Recipients of the 2024 International Social Science Collaboration and Development Grants

Greenwashing and Legal Sustanaibility in Devloping Nations: Regulatory challenges and Policy Solutions

The current study integrates insights from environmental economics, consumer behaviour research, corporate governance studies, and legal scholarship to provide a deeper understanding of greenwashing and its implications for sustainability. Greenwashing is where businesses place misleading environmental claims, distort the market, compromise consumer trust, and misallocate resources. The present research seeks to examine the problem of greenwashing, its economic and legal effects, and suggest practical steps that can be taken by regulators, policymakers, companies as well as consumers. Special attention will be given to developing nations, where regulatory oversight is often less stringent, making it easier for organizations to mislead consumers.

Collaborators:

• Ms. Poonam Gulati, Amity University Punjab (India)
• Dr. Nisha Phakey, O.P. Jindal University, Sonipat (India)
• Mr. Ashutosh Kumar, Tohoku University, Sendai (Japan)
• Dr. Karishma Godara, O.P. Jindal Global University (India)

Crop Diversification: A Strategy for Resilient Livelihoods in Flood-Affected Assam

This study aims to explore crop diversification as a strategy to enhance resilience and livelihoods in flood-affected regions of Assam, India. With the rising frequency of floods and their significant socio-economic impacts, the research will aim to assess the viability of crop diversification in strengthening farmers’ flood resilience. Household surveys will be conducted across five agro-climatic zones, and mixed methods research will be employed to assess the effectiveness of diversification. The insights gained will contribute to the development of policies focused on disaster risk reduction, agricultural sustainability, and climate adaptation.

Collaborators:

• Dr. Dinamani Biswal, NIT Silchar (India)
• Dr. Muhammad Khairul, Uniten University (Malaysia)

Feasibility Study on Digital Technology Readiness for Herbal Medicine Innovation and Health Promotion in Thailand

In the digital age, integrating technology into traditional practices is reshaping industries worldwide, including healthcare. This study investigates the readiness and acceptance of digital technologies in promoting herbal medicine and health awareness in Thailand. Focusing on digital herbal medicine platforms, the research aims to understand the factors influencing technology adoption among consumers, businesses, and practitioners. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study will analyze the effectiveness of digital platforms in expanding the herbal medicine market, enhancing health outcomes, and preserving traditional knowledge. By exploring consumer behaviors, business utilization, and community engagement, this research seeks to develop strategies for leveraging digital innovations to foster sustainable growth in the herbal medicine sector. The findings are expected to provide actionable insights for businesses and policymakers, while also identifying opportunities for international collaboration, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. This study aims to contribute to the digital transformation of healthcare, ensuring that herbal medicine continues to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Collaborators:

• Dr. Petcharat Thanatchaphan, Thammasat University (Thailand)
• Dr. Mahasak Ketcham, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (Thailand)
• Dr. Sovann Chen, TUX Global Institute (Cambodia)

Research on various aspects of climate change has proliferated, including the emerging field of climate change education. However, there is a notable lack of studies on informal climate change education, specifically regarding mechanisms focused on farmers. This study aims to explore the informal climate change education initiatives among tea smallholder farmers in Sri Lanka. Following a qualitative research approach, the data collection process of this study involves three main techniques: semi-structured interviews, field visits and document analysis. This study will contribute valuable insights into the effectiveness of informal climate change education initiatives and their role in enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers in other climate-vulnerable regions such as the Asia-Pacific region, ultimately contributing to global efforts in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Collaborators:

• Ms. Gayatri Pande, NITI Aayog (India)
• Ms. Thilini Cooray, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Sri Lanka)

The Shino-European Shophouse is one of the important historical evidences showing the prosperity of both Tha Wang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand and George Town, Penang, Malaysia, as trading centres, with the same influence. However, both areas face problems in maintaining the sustainability of the shophouses, which creates the atmosphere in the old towns, not only about the environment but also about ways of life and how they can still be sustained under new circumstances. This research aims to identify sustainable assessment and propose design guidelines and policies for future sustainable development. Using assessment criteria under the concept of sustainability consists of 3 factors: environmental, social, and economic and field surveys with participatory design processes to create cooperation networks in developing old towns through participation and knowledge exchange between Thailand and Malaysia.

