28th February 2025 India: S. P. Mandali’s Prin. L. N Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai now known as WeSchool, proudly hosted the ACBSP Region 10 Conference 2025, a premier global platform fostering thought leadership, academic excellence, and industry collaboration. Centered around the theme “Bridges Across Borders: Collaborative Strategies for Academic and Professional Success,” the conference facilitated insightful and enriching discussions on the future of business education, cross-border partnerships, and the transformative role of research and innovation.
With over 300 registrations of individual authors comprising academicians, research scholars & students, the two-day conference brought together participants from several South Asian countries and showcased around 120 research and entrepreneurial ideas under ‘Best of Region’ and ‘Student Showcase.’ and business pitches under `School of Thought’. This significant engagement reinforced WeSchool’s commitment to a research-driven academic culture and global knowledge exchange.
The Region 10 winners of these competitions will be eligible and participate globally, against 11 regions of ACBSP, to participate in the Annual Conference to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, in June.
The Chief Guest of the conference was Hon’ble Justice Dr. D. Y. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India, one of the most revered and distinguished personality in the legal fraternity, who is known from his visionary leadership and transformative judgements. Honorable Justice Dr. D Y Chandrachud delivered an insightful and impactful address, emphasizing the transformative power of education: “Education and industry must work together to equip students with real-world skills, bridging the gap between knowledge and application. Conferences like the ACBSP Region 10 Global Conference, organised by WeSchool, play a vital role in fostering dialogue between academia, industry, and policymakers. Digital innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity are key drivers in shaping a better tomorrow. As the digital economy grows, so do legal and ethical challenges, making it essential to build a smart and transparent legal framework. True progress lies in inclusion—no nation can thrive by leaving any section of society behind. It is through collective efforts that we can create a future that is innovative, inclusive, and resilient.” While highlighting the need for DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), he highlighted the role of Affirmative Actions to enable equitable opportunities to all sections of the society, access to legal systems, role of various stakeholders including private sectors.
Bringing a unique perspective on the power of learning, celebrated actor and Inaugural Guest of Honour Mr. Boman Irani, Indian actor and Director, captivated the audience: “It is an absolute honor to be here at WeSchool for the ACBSP event, celebrating perseverance, education, and the power of storytelling. I was a shy child and often felt out of place, but I found my ‘stage’—a place where I could truly blossom. That’s what education and experience do; they shape us, empower us, and help us break barriers. There are no shortcuts in life. Every job, every struggle, every setback teaches you something invaluable. You must want something deeply and work relentlessly for it. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Keep learning, keep growing, and find your own stage to shine— because when the moment comes, you will be ready.”
Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Chair-Elect, ACBSP Region 10 & Group Director, WeSchool, emphasized the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence: “The theme of this conference is highly relevant in today’s evolving world. At Prin. L.N Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, our rebranding as ‘WeSchool’ reflects our core belief in interdependence, co- creation, and togetherness. Over the past 22 years, we have grown rapidly, working with multiple global partners to shape future-ready leaders. ACBSP plays a crucial role in raising academic standards and empowering students with the skills needed for success. Our journey has been fueled by collective belief and collaboration, and we remain committed to fostering innovation, excellence, and inclusive growth.”
Mr. Jeffrey Alderman, President & CEO, ACBSP, USA, highlighted the significance of collaboration: “It is a privilege to be in India, where the spirit of limitless possibilities thrives. Indians have always embraced me as part of their family, and that is the ‘We’ of WeSchool, which has organized this wonderful event. At ACBSP, we believe true progress comes from collaboration, and this summit—Bridges Across Borders: Collaborative Strategies for Academic and Professional Success—embodies that vision. More than a gathering, it is a bridge connecting institutions and thought leaders with a shared mission: empowering students, driving innovation, and shaping a future without borders. Opportunities like this are rare. When institutions unite with a common purpose, we don’t just exchange ideas—we build pathways for success, fostering a global community dedicated to lifelong learning and transformation.”
Dr. Uttara Sok, Chair of ACBSP Region 10 & Vice President for Internal Quality Assurance and Internal Audit (IQA-IA), CamEd Business School, Cambodia, commended WeSchool’s commitment to collaboration: “WeSchool truly embodies the spirit of ‘We’— fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth. With a strong commitment, we return to India in 2025, this time to Mumbai—a vibrant cultural hub and a fitting location for this gathering. As technology, particularly AI, rapidly transforms education, the need for collaboration has never been greater. This evolution enhances learning, drives knowledge exchange, and unlocks new opportunities, contributing to collective growth. This event serves as a dynamic platform for collaboration, recognizing talent and contributions while fostering excellence through competitions and more. Together, we shape the future of education in an interconnected world.”
Advocate Shri S. K. Jain, Chairman, Managing Council, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, Pune (the governing trust of WeSchool), & Chairman – College Development Committee, WeSchool, Mumbai, emphasized the importance of adapting to change: “Change is the rule of nature. While practices from the 1970s may still hold relevance, they must evolve to suit today’s environment. Adapting to change comes with challenges, and conferences like this play a crucial role in driving that transformation. Business, trade, and academics must keep pace with industry needs, global practices, and emerging disruptions. Professors must equip students to lead in this dynamic landscape, balancing ethical values with innovation. With insights from industry stalwarts, the ACBSP conference at WeSchool provides the knowledge and strategies to navigate change and shape the future.”
The conference also served as a launchpad for emerging entrepreneurial minds through ‘School of Thought,’ an entrepreneurial challenge where 16 visionary teams presented groundbreaking business concepts.
The conference experience was further enhanced with masterclasses, cultural showcases by WeSchool students that offered an immersive experience of the heritage of India, and dynamic networking sessions, creating a well-rounded and engaging journey for all attendees. The performances, planned and organized by the students of WeSchool, provided dignitaries with a true taste of India. By prioritizing research, management education, and business innovation, WeSchool continues to strengthen India’s presence in global academia.
Marking decades of excellence, ACBSP is redefining the future of management education through accreditation, knowledge exchange, and global collaboration. With visionary discussions, pioneering research, and high-impact partnerships, the ACBSP Region 10 Conference 2025 at WeSchool is shaping the next generation of academic and industry synergy, setting new benchmarks for business education worldwide.
