The School of Business Studies (SBS), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized a vibrant pre-symposium technical session as a precursor to the Australia–India Cybersecurity International Symposium on “Leaders for Digital Transformation & Agribusiness Challenges”, scheduled for December 4 at PAU, Ludhiana. The session aimed to prepare participants for high-level scholarly exchange, refine research contributions, and foster academic synergy ahead of the main event.
The technical session witnessed the distinguished presence of Dr. Kamaljeet Sandhu, Chair of the International Symposium, who travelled from Australia to be part of the academic proceedings. He was accompanied by Dr. Malwinder Singh Malhi, Executive Director of the Symposium, and Dr. Ramandeep Singh, Co-Chair of the Symposium and Director, School of Business Studies. The session was conducted by Dr. Navneet, who facilitated the programme, coordinated presentations, and engaged participants in meaningful academic discussions.
During the inaugural remarks, Dr. Sandhu underscored the transformative and enabling power of Artificial Intelligence in modern industries. Addressing the increasing discourse around AI and employment, he clarified that AI is not a threat to the workforce; rather, it is a catalyst for new job opportunities, enhanced digital competencies, and innovation-driven growth. He emphasized that sectors such as agribusiness, cybersecurity, and digital transformation stand to benefit significantly from AI-led optimization, precision, and predictive capabilities.
The event featured a rich technical agenda with the presentation of 19 chapters prepared for the upcoming symposium proceedings. These chapters highlighted diverse themes including digital agriculture, cybersecurity frameworks, data-driven agribusiness models, smart supply chains, and global digital leadership. Each chapter reflected collaborative academic efforts aimed at strengthening Australia–India research partnerships.
A poster presentation session showcased seven research posters, each illustrating student-led innovations, conceptual explorations, and analytical insights on pressing issues related to digital transformation, cyber resilience, data protection, and agricultural technology. The posters generated enthusiastic engagement as students discussed their methodologies, implications, and findings with faculty and peers.
In addition to posters and chapters, participants delivered group presentations summarizing the core findings of their research papers. With 19 research papers submitted for the December 4 symposium, the pre-symposium session served as a constructive platform for peer review, conceptual refinement, and scholarly exchange. The interactive format encouraged students and researchers to critically evaluate their work, integrate feedback, and align their contributions with real-world digital and agribusiness challenges.
The organizing committee highlighted the significance of the inaugural session and the Round Table Interaction scheduled for December 4, 2025, where delegates from India and Australia will engage in high-level dialogue on cybersecurity preparedness, digital leadership, and future-ready agribusiness strategies. These interactions are expected to strengthen bilateral academic cooperation and pave the way for joint research, capacity building, and policy-level collaborations.
The session concluded with words of appreciation for the participants, acknowledging their dedication, innovation, and enthusiasm. The pre-symposium event not only enriched academic discourse but also set the tone for a dynamic and impactful international symposium at PAU.