The 14th annual main conference of the Asia Academy of Management (AAOM), held concurrently with the 2026 conference of the Taiwan Academy of Management (TAOM), took place at RMIT University Vietnam, TP HCM, from 16/6 to 20/6. The event underscored Vietnam's growing role as a regional hub for research, innovation, and academic collaboration.

With the theme "Innovation, digital transformation, and the future of management", the conference brought together leading scholars. They discussed how organizations adapt to technological disruptions, evolving business models, and an increasingly complex global landscape.

The program featured 388 research papers selected through a competitive peer-review process, 101 poster presentations, and three specialized panel discussions. Research contributions came from scholars in 53 countries and territories. Additionally, delegates participated in keynote sessions, professional development workshops, and dedicated programs for doctoral students and young faculty.

Professor Mike Peng, President of the Asia Academy of Management, stated that the conference reflects AAOM's long-standing commitment to promoting management research relevant to Asia while contributing to the global body of knowledge.

He emphasized that AAOM, established in 1998, is "the oldest and most prestigious academic association for management in Asia, researching Asia and serving Asia".

Professor Mike Peng, President of the Asia Academy of Management (AAOM), delivered a welcoming speech to delegates attending the first AAOM main conference held in Vietnam. *Photo: RMIT Vietnam*

According to Associate Professor Burkhard Schrage, co-chair of the conference program and Deputy Head of the Management discipline group at RMIT Vietnam, this year's theme reflects profound transformations occurring in Asia and worldwide.

He noted that as Asia continues to assert its position and the global landscape rapidly changes, technological advancements drive fundamental transformations across all aspects of social life. In this context, the academic community needs to proactively review and re-evaluate theoretical and empirical approaches to study these new changes.

Associate Professor Schrage also shared that Vietnam's rapid economic development, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong digital transformation have created a favorable environment for global discussions on the future of management.

"The country's rapid economic development, entrepreneurial spirit, and digital transformation have created an ideal context for global discussions on the future of management", he said.

The strong response from the international academic community highlights the increasing importance of collaborative research in addressing opportunities and challenges arising from innovation and digital transformation.

Scholars participating in the Asia Academy of Management (AAOM) conference. *Photo: RMIT Vietnam*

Professor Robert McClelland, Head of the School of Business at RMIT Vietnam, affirmed that the conference takes place at a time when international research and cooperation are more crucial than ever. The world is undergoing an unprecedented period of change as new technologies, constantly evolving work environments, and global challenges reshape how people live, work, and lead.

"Meaningful research is not only about helping us understand the world as it is, but also about helping us envision what the world could become", Professor McClelland emphasized.

He added that bringing together scholars from across Asia and many countries worldwide will facilitate the formation of new ideas and long-lasting collaborative relationships.

"That is why conferences like AAOM offer immense value. They bring together diverse perspectives, spark new ideas, and forge connections that can yield significant impacts far beyond the conference's scope", he added.

By hosting this year's conference, RMIT University Vietnam continues its role in connecting Vietnam, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region through research and education. A school representative shared that the event demonstrates Vietnam's emergence as a destination for international academic exchange, where scholars from various countries gather to discuss the future of management in an era of rapid technological and organizational transformation.

Experts participating in the panel discussion. *Photo: RMIT Vietnam*

The Asia Academy of Management (AAOM) has a pioneering mission to promote management theory, research, and education relevant to the Asian context on a global scale. In August 1997, over 60 delegates attending a conference of the US-based Academy of Management agreed to establish AAOM with this mission.

Founding members agreed to build AAOM as an independent, Asia-led organization while maintaining links with the Academy of Management and other academic institutions. The unit's goal is to foster management research based on the Asian context, thereby contributing to the development of global academic knowledge.

By Nhat Le