Some professional relationships begin with a formal introduction. Others begin unexpectedly, through a chance encounter that slowly grows into something meaningful. My journey with The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) belongs to the latter.
I first came across TIIKM during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, a period when much of the academic world had migrated online. Like many academics trying to stay connected amid lockdowns and travel restrictions, I was searching for meaningful conferences that would allow scholars to continue exchanging ideas despite the challenges of the time.
That was when I discovered the International Conference on Arts and Humanities (ICOAH), one of the many conferences organised annually by TIIKM. The conference immediately caught my attention for its interdisciplinary nature and openness to diverse perspectives across the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
What began as a simple conference participation turned into something more memorable. During ICOAH 2022, which was conducted entirely online, I was honoured to receive the Social Media Ambassador Award.
A recognition that came as an unexpected but deeply appreciated milestone during ICOAH 2022
Beyond the recognition itself, the experience left me with a very positive impression of the people behind the conference. Even in a virtual environment, the organisers demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to ensuring participants had a meaningful experience.
At that time, I did not imagine that this would mark the beginning of a collaboration that would continue for years.
Coincidentally, 2022 was also the year I began serving as Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the Faculty of Creative Industries, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). Having been introduced to ICOAH and impressed by the experience, I saw considerable potential for collaboration.
Given the nature of our faculty, which encompasses programmes in communication, arts, design, and media, ICOAH was a natural fit. The conference would provide a valuable platform for academics, researchers, and postgraduate students to share their work with an international audience.
In 2023, these conversations translated into action when our faculty collaborated with TIIKM as a conference partner. Through this partnership, we encouraged several participants from our academic network to present their research at ICOAH. It was rewarding to see colleagues engage with scholars from diverse countries and gain exposure to a range of research perspectives.
The year also marked TIIKM’s return to physical conferences following the pandemic. Although I did not attend in person, it was heartening to see international academic gatherings gradually regain their vibrancy after several years of virtual engagement.
My first opportunity to attend ICOAH in person came in 2024, when the conference was held in the beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka.
It was my first visit to Sri Lanka, and I still remember arriving at the airport and taking a tuk-tuk to my accommodation. The journey lasted about an hour, winding through bustling streets filled with people, shops, buses, and the everyday rhythms of Sri Lankan life. As someone visiting for the first time, everything felt both unfamiliar and fascinating.
Over the next few days, I had the opportunity to attend the conference, deliver a keynote address, and meet many wonderful individuals from around the world. I particularly enjoyed conversations with conference chair, Dr. Eldad Tsabary, whose deep knowledge of and passion for electroacoustic music were truly inspiring.
A cherished memory from ICOAH 2024 in Colombo with Mr. Isanka Gamage, co-founder of TIIKM, whose vision has connected scholars and ideas across continents.
Yet some of my fondest memories came from the moments outside the conference halls. As a practising Buddhist, I took the opportunity to visit several Theravada Buddhist temples during my stay. Experiencing Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural heritage added another dimension to the trip and allowed me to appreciate the country’s deep historical ties to Buddhism.
One adventure that remains especially memorable was my train journey from Colombo to Kandy. Those who have travelled on Sri Lankan trains may know exactly what I mean. The train was packed. Every seat was occupied, and passengers stood shoulder to shoulder throughout the carriage. For about three hours, I found myself standing, squeezing alongside fellow travellers, sharing the same space, scenery, and occasional conversations.
It was hardly the most comfortable journey I have ever taken, but it was certainly one of the most unforgettable. Looking back, it reminded me that some of the best travel experiences are not necessarily the easiest ones.
Over the years that followed, our collaboration with TIIKM continued to grow. The partnership was never merely transactional. Instead, it developed into a relationship built on mutual respect and shared aspirations to support academic knowledge exchange across borders.
Engaging minds, exchanging ideas, and building connections at the ICOAH 2025 roundtable.
In 2025, I attended ICOAH in Bangkok, another memorable edition of the conference. By then, many familiar faces had become friends. What I appreciated most was seeing how the conference continued to bring together scholars from different disciplines, career stages, and countries in an environment that remained welcoming and intellectually stimulating.
Through these experiences, I also came to know the remarkable team behind TIIKM. Individuals such as Ms. Chanika P. Gunathilake, Ms. Sasiri Karannagoda, Ms. Dasuni Hapugoda, Ms. Dulmi Chamika Nethmi, and many others have consistently demonstrated professionalism, patience, and dedication in their work.
Of course, no reflection on TIIKM would be complete without mentioning its founder and leader, Mr. Isanka Gamage. Despite overseeing a large institution that manages numerous international conferences each year, he has always struck me as approachable, down-to-earth, and supportive. Those qualities may sound simple, but they matter greatly in academic collaborations where trust and long-term relationships are important.
If there is one quality that stands out most about the TIIKM team, it is their sincerity. Over the years, whenever challenges or unexpected issues arose—as they inevitably do in any international event—the team was always willing to listen, assist, and work towards solutions. Their commitment extends beyond the conference dates themselves; they remain accessible and responsive to participants, partners, and presenters whenever support is needed.
In today’s increasingly fast-paced academic environment, such reliability should never be taken for granted.
As I reflect on my journey with TIIKM, I realise that what began as a simple online conference during the pandemic has evolved into a professional relationship spanning several years, multiple countries, and countless meaningful interactions.
The conferences have certainly provided opportunities to disseminate research and to network academically. However, the lasting memories are ultimately about the people I have met, the friendships that have been formed, and the experiences that have enriched me both professionally and personally.
From an online conference during COVID-19 to keynote speeches in Sri Lanka, from crowded train rides to collaborations that continue today, it has been a journey that I am grateful to have experienced.
Dr. Kenneth Tze Wui Lee is Deputy Dean (Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes) at the Faculty of Creative Industries, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia. His academic interests include digital media, identity, and culture, and he has been actively involved in international academic collaborations and conferences across the region.
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