Kuala Lumpur, July 3: Prof. Dheeraj P. Sharma, Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak, was honoured with the prestigious AGBA 2026 Distinguished Innovative Academic Leader Award at the 22nd World Congress of the Academy for Global Business Advancement (AGBA) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The award, regarded as one of AGBA’s highest recognitions, was presented in acknowledgment of Prof. Sharma’s significant contributions to business education, research and academic leadership. The honour was conferred during the opening ceremony of the three-day global congress, which has brought together delegates from 22 countries, 104 universities and several international organizations.
A major highlight of the event was the international launch of Prof. Sharma’s book, Understanding Indian Youth: The Gen Z Propensities. The book explores the aspirations, values and behavioural characteristics of India’s Generation Z and examines how this emerging demographic is influencing education, business and society.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Sharma emphasized the importance of understanding younger generations in an increasingly digital and rapidly changing world. He noted that Generation Z is highly informed, digitally connected and driven by experiences, purpose and flexibility rather than traditional career paths and long-term commitments.
The AGBA World Congress, being held from July 2–4, is co-hosted by IIM Rohtak in collaboration with leading international universities. The conference is focused on the theme “Business and Entrepreneurship Development in a Globalised and Digitalised Era.”
The opening sessions featured discussions on the impact of global uncertainty and geopolitical conflicts on business sentiment, while participants also explored opportunities for strengthening entrepreneurship, hospitality and tourism in an increasingly complex global environment.
