Zulaikha Mokhtar | Environmental Challenges | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Zulaikha Mokhtar  – Environmental Challenges  – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Zulaikha Mokhtar’s research and professional contributions align seamlessly with the Best Researcher Award’s emphasis on innovation, impact, and sustainability. Her work demonstrates a commitment to advancing both theoretical and practical aspects of environmental engineering, making her a strong contender for this recognition.

Department of Environment| Malaysia

         Profile

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Zulaikha Mokhtar’s journey into the field of chemical engineering began with a strong academic foundation. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Putra, Malaysia, where she developed a keen interest in environmental compliance and industrial process optimization. Her pursuit of excellence continued with a Master of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering from The University of Queensland, Australia, where her research focused on advanced environmental engineering solutions. This robust educational background laid the groundwork for her dynamic career in regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives.

 

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Zulaikha’s career is marked by impactful roles in the Department of Environment, Malaysia:

  1. Senior Assistant Director, Legal and Forensics (2021 – Present):
    • Spearheaded forensic strategies and policies to strengthen investigative capabilities.
    • Designed and conducted capacity-building programs, equipping officers with skills in environmental law enforcement.
    • Developed comprehensive SOPs for forensic investigations, ensuring regulatory compliance.
  2. Senior Assistant Director, Environmental Compliance (2021 – 2024):
    • Reduced environmental non-compliance incidents through proactive initiatives.
    • Implemented advanced effluent management technologies and directed environmental impact assessments to align with national and international standards.
    • Collaborated with stakeholders to champion sustainability goals in alignment with Malaysia’s environmental commitments.
  3. Head of Prosecution Division (2013 – 2021):
    • Played a pivotal role in prosecuting 4,825 cases with a remarkable 98.7% conviction rate.
    • Assessed industries for regulatory compliance and improved enforcement outcomes significantly.
  4. Head of Enforcement Division (2010 – 2013):
    • Investigated public complaints and resolved pollution control issues.
    • Maintained an industry compliance rate of 98.6% and ensured timely complaint investigations.

 

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Environmental Challenges

Zulaikha Mokhtar’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to addressing environmental challenges: Effluent Management: She has pioneered the adoption of innovative effluent management technologies, optimizing resource efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance. Regulatory Leadership: Her expertise in environmental stewardship and legal enforcement has led to landmark prosecutions that reinforce Malaysia’s regulatory excellence. Capacity Building: Through training and development initiatives, she has empowered teams across Malaysia to effectively implement environmental regulations and forensic analyses. Research and Innovation: Zulaikha’s work bridges academia and practice, focusing on developing scalable, sustainable solutions for industrial and environmental challenges.

 

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Zulaikha’s dedication and excellence have been widely recognized: 2021: Excellence Service Award for the year of Service 2020. 2021: Special Appreciation from the Ministry of Environment and Water for prosecution under Section 124K, SOSMA. 2013 & 2017: Certificates of Appreciation from the Environmental Institute of Malaysia for her contributions to training programs. 2003: Education Award for JPA Scholarship for her degree program. 2022: HLP Kenal Pasti (Federal Training Scholarship) for her Master of Philosophy.

 

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Zulaikha’s leadership has had a transformative effect on Malaysia’s environmental landscape: Strengthened Enforcement: Her efforts have enhanced regulatory compliance and reduced industrial environmental violations. Prosecutorial Excellence: Her work in prosecuting environmental violations has set new benchmarks for legal enforcement in Malaysia. Sustainability Advocacy: By promoting sustainability practices across industries, she has contributed to Malaysia’s environmental stewardship goals.

 

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Zulaikha Mokhtar’s legacy lies in her relentless pursuit of environmental excellence. As a trailblazer in chemical engineering and environmental compliance, she has set a high standard for future professionals. Her vision for scalable and innovative solutions ensures that her work will continue to inspire generations to address environmental challenges. Moving forward, Zulaikha aims to further her impact by leveraging her expertise to drive global sustainability initiatives and mentor the next generation of environmental engineers.

