UCW hosts first-ever Busi-Tech Symposium in collaboration with McGill University

University Canada West (UCW) recently hosted its inaugural Busi-Tech Symposium, a landmark event held in collaboration with McGill University's Faculty of Law's Business Law Platform, McGill University's Sustainable Growth Initiative (SGI), and the CIBC Office of Sustainable Finance (OSF). Themed "Frontiers of Business Innovation and Education: AI, Climate Change, and Building a Sustainable and Equitable Future," the symposium highlighted UCW's dedication to advancing innovation, fostering collaboration, and promoting impactful research.

The keynote speech, delivered by Professor Peer Zumbansen of McGill University, set the stage for an engaging exploration of artificial intelligence (AI). Titled "Frontiers of AI: Consequences for Businesses, for Business and Legal Education, and for Society," the address delved into AI's transformative role in reshaping industries, redefining education, and raising profound ethical questions. Professor Zumbansen challenged attendees to envision a future where innovation and societal equity coexist harmoniously, underscoring the critical need for responsible AI integration.

Innovative strategies to tackle socio-economic challenges were a major highlight of the symposium. Research led by Amir Albadvi, co-researched with Associate Professor Arifusalam Shaikh, Associate Professor Aigerim Shilibekova, Assistant Professor Abedeh Gholidoust, and Professor Stefano Boccaletti, emphasized how technology and policy can build resilience. Their work focused on addressing uncertainties like climate change, economic turbulence, and public health crises, offering strategic insights for greater socio-economic stability.

Transforming corporate learning environments into AI-powered lifelong ecosystems brought forward a fresh perspective. Associate Professor Aigerim Shilibekova presented a strategic framework that envisions a future where education is scalable, personalized, and accessible. By leveraging AI, her research aims to redefine learning for both individuals and organizations, ensuring adaptability in an era of rapid technological advancement.

Ethics took center stage with a focus on corporate responsibility in the age of AI. Assistant Professor Sherry Abdellatif explored how AI technologies, particularly in the banking sector, can be integrated into corporate social responsibility frameworks. Her research advocated for governance models that ensure AI systems are developed and deployed ethically, fostering trust and equitable outcomes.

Complex social issues demand innovative solutions, and the intersection of systems thinking, design thinking, and AI presented promising possibilities. Assistant Professor Behnaz Gholami and Associate Professor Hamed Taherdoost showcased how these methodologies can be enhanced using AI tools to create inclusive and impactful solutions. Their work underscored the potential for AI-driven innovation to shape policy-making and social innovation effectively.

Human resource management is undergoing a transformation, and AI-driven analytics platforms are at the forefront. Assistant Professors Gifty Parker and Mitra Madanchian, along with Associate Professor Hamed Taherdoost, presented research on multimodal-people-analytics platforms. Their findings highlighted the potential of AI in improving workforce development, employee engagement, and recruitment practices while addressing biases and inclusivity.

Closing the faculty presentations was a deep dive into the ethical dimensions of AI. Associate Professor Bruce Hiebert examined how AI can enhance ethical reasoning and decision-making. His research illustrated how advanced algorithms can address moral dilemmas and elevate ethical standards across various fields, envisioning AI as a powerful tool for societal betterment.

In her closing remarks, Sandra Song, dean of the School of Arts, Science, and Technology and interim dean of the School of Business and Management, reflected on the importance of innovation, collaboration, and impactful research. She emphasized UCW’s mission to contribute meaningfully to academic excellence while addressing pressing global challenges. 

Dr. Song remarked, “At UCW, we are committed to advancing research and scholarly activities that make a tangible difference.”

The symposium celebrated not only the depth of research presented but also the diversity of its contributors. With varied academic fields and rich cultural backgrounds, the event underscored the strength of an inclusive academic environment. The Busi-Tech Symposium was a resounding success, setting the stage for future collaborations and solidifying UCW’s reputation as a hub for academic innovation and societal impact.

University Canada West is an innovative business and technology-oriented institution in Vancouver, Canada, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees for domestic and international students. 

UCW offers a range of career-focused programs including, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Associate of Arts and Master of Business Administration. Courses are offered at two downtown Vancouver campuses.

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