Published on 10 Jun 2026

18th Annual ARCS Research Conference

The 18th Annual ARCS Research Conference brought together a vibrant global community to exchange knowledge, share insights, and foster meaningful discussions on corporate sustainability research.

Plenary Speakers during the Plenary Discussion on "Steering Global Transition from the Heart of ASEAN"

From L to R: Conference Chair Yuxia Zou, Dean Jun Yang, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and Esther An

The 18th Annual Research Conference of the Alliance for Research on Corporate Sustainability (ARCS) took place at Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), from 7 to 10 June 2026, marking the ARCS community's first gathering in Asia. The event attracted 160 attendees from a diverse range of local and international universities and organisations, including faculty members, PhD students and industry partners.

Chaired by Prof Witold Henisz (University of Pennsylvania), the ARCS PhD Development Workshop held on 7 June, was a standout feature of the conference. Bringing together PhD students and senior scholars, the workshop offered constructive feedback on participants’ research, alongside career insights and networking opportunities with members of the ARCS Board and Steering Committee. From 8 to 10 June, the spotlight shifted to the ARCS Main Conference, where researchers from around the world gathered to exchange ideas, present cutting-edge research and explore solutions to pressing sustainability challenges.

The conference brought together leading voices to explore cutting-edge perspectives on corporate sustainability through a multidisciplinary lens spanning economics, finance, law, accounting, and the natural sciences. Across plenary sessions, parallel sessions, research sketches, and presentations with discussants, the speakers and presenters shared emerging insights and innovative approaches to pressing global challenges. Presentations covered a wide range of topics, including climate policies, sustainability in emerging markets, disclosure and reporting practices, the role of AI and technology in climate accountability, biodiversity and ecosystem finance, and the development of carbon markets. Beyond the research presentations, the event fostered vibrant dialogue and collaboration, creating valuable connections between researchers and practitioners working at the forefront of sustainable business.

H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn (Secretary-General of ASEAN) during his Opening Keynote Address

Conference Chair Yuxia Zou (NTU) and Dean Jun Yang (NTU) opened the conference with a welcome address. Guest-of-Honour H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, then delivered a keynote address, setting the stage for discussions on sustainability, innovation and regional collaboration. A highlight of the opening day was the plenary discussion, “Steering Global Transition from the Heart of ASEAN”, featuring H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Esther An (City Developments Limited), Dean Jun Yang and Asst Prof Yuxia Zou. The panel explored the region’s role in advancing sustainable development and driving global change.

The second day of the conference featured a thought-provoking plenary debate on “Just Transition in the Global South – Development vs. Decarbonization”, moderated by Prof Xin Chang (NTU). Bringing together Prof Patrick Bolton (Imperial College London), A/P Perrine Hamel (NTU), Hor Chee Leng (United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment) and Melissa Moi (United Overseas Bank), the panel explored the challenges and opportunities of balancing economic development with climate action in emerging economies.

The conference concluded with an Awards Ceremony led by ARCS President Prof Caroline Flammer (Columbia University), recognising excellence in corporate sustainability research and celebrating the contributions of scholars across the ARCS community.