan in 1993, M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering from Syracuse University (U.S.) in 1997, and his Ph.D. degree in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University (U.S.) in 2003.
Yi-Chi was the co-founder of the Society of Lean Enterprise Systems of Taiwan (SLEST). He currently serves as the executive director of SLEST. He had served as the Editor-in-Chief for International Journal of Lean Enterprise Research published by Inderscience Publishers for several years. He provides consultancy and coaching service to industry firms in lean transformation.
His recent research interests include Lean Thinking and Implementation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Machine Tools Assembly, Karakuri Kaizen, and optimization of metal cutting conditions. His research has been funded by Ministry of Science Technology of Taiwan, as well as by industrial firms. He has published over 50 refereed papers in archived journals and in international conference proceedings. He is an active member of Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Taiwan’s Chinese Institute of Industrial Engineers (CIIE), and SLEST.
Outside of work, Yi-Chi enjoys playing basketball and golf.
11:30 am – 12:00 pm, March 27, 2026 – Keynote:
Ms. Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest
Chief, Transport Connectivity and Logistics Section, Transport Division
UNESCAP – United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Topic: Advancing Regional Transport Connectivity in Asia-Pacific: Digitalisation, Green Logistics, and Multimodal Integration
Ms. Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest is a senior international civil servant and a leading expert in regional transport integration at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) based in Bangkok. With over two decades of experience across various UN regional commissions, including UNECLAC, UNCTAD, and UNECE, she currently leads initiatives to enhance sustainable transport connectivity and logistics across the Asia-Pacific region. Her work is pivotal in implementing the Regional Action Programme for Sustainable Transport Development (2022–2026), focusing on the digitalization of transport documents, the development of the Trans-Asian Railway and Asian Highway networks, and the promotion of green freight logistics.
12:00 – 12:30 pm, March 27, 2026 – Keynote:
Professor Gurmeet Singh
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, Research and Innovation
University of the South Pacific (USP)
Suva, Central, Fiji
Professor Gurmeet Singh is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation, Head of the School of Business and Management and Director of MBA programme. He teaches Marketing in the MBA programme. He has over 25 years of experience in teaching, research, consultancy, and executive training for industries. Prior to his current role of HOS, he was Associate Dean of Research, Postgraduate Affairs, and Internationalisation for seven years in the Faculty of Business and Economics. Professor Singh is the recipient of 2008, “Japanese Award for Outstanding Research on Development.” Professor Singh has made a significant research contribution to the discipline of Marketing, Retailing, Information Management, and Consumer behaviour. Professor Singh has contributed more than 120 articles to leading international journals. His current research interests include Marketing, Information Systems, Social Entrepreneurship, Small Businesses, food consumption behaviour, Technology adoption, open innovation and service operations management.
Professor Singh’s work appears in prestigious A*, A (ABDC) and Q1(SJR) ranked journals in his field such as the International Journal of Information Management, European Journal of Marketing, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, Australasian Journal of Information Systems, Tourism Recreation Research, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Psychology and Marketing, International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Public Management Review, International Journal of Project Management, Telematics and Informatics. He is also an Associate Editor for the Journal of Global Marketing (ABDC ranked Routledge journal).
12:30 – 1:00 pm, March 27, 2026 – Keynote:
Dr. Manukid Parnichkun
Vice President for Academic and Research
Asian Institute of Technology
Klongluang, Pathumthani, Bangkok, Thailand
Presentation Title: Self-Driving Car Technologies
Manukid Parnichkun is currently the Vice President for Academic and Research, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). He is a Professor of Mechatronics and Machine Intelligence Program at AIT. He received B.Eng. from Mechanical Engineering, Chulalongkorn University in 1991, M.Eng. and Ph.D. from Precision Machinery Engineering, the University of Tokyo in 1993 and 1996 respectively. He joined Asian Institute of Technology as an Assistant Professor in 1996. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2001, and Professor in 2016. He was invited as a Visiting Professor to teach at Warsaw University of Technology in Poland during 2012-2015 and at Ecole Centrale de Nantes in France during 2009-2011. He supervised and graduated 24 Doctoral students, and 211 Master students. He published 59 papers in International Journals and 122 papers in Conference Proceedings. There are 80 articles indexed in SCOPUS with H-index of 21 and Citations of 1600. He was the Founding Committee of the Thai Robotics Society (TRS) and later became Editor-in-Chief of the society journal. He was elected to be the President of the Thai Robotics Society during 2003-2005. He has organized and chaired several international conferences (e.g., IEEE ICIT, IEEE ROBIO) and robot competitions (e.g., ABU Robocon, TPA Robocon, Thailand Intelligent Vehicle Challenge, BicyRobo Thailand Championship). His research interests are Mechatronics, Robotics, Control, and Measurement.