Research Platforms' Performance Reports GA21 2015-2017 | Page 22

EVENTS
‘Knowledge Goods, Ordinary Goods and the Effects of
Trade between Leading and Lagging Regions’ presented by
Professor Amit Batabyal
On the effects of trade in knowledge and ordinary goods
on the income and welfare gap between a leading and
a lagging region. Knowledge goods are invented and
produced in the leading region only. In contrast, ordinary
goods can be produced in both regions. Professor
Amit’s analysis shed light on four salient points. First, the
equilibrium wage ratio between the leading and the lagging
regions. Second, narrowing the income gap between
regions by increasing the rate at which lagging regions
copy technology for producing knowledge goods. Third,
the steady state level of welfare in the leading region.
Finally, the adverse effect on leading regions from lagging
regions that copy technology at an increased rate. that are clearly needed to combat lifestyle diseases. Both
Koranic and Arabic medicine are written traditions with
a formal supporting body of knowledge. Undocumented
until now is the informal collection of health traditions and
practices employed by the Ummah, the global Islamic
family, to support healthy living, wellbeing, freedom from
disease and healthy ageing – i.e. Wellness Traditions of
Islamic Societies. This knowledge draws on how the body
responds to nature and a long-standing cultural history
of drawing on nature for health and wellbeing. There has
not yet been a clear recognition that all of these lifestyle
and wellbeing approaches of the Islamic world are unified
by their relationship with nature as a source of health and
healing. Drawing on this broad view, there is the potential
to create a unified knowledge base, documenting the wide
array of Wellness Traditions of the Islamic World.
‘Accounting and Sustainability – How to Reframe the
Conversation about Finance, Investments and Taxation?’
presented by Professor Sakthi Mahenthiran
Professor Sakthi introduced the concept of bio-mimicry,
that is, the framework used to evaluate broadly about our
research and to comprehend sustainability in a broader
sense. In addition, he discussed papers that drew on
understanding of accounting research and sustainability.
He also discussed how accounting research in finance,
investments and taxation would evolve and its impact on
global businesses. The benefit to the participants was
to comprehend the importance of developing research
streams that are based on a broader understanding of the
role of accounting in an evolving environment. ‘Muslim Consumers’ Consumption Behaviour in a Muslim
Minority Country Market Environment: A Study on Australian
Muslim Market’ by Associate Professor Yunus Ali
Halal consumption is mandatory for Muslims. However,
halal options may not be readily available in countries
where Muslims are a minority. This paper reports findings of
an exploratory research on Australian Muslim consumers’
perception towards Halal-labelled products and consumer
decision-making behaviour on other alternatives. Focus
Group studies in two Australian cities revealed that while
Halal certification is important, the label alone has limited
universal appeal. Instead, it was the country of origin
and ethnocentrism which are found to play an important
role. Muslim consumers also accept alternatives from
trustworthy companies that do not contain any non-halal
ingredients. This research contributes to the understanding
of Muslim consumer behaviour for global marketers to
design appropriate value proposition, catering to the fast-
growing domestic and global Muslim markets.
‘Analysis of Tax Evasion and Avoidance Literature Relevant
to Tax Research in Malaysia’ presented by Professor
Sakthi Mahenthiran
Professor Sakthi presented presented the literature on
factors that have shown to affect tax avoidance strategies
of listed companies in Malaysia and abroad. Also, two
tax studies that Professor Sakthi had published with
Professor Jeyapalan were discussed, along with the
current study that was being pursued with colleagues at
Monash University Malaysia. The benefit to the participants
was to appreciate the processes and the rigor needed
for undertaking literature review, gaining expertise in the
area and designing research that can be published in top-
tier journals.
‘Wellness Traditions of Islamic Societies’ presented by
Professor Gerry Bodeker
This seminar deliberated culturally familiar approaches
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Achieving Innovation in Malaysia
This seminar was a collaboration with School of Business. It
brought experts with considerable knowledge and industry
experience to share Malaysia’s current state of progress
on business and innovation development. The seminar
also shed light on how academics and entrepreneurs in
Malaysia could strengthen and stimulate the country’s
national innovative capacity through industrial linkages,
innovation and commercialisation and business ventures.