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

Bilel JARRAYA | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bilel JARRAYA – Sustainability – Best Researcher Award

Qassim University | Saudi Arabia

      Profile

Scopus

Orcid

📍Current Position

Xiaodong Marcus Li is a distinguished Ph.D. candidate at Sun Yat-sen University, specializing in Business Administration under the guidance of Professor Kang Xie. His doctoral research focuses on exploring the mechanisms behind user potential creativity and its impact on product innovation through digital technologies.

 

📝Publication Achievements

Xiaodong has a prolific publication record, including high-impact journals such as: Journal of Business Research: Examining user-led and firm-led participation in product innovation. China Industrial Economics: Analyzing user creativity and its role in digital product innovation.

Other notable works are under review in leading journals like the Strategic Management Journal, Information Systems Journal, and Technovation, showcasing his contributions to user engagement, digital technology, and product strategies.

 

🔍Ongoing Research

Xiaodong’s ongoing projects include: Investigating how digital technologies like AI and data analytics influence firm-user interactions. Unraveling the asymmetric value of AI in product strategy for market competitiveness. Advancing theories on digital innovation tools and their affordances for product innovation.

 

🔬 Research Interests

His core research interests lie in: Digital Transformation and Innovation Firm-User Interaction Human-AI Collaboration Digital Technology Application and Management

 

🎓Academic Background

Ph.D. in Business Administration (Sun Yat-sen University): Recognized for academic excellence, ranked 1st in the entrance examination, and recipient of the Freshman Scholarship and University-level scholarships for five consecutive years.

Doctoral Dissertation: A Mechanism Study on the Impact of User Potential Creativity on Product Innovation Based on Digital Technology.

Bachelor in Engineering (Central South University): Part of the prestigious Excellence Engineer Program, ranked 3rd in his major, and recipient of numerous accolades, including the Daye Nonferrous Metals Second-Class Scholarship.

 

🏆Scholarships and Awards

Multiple University-level Scholarships over nine academic years. Recognition for his academic distinction and leadership in innovation and digital transformation studies.

 

🧬Bioinformatics 

Xiaodong demonstrates proficiency in applying advanced algorithms like Transformer, BiLSTM, and BERT for developing vertical domain knowledge graphs and conducting data-driven research for practical business decision-making.

 

🌐Professional Associations 

Active contributor to professional forums like the China Information Economics Society and Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems (PACIS). Participant in collaborative research initiatives funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

 

 📚Training & Workshops 

Hands-on experience in AI algorithms and digital analytics through internships with Midea Group and Sophia Group. Attended workshops on Innovation Management and Digital Technology Applications.

 

🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

Xiaodong has presented at esteemed conferences, including: 2023 China Information Economics Society Annual Conference: Discussed digital technology and user creativity. 2023 China Forum on Qualitative Research in Management: Delivered insights on generative service innovation. PACIS 2022: Highlighted user participation modes in product innovation.

 

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Designed advanced methodologies to study firm-user interactions. Published groundbreaking findings in highly ranked journals (ABS 4, FT50). Enhanced real-world digital innovation through internships and collaborative projects.

 

🚀Success Factors 

Xiaodong’s academic and professional success stems from: Strong analytical skills and proficiency in tools like Python, Stata, R, and MATLAB. Expertise in data mining, text analysis, and machine learning. Leadership roles as a teaching assistant and class monitor, coupled with excellent communication and teamwork.

 

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

Xiaodong combines theoretical insights with hands-on laboratory work to bridge the gap between academic research and practical innovation. His studies on user creativity, supported by real-world applications in AI and digital tools, stand as a testament to his pioneering spirit.

 

🔍 Conclusion

With an impressive academic trajectory and impactful contributions to digital transformation, Xiaodong Marcus Li continues to inspire innovation in firm-user collaboration. His work underscores the potential of digital technologies to reshape product development and business strategies.

📚Publications

The Role of Environmental Innovation and Green Energy Deployment in Environmental Protection: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

       Author:  Kahia, M., Jarraya, B., kahouli, B., Omri, A.

       Journal:  Journal of the Knowledge EconomyThis link is disabled.,

Analyzing the Profitability and Efficiency in European Non-Life Insurance Industry

       Author:  Jarraya, B., Afi, H., Omri, A.

       Journal:  Methodology and Computing in Applied ProbabilityThis link is disabled.,

Do Environmental Innovation and Green Energy Matter for Environmental Sustainability? Evidence from Saudi Arabia (1990–2018)

       Author:  Kahia, M., Jarraya, B., Kahouli, B., Omri, A.

