5th International Multidisciplinary Research Conference
October 25- 27, 2024
The 5th International Multidisciplinary Research Conference (IMRC) 2024, held from October 25 to 27, 2024, at Lyceum-Northwestern University (L-NU), Philippines, marked an exciting and timely gathering of scholars, educators, and researchers from across the globe. With the theme “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Quality Education”, the event showcased groundbreaking research and innovative discussions on how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform the landscape of education in a rapidly evolving world.
Organized by Lyceum-Northwestern University’s Institute of Graduate and Professional Studies in partnership with the International Society of Teachers, Administrators and Researchers (ISTAR) and Shinawatra University (SIU), Thailand, the conference attracted a diverse set of thought leaders, educators, and academics eager to explore how AI can enhance educational practices, promote sustainability, and ensure quality learning experiences for future generations.
The first day of the conference began with the registration of participants and the arrival of esteemed guests and speakers. This initial gathering set the stage for meaningful exchanges, as attendees from diverse fields and regions met, establishing a collaborative and welcoming atmosphere that would carry through the event.
The following day was a resounding success, beginning with an inspiring keynote speech by Prof. Zhou Fei, the president of Shinawatra International University in Thailand, thru Dr. Rommel Tabula. In his address, Prof. Zhou emphasized the importance of AI in shaping the future of education. He highlighted the need for educators to embrace technological innovations and integrate them into teaching strategies to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. His speech set the tone for the conference, underlining the central role of AI in fostering sustainable and quality education across global contexts.
Following the keynote, the conference featured a series of plenary sessions that delved into the intersection of AI and education, offering unique perspectives and insights. The first Plenary “Redefining Learning: Pathways to Empower 21st Century Learners Towards Sustained Excellence” was delivered by Dr. Ghulam Ali Buriro, from the Institute of English Language and Literature at the University of Sindh, Pakistan. This session explored innovative educational practices that empower learners in the digital age. Prof. Buriro discussed how AI-driven platforms can enhance personalized learning and improve student outcomes, while also emphasizing the importance of fostering critical thinking and creativity to meet the needs of modern learners. He advocated for an integrated approach to education, one that balances technology and human-centered teaching practices to achieve sustained excellence.
The second Plenary “Hospitality Customer Intentions to Write Fake Online Reviews: A Cross-Cultural Approach”, by Dr. Chai Ching Tan, Adjunct Professor and Senior Faculty at Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Thailand, addressed the issue of fake online reviews, particularly in the hospitality sector. Dr. Tan’s research highlighted the broader implications of digital tools and AI systems in shaping consumer behavior. His cross-cultural analysis offered critical insights into how digital platforms—powered by AI—are used to influence perceptions and decision-making. The session underscored the need for ethical practices in the use of AI within digital marketing and customer relations.
The third Plenary “Optimizing AI-Driven Learning: A PDCA Cycle Framework for Generative AI Integration in Education”, led by Dr. Rodney Odesson P. Raguindin, OIC of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lyceum-Northwestern University, focused on the application of AI in education through the lens of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. Dr. Raguindin presented a comprehensive framework for integrating generative AI tools into teaching and learning processes. He discussed the potential of AI to improve curriculum design, assess student performance, and create adaptive learning environments that cater to diverse educational needs. His session provided a roadmap for educators and institutions seeking to harness AI’s potential in an ethical and effective manner.
After the presentations of the plenary speakers, the conference commenced with a highly engaging and comprehensive program, featuring a diverse range of topics presented in parallel sessions. A total of 46 presenters participated across multiple parallel tracks, offering attendees an extensive array of subject matter to explore. This large number of sessions allowed participants to select from a variety of topics, fostering a dynamic learning environment and facilitating in-depth discussions on a broad spectrum of issues.
The following day of the 5th IMRC, was a continuation of groundbreaking discussions on the theme “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Quality Education.” Featuring a series of thought-provoking keynote speeches and plenary sessions, the day focused on the expanding role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, research, and sustainable practices, offering fresh insights into how AI can be leveraged for social, cultural, and academic progress.
The day kicked off with a keynote speech delivered by Dr. Rommel Tabula, CEO and founder of the International Society of Teachers, Administrators, and Researchers (ISTAR) Inc. based in Chonburi, Thailand. In his powerful address, Dr. Tabula outlined the transformative goals of AI in the educational sector, emphasizing how AI can redefine educational systems worldwide. He discussed AI’s role not only in optimizing learning experiences but also in addressing long-standing challenges such as accessibility, personalized learning, and bridging the digital divide. According to Dr. Tabula, AI’s ultimate goal should be to empower educators and learners alike, providing tools that enhance efficiency and effectiveness while ensuring that education remains sustainable, inclusive, and adaptable to future needs. His speech set the stage for a series of insightful plenary sessions focused on the intersection of AI, teaching methodologies, and sustainable development.
The plenary sessions showcased diverse perspectives from educators and experts on how AI can enhance both learning and professional development, as well as promote sustainability in different sectors. The first plenary by Dr. Aleksei Nakahaev, Director of the Language Center at Shinawatra International University, Thailand, presented on the heuristic method of teaching, a learner-centered approach that encourages students to discover knowledge through guided experiences and self-directed learning. Dr. Nakahaev discussed how AI can complement heuristic teaching by providing real-time feedback, offering customized learning pathways, and creating interactive learning environments that facilitate deeper engagement with subject matter. He explored various AI tools that can empower both teachers and students in this process, emphasizing AI’s role in creating adaptive and responsive learning environments that suit individual learning styles.
The second plenary “Sustainable Brand and Packaging Design Incorporating Thai Herbs and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Herbal Enhancement Aligned with SDGs”. In a unique interdisciplinary session, Dr. Chanyanan Somthawinpongsai, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Shinawatra International University, Thailand, presented an innovative approach to sustainable design, focusing on the development of sustainable brands and packaging. Drawing from Thai herbs and traditional Chinese medicine, Dr. Somthawinpongsai illustrated product development, from optimizing packaging designs to ensuring that sustainability goals are met in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In the final plenary session, “ Leveraging AI in Writing Research for Publication”, Dr. Thelma Palaoag, Director of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Office at the University of the Cordilleras, shared her expertise on leveraging AI for research writing and publication. Dr. Palaoag discussed how AI tools can assist researchers by streamlining the writing process, improving writing quality, and even providing data analysis and citation support. She highlighted several AI-driven platforms that can guide researchers in drafting, editing, and refining academic papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Her talk underscored the growing role of AI in academic publishing, providing researchers with tools to accelerate their work while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
After the presentations of the plenary speakers, 17 distinguished presenters took part in parallel sessions, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with in-depth, specialized content. These sessions were designed to foster more focused discussions and enable participants to explore specific topics in greater detail. Each presenter brought unique insights and expertise, contributing to a well-rounded program that emphasized both depth and practical relevance. The concentration of knowledge shared during these sessions provided a valuable platform for learning, idea exchange, and professional development. As a result, participants were able to engage in high-level discussions that deepened their understanding of the various themes explored throughout the day.