ECONOMIC students from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology presented their research papers at the 47th Annual Federation of ASEAN Economic Associations Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, last week.

The MSU-IIT delegation included Kylla Rejiel Bag-ao from the BSBA Business Economics program and Dina Jane Pasilona from the BS Economics program, accompanied by Assistant Professor Resa Mae C. Laygan.

Pasilona presented a paper titled “A Cross-Country Analysis of the Effects of Digitalization on Money Laundering,” co-authored with faculty members and students, including Paullah Johannah Leopoldo, Donnaleen Mingo, Bridget Recososa, Asst. Prof. Martha Joy Abing, Asst. Prof. Charlyn Capulong, Asst. Prof. Resa Mae Laygan, and Prof. Maria Rizalia Y. Teves.

Bag-ao showcased her research titled “An Analysis on the Influence of Eco-Innovation on Climate Change Risk in Asia and Europe,” co-authored by Michaella Abing, Abdul Wahid Talib, Beverlyn Alucilja, Nurnaharah Pundogar, and the same faculty mentors.

“It was an eye-opening, fun, and memorable experience for me. Meeting new people from different countries with similar interests, discussing topics, and learning from them made this experience unforgettable,” Bag-ao was quoted as saying.

Organized by the Economic Society of Thailand, the conference focused on the theme: “Sustainable Transformation of ASEAN Economies Under Major Challenges: Climate Change, Geopolitical Conflicts, Digital Technology, Aging, and ASEAN Centrality.” The event gathered leading economists, scholars, and policymakers across ASEAN to discuss pressing economic issues and share innovative solutions.