 

Conclusion

Zulaikha Mokhtar (P.Eng, MIEM, ACPE, MIEAust CPeng) stands out as a dynamic force in chemical engineering and environmental compliance. Her career is a testament to the power of expertise, innovation, and leadership in addressing critical environmental challenges. By championing sustainability and regulatory excellence, Zulaikha exemplifies the spirit of the Environmental Challenges Award and inspires global action toward a sustainable future.

 

📚Publications

Challenges for Compliance with Industrial Effluent Regulations—An Industry Perspective

Authors: Zulaikha Mokhtar; Steven Kenway; Irdayanti Mat Nashir
Journals: Challenges

<b>Review of Malaysia&apos;s Environmental Waterways&apos; Compliance with Industrial Effluent Discharge </b> <br/> <br/>

Authors: Zulaikha Mokhtar
Journals: Science Open Preprints

BASHAR HAZAEA | Sustainable Department | Best Researcher Award

Mr. BASHAR HAZAEA –  Sustainable Department –  Best Researcher Award

Research Impact

The impact of his research is profound, as it aids in resource management, environmental monitoring, and natural disaster prediction. His work has influenced not only the academic community but also industries reliant on geophysical methods, from oil exploration to infrastructure development. The methodologies he has developed continue to be widely adopted, ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of critical resource exploration practices.

King Saud University | Saudi Arabia

      Profile

Scopus

📍Current Position and Responsibilities

Bashar Hazaea is currently a Geophysics Engineer based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with over five years of academic and professional experience in the field of geophysics. His expertise spans various geophysical techniques, including Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Seismic Refraction, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and Magnetic Surveys. Bashar plays a significant role in both academic research and practical applications of geophysical methods. His ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges makes him an invaluable asset to the geophysics community, particularly in projects related to groundwater exploration and geological surveys.

 

📝Publication Achievements and Research Focus

Bashar Hazaea has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications that focus on various geophysical methods and their applications. Some of his notable publications include: Uncertainty Reduction in Flood Susceptibility Mapping Using Random Forest and eXtreme Gradient Boosting Algorithms in Shibam and Marib, Yemen, Remote Sens. 2024, 16(2), 336. Groundwater Potentiality in Hard-Rock Terrain of Southern Saudi Arabia Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Elsevier, 2023. Exploratory Mapping of Geothermal Anomalies in the Neoproterozoic Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia Using Magnetic Data, Minerals 2023, 13(5), 694. Depicting Groundwater Potential in Hard Rocks of Southwestern Saudi Arabia Using Vertical Electrical Sounding, ScienceDirect, 2022. Near-Surface Groundwater Exploration Using the Geoelectrical Resistivity Method: A Case Study of Wadi Nisah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ScienceDirect, 2022.

 

🔍Ongoing Research and Interests

Bashar’s ongoing research explores advanced geophysical methods for groundwater exploration, particularly in regions with challenging geological formations. He is also working on improving geophysical mapping techniques for flood susceptibility and geothermal anomaly detection. His research efforts aim to refine and optimize methods like ERT and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) for more accurate subsurface characterization, which is critical for groundwater management and environmental studies.

Bashar Hazaea’s research interests lie primarily in applied geophysics, with a strong emphasis on groundwater exploration, seismic refraction techniques, and geophysical data interpretation. He is particularly interested in using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to assess groundwater potential in hard-rock terrains and exploring geothermal anomalies. Additionally, his work incorporates advanced data processing techniques, including machine learning algorithms, to enhance the accuracy and reliability of geophysical surveys.

 

🎓Academic Background

 Bashar holds a Master of Science (Pre-Courses) in Geophysics from King Saud University (2020-2022) and a Bachelor of Science in Geophysics from the same institution (2014-2019). His academic background in geophysics has provided him with a solid foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of the discipline. His studies have equipped him with the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges in geophysical data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

 

🏆Scholarships and Awards

Throughout his academic journey, Bashar has been recognized for his academic excellence and contributions to the geophysics field. He has received multiple scholarships and awards for his research, particularly for his work on groundwater potentiality mapping and his innovative applications of geophysical methods. These recognitions have enabled him to collaborate with leading experts in the field and continue his contributions to geophysical research.

