09/03/2026
Visit to the University of Mirpurkhas as Keynote Speaker at the 1st International Conference on Sustainable, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Education (ICSTEE-2026) and Guest Speaker at QUEST IBA University in Pakistan.
On 28–29 January 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Sarala Thulasi Palpanadan from the Centre for Language Studies (CLS), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), participated as a Keynote Speaker at the 1st International Conference on Sustainable, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Education (ICSTEE-2026). The prestigious conference, hosted by the University of Mirpurkhas under the theme “Fostering Sustainable Futures: Technology, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Education in the Digital Age,” was organised in collaboration with several academic institutions in Sindh, Pakistan. The conference attracted distinguished scholars, researchers, and educators from various parts of the world, providing an international platform for scholarly exchange and academic networking.
During the first day of the conference, Dr. Sarala delivered her keynote address titled “From Margins to Mainstreams: Digital Technologies as Tools of Postcolonial Voice, Agency, and Youth Empowerment.” In her presentation, she highlighted the importance of ensuring that educators remain informed about current technological developments while simultaneously recognising the transformative potential of younger generations. She emphasised that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) requires thoughtful and responsible engagement from educators and learners alike. On the second day, Dr. Sarala actively participated in the conference sessions, engaging in scholarly discussions on intergenerational perspectives related to sustainable development and educational advancement. She also attended several parallel sessions presented by international scholars, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing progressive educational research and global academic collaboration.
On 30 January 2026, Dr. Sarala was cordially invited as a Guest Speaker at Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST) in Nawabshah, Pakistan. During this visit, she delivered an insightful talk entitled “Technology-Integrated Writing Instruction: Evidence-Based Practices for Enhancing Graduate Academic Literacy Teaching and Learning.” The session provided valuable insights into the effective integration of technology in writing instruction and highlighted evidence-based strategies to support graduate students’ academic literacy development. As part of the visit, the organisers also showcased the university’s state-of-the-art library facilities, reflecting the institution’s continued commitment to academic excellence and infrastructural development.
Overall, the visit was both productive and memorable. Associate Professor Dr Sarala received a warm reception from both host institutions, and discussions were initiated regarding potential future collaborations. It is anticipated that this engagement will pave the way for strengthened academic partnerships between UTHM and the participating universities, particularly in research collaboration and scholarly publications.