       Journal:  EnergiesThis link is disabled.,

Do board characteristics and ownership structure matter for bank non-performing loans? Empirical evidence from US commercial banks

        Author:  Tarchouna, A., Jarraya, B., Bouri, A.

        Journal:  Journal of Management and GovernanceThis link is disabled.,

Determinants of technical efficiency of Islamic banks in GCC countries

       Author:  Ben Mohamed, E., Meshabet, N., Jarraya, B.

       Journal:  Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business ResearchThis link is disabled.,

Fatemeh Pourhossein Alamdari | Circular economy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fatemeh Pourhossein Alamdari – Circular economy – Best Researcher Award

Coventry university  | United Kingdom

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Education and Training

Her journey into the field of bioengineering and biotechnology began with a strong foundation in chemical engineering and biotechnology. She earned her Ph.D. in chemical engineering-biotechnology from Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Iran, in 2020. Her doctoral research focused on metal recovery from LED waste, which won her accolades for its innovative approach and significant contributions to the field. During her Ph.D., she secured funding from various grants, enabling her to conduct research at Università Politechnica delle Marche, Italy, where she gained insights into sustainable metal bio-recycling..

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Academic Positions

Upon completing her Ph.D., she held post-doctoral research positions at TMU from 2020 to 2023. During this period, she led several impactful projects on e-waste bioleaching. In 2023, she joined Coventry University’s Centre for Health and Life Science as a Research Fellow in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. Her role involves supervising M.Sc. and Ph.D. projects focused on optimizing metal bio-extraction from discarded electronics, reflecting her commitment to advancing sustainable waste management solutions

Contributions and Research Focus on Circular economy 📚

  • she has made significant contributions to the field of bioengineering and biotechnology, particularly in metals bioleaching from e-waste. Her expertise spans microbiology, biotechnology, chemistry, and biochemistry. She has been involved in numerous research projects, some of which include:
    1. Bioleaching of heavy and precious metals from LED lamps waste (2018): This Ph.D. research project was funded by INSF and BDCI.
    2. Rapid and selective bio-dissolution of gold from printed circuit boards waste (2022): A post-doctoral research project funded by INSF.
    3. Evaluation of bio-dissolution mechanism of REEs (Nd and Pr) from LED waste (2023): A Master’s project.
    4. Biological leaching of valuable metals from electronic waste using biochar (2018): A Master’s project.
    5. Bacterial leaching of zinc and manganese from spent button cells (2017): A Master’s project.
    6. Bioleaching of indium from Cell Phones Touchscreens (2016): A Master’s project.

    Currently, she is working on two major projects:

    1. Extraction of heavy metals from incinerated bottom ash by bioleaching process (EBNET).
    2. Bioleaching of cobalt, nickel, cerium, and lanthanum from the cathode of spent nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries (Ni-MH).

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Her work has earned her significant recognition in the scientific community. She has published numerous articles in high-impact journals, with a citation index of 470 and an h-index of 11. Some of her notable publications include:

  1. Investigating the acidophilic microbial community’s adaptation for enhancement indium bioleaching from high pulp density shredded discarded LCD panels (2024).
  2. Improvement of gold bioleaching extraction from waste telecommunication printed circuit boards using biogenic thiosulfate by Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans (2023).
  3. Bioleaching of indium from spent light-emitting diode monitors and selective recovery followed by solvent extraction (2023).
  4. A novel rapid and selective microbially thiosulfate bioleaching of precious metals from discarded telecommunication printed circuited boards (TPCBs) (2022).
  5. Innovative bio-acid leaching method for high recovery of critical metals from end-of-life light emitting diodes (2022).

 Impact and Influence 🌍

Community Impact

Her research has had a profound impact on the field of bioleaching and e-waste management. Her work on sustainable metal bio-recycling has contributed to the development of environmentally friendly and cost-effective methods for metal recovery. Her research projects have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also provided practical solutions for managing electronic waste, which is a growing environmental concern.

 Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

    • Her dedication to research and innovation ensures that her contributions will have a lasting impact on the field of bioengineering and biotechnology. Her ongoing projects and future research endeavors aim to further enhance sustainable practices in waste management and resource recovery. As a mentor and supervisor to M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, she is also shaping the next generation of scientists and researchers in this critical field.

Citations

Citations    444

h-index      11

i10-index    11

Notable Publications