Collaborators:

• Dr. Ruhizal Roosli, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Malaysia)
• Dr. Shida Irwana Omar, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Malaysia)
• Ms. Narisa Noithapthim, Walailak University (Thailand)
• Ms. Praphatson Saemmongkhon, Walailak University (Thailand)
• Ms. Rojana Wattanasil, Walailak University (Thailand)

The climate-migration-conflict nexus is a burgeoning research field. However, our understanding of whether and how climate-induced migration leads to conflict still remains limited and ambiguous. This collaborative research project will address this knowledge gap focusing on countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The main objective is to understand the dimensions of insecurity posed by climate-induced migration within these countries and Bangladesh in particular. Overall, the results will help urban planners ensure climate risk-informed planning and to have measures in place to prevent future climate-induced conflict events that undermine human security of urban dwellers.

Collaborators:

• Dr. Pyone Myat Thu, Murdoch University (Australia)

This research project is premised upon the persistent discourse of exclusion surrounding the stateless population in Sabah. Such discourse has permeated over time and throughout the local communities. Nonetheless, there are still efforts being put forth to counter the discourse of exclusion. This may be observed in alternative learning centres, where stateless children are given the opportunity to access education. This environment does not just teach the stateless children essential academic and literacy skills for life and survival, but it also enables them to think of the circumstances they are in. Against this backdrop, this research aims to problematize the normalized exclusion of stateless children attending alternative learning centres in Sabah, Malaysia.

Collaborators:

• Dr. Christian Go, University of the Philippines Diliman (Philippines)
• Dr. Nur Zafirah Razali, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Malaysia)

This mixed-methods study examines the impact of AI-driven digital transformation on employment and workforce dynamics in Hyderabad, India. The research combines a survey of 20 businesses across the IT and pharmaceutical sectors, in-depth interviews with industry experts, and a focused review of academic and industry literature. The primary objectives are to assess the influence of AI on job displacement and skill shifts, identify key challenges faced by businesses in implementing AI, and propose strategies and policies to support the workforce. The expected outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of AI’s impact on Hyderabad’s labour market, the development of conceptual frameworks, and evidence-based recommendations to guide business practices and policymaking. The findings will contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the responsible integration of AI technologies in the Indian context.

Collaborators:

• Dr. Amulya Komarraju, IIM Ahmedabad (India)
• Dr. Rohin Gaddam, Woxsen University (India)
• Dr. Sunaina Arya, Woxsen University (India)
• Mr. Athapattu Amila Prasanga, Institute of National Security Studies (Sri Lanka)
• Mr. Dheeraj Rayalu Tadi, Woxsen University (India)

This qualitative photovoice study explores young Vietnamese people’s perceptions and experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). By engaging twenty participants aged 18 to 30, the research aims to enhance understanding of IPV in Vietnam and inform future interventions. Participants will capture photographs that symbolize their views on IPV, which will be used as discussion prompts in semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The conversations will be recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically to uncover critical insights into how IPV is viewed and experienced by young people in Vietnam. The study’s results will be showcased in a gallery exhibition at Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE). The project will occur from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025.

Collaborators:

• Dr. Ngoc Phan Thi Minh, Hanoi Medical University (Vietnam)
• Dr. Thi Tuyet Minh Nguyen, Academy of Journalism and Communciation (Vietnam)
• Dr. Zalia Powell, University of Sunshine Coast (Australia)

This research project, Digital Literacy: Empowering Women in the Informal Economy, aims to assess the socio-economic conditions of women workers in Bangalore’s unorganized sector with a focus on identifying key challenges related to employment, income, and social security. It further seeks to explore the digital competencies of these women and understand the extent of the digital divide within this workforce. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, the research will evaluate the effectiveness of existing support mechanisms and resources. The study intends to develop actionable recommendations for digital and professional upskilling, with the ultimate goal of enhancing economic stability and self-reliance, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of livelihoods and working conditions in this sector.

Collaborators:

• Dr. Abraham Francis, James Cook University (Australia)
• Dr. Jais Merlin P. Augustine, Christ University (India)
• Dr. Yeshaswini V, Christ University (India)
• Dr. Sumathi Annamalai, Christ University (India)
• Father Jais V. Thomas, Kristu Jayanti College (India)

This experimental study investigates the impact of psychological distance on climate change communication in South Asia, focusing on Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Using construal level theory, the study examines how varying construal levels (abstract vs. concrete) and spatial distances (near vs. far) influence climate policy support, risk perceptions, and pro-environmental behavior among university students and farmers. A 2×2 factorial design will be employed, manipulating climate change imagery to test these effects. The research aims to identify effective visual communication strategies that can enhance environmentalism and support climate change mitigation efforts in the region. Findings will inform the development of targeted social marketing campaigns to strengthen climate action in economically and socially vulnerable communities.

Collaborators:

• Dr. Priyadarshani Premarathne, University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka)
• Ms. Najma Akhther, Jahangirnagar University (Bangladesh)