The University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA) celebrated the 20th anniversary of its International Conference on Business, Economics, and Information Technology (ICBEIT), held March 12–13 at the YWCA Fort Canning in Singapore.
Founded and led by Maria Claret M. Ruane, professor of economics, the conference has become a key platform for international collaboration. This year’s event drew 71 participants from 25 universities and organizations across Japan, India, the United States, and Guam, including the International Accreditation Council of Business Education (IACBE), which accredits SBPA’s programs.
“This milestone reflects UOG’s growing network of international partnerships that advance research and academic exchange,” said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, who attended the conference. “Through collaborations like ICBEIT, we connect Guam to the global academic community while expanding opportunities for learning and engagement.”
The two-day event featured 53 research presentations, with UOG faculty, students, and alumni contributing 17 studies on business, economics, and public administration. SBPA Dean Roseann M. Jones and faculty served as mentors, presenters, and session chairs, reinforcing UOG’s commitment to applied learning.
Longtime co-chairs Akihiro Noguchi of Nanzan University and Mineo Tsuji of Osaka Metropolitan University joined Ruane in leading the conference, underscoring 17 years of sustained academic partnership.
“The conference is not just academic—it’s an opportunity to showcase SBPA, UOG, and Guam to the world,” said Ruane.
The self-funded event also highlighted student achievement, with participants receiving travel support from the Research Corporation of the University of Guam and the Office of Enrollment Management & Student Success. Students shared their research at a “Student Spotlight” event held March 30 at the SBPA Multipurpose Room.
