As Associate Dean and Director International of the School of Business Law, Edith Cowan University, it is my pleasure to convey this message on the occasion of the 1st Annual Research Symposium, organised by the Australian C o l l e ge of Business and Technology in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 14 February 2018.

The conference theme of ‘Changing Business Practices towards a Sustainable Future’ is a pertinent one in today’s fast-paced world where sustainability is a key factor in securing a country’s longterm economic success. Academic research shows that Sri Lanka, along with many other countries across South Asia, are facing major challenges, and this is compounded by regional and global changes.

Conferences such as this, enables research that addresses critical issues facing Sri Lanka and the region, to be brought to the wider forum where academics and policymakers can meet, learn about innovative solutions and be inspired to be the catalyst for change. This particular conference will provide an important opportunity to: present cutting edge research on changing business practices towards a sustainable future; generate discussions; facilitate networking; and, secure collaborative international multidisciplinary research into the future.

Together, this collaborative research will contribute to identifying critical issues impacting on changing business practices and offering sustainable global, regional, and local solutions. On behalf of Professor Maryam Omari, Executive Dean, School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, I’d also like to thank you for attending the conference and for sharing your valuable knowledge and expertise with all the participants. We also thank the conference organisers for hosting this event and wish ACBT continued success. Krishna Prasad Associate Dean Law Director International School of Business & Law Edith Cowan University.