 

bioinformatics

While not his primary focus, Bashar Hazaea has shown an increasing interest in incorporating bioinformatics principles into his geophysical research. By utilizing data analysis tools commonly used in bioinformatics, such as machine learning and statistical modeling, Bashar aims to improve geophysical data processing and interpretation. This interdisciplinary approach has allowed him to develop new methods for assessing subsurface conditions, particularly in complex geological environments.

 

🌐Professional Associations  and Training 

Bashar is an active member of several professional geophysics and geology organizations, including the Saudi Geological Society and the International Association of Geophysical Contractors. His involvement in these associations provides him with valuable networking opportunities and access to the latest developments in the geophysics community. He regularly attends and contributes to conferences, workshops, and seminars, where he shares his research findings and engages with other professionals in the field. Bashar has participated in and led numerous training programs and workshops throughout his career. His training experiences include comprehensive courses on geophysical methods, software applications, and data interpretation techniques. He has also trained students and professionals in the field, sharing his knowledge of geophysical surveys and their application to environmental and geological challenges.

 

🎤Oral Presentations and Workshops

As a researcher, Bashar has been invited to present his work at various conferences and seminars. His oral presentations cover topics ranging from groundwater exploration techniques to the use of geophysical methods in environmental monitoring. These presentations are well-received for their clarity, depth of analysis, and practical application of geophysical techniques to real-world problems.

 

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Throughout his career, Bashar has completed a wide range of tasks, including data collection, field surveys, and the development of new geophysical methods. He has worked on significant projects, such as the Saudi Dams Project and the King Fahd Dam project, where he applied techniques like ERT, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), and Electromagnetic (EM) methods to assess subsurface structures. His ability to manage complex field projects and analyze geophysical data has contributed to the success of numerous projects in the region.

 

🚀Success Factors 

Bashar’s success can be attributed to his strong technical expertise, his ability to apply advanced geophysical methods to real-world problems, and his dedication to continuous learning. His leadership skills in managing field projects and his proficiency with geophysical software have enabled him to excel in his career. Additionally, his commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing has fostered meaningful relationships with colleagues and industry professionals.

 

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

Bashar’s extensive publication record demonstrates his expertise in groundwater exploration and geophysical methods. His laboratory experience includes working with advanced geophysical equipment and software, as well as leading data analysis efforts for large-scale projects. His work in the lab has contributed to the development of new techniques and improved methods for geophysical data interpretation.

 

🔍 Conclusion

Bashar Hazaea is a highly accomplished geophysicist with a proven track record of success in both academic research and practical applications. His expertise in geophysical methods, coupled with his leadership skills and dedication to innovation, makes him a valuable asset to the field of geophysics. His ongoing research and contributions continue to shape the future of geophysical exploration, particularly in groundwater mapping and environmental monitoring.

 

📚Publications

  • Uncertainty Reduction in Flood Susceptibility Mapping Using Random Forest and eXtreme Gradient Boosting Algorithms in Two Tropical Desert Cities, Shibam and Marib, Yemen

    Author: Al-Aizari, A.R., Alzahrani, H., AlThuwaynee, O.F., Hazaea, B.Y., Liu, X.

    Journal: Remote Sensing

  • Groundwater potentiality in hard-rock terrain of southern Saudi Arabia using electrical resistivity tomography approach

    Author: Abdelrahman, K., Hazaea, S.A., Hazaea, B.Y., Abioui, M., Al-Awah, H.

    Journal: Journal of King Saud University – Science

  • Exploratory Mapping of the Geothermal Anomalies in the Neoproterozoic Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia, Using Magnetic Data

    Author: Abdelrahman, K., Ekwok, S.E., Ulem, C.A., Andráš, P., Akpan, A.E.

    Journal: Minerals

  • Depicting of groundwater potential in hard rocks of southwestern Saudi Arabia using the vertical electrical sounding approach

    Author: Alarifi, S.S., Abdelrahman, K., Hazaea, B.Y.

    Journal: Journal of King Saud University – Science

  • Near-surface groundwater exploration using the geoelectrical resistivity method: A case study of Wadi Nisah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Author: Alarifi, S.S., Abdelrahman, K., Hazaea, B.Y.

    Journal: Journal of King Saud University – Science