Majdi Anwar Quttainah | Sustainablity | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Majdi Anwar Quttainah | Sustainablity | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Majdi Anwar Quttainah | Sustainablity | Associate Professor at Kuwait University | Kuwait

Assoc Prof Dr. Majdi Anwar Quttainah is a distinguished scholar in corporate governance, strategic management, managerial behavior, and sustainability, widely recognized for his influential research contributions and strong international academic presence. He has built an exceptional academic trajectory grounded in rigorous scholarship, extensive global collaborations, and impactful research that advances the understanding of governance practices, ethics, and organizational behavior, particularly within the context of Islamic banking and emerging markets. Educated at reputable institutions, Majdi Anwar Quttainah completed his advanced academic training culminating in a doctoral degree that shaped his research interests in strategic decision-making, corporate ethics, upper-echelon theory, and digital transformation in business environments. He has served in significant academic roles, contributing to both teaching and research excellence at the College of Business Administration, Kuwait University, where he actively mentors students, engages in curriculum development, and leads research initiatives that promote responsible management and sustainable business practices. His professional experience includes collaborative projects with Sustainablity internationally renowned scholars from top institutions such as King’s College London, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Halmstad University, Liwa University, and the University of Nottingham, establishing him as a key contributor to global discussions on governance, accountability, innovation capacity, and organizational performance. His research interests span corporate governance mechanisms, sustainability integration, managerial behavior, organizational change, ethics in financial institutions, and the strategic role of leadership in shaping firm outcomes. He demonstrates strong research skills in empirical modeling, qualitative analysis, cross-cultural comparative research

Academic Profile: ORCID | Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

  1. Quttainah, M. A., Song, L., & Wu, Q. (2013). Do Islamic banks employ less earnings management? Journal of International Financial Management & Accounting. (Cited 271 times)

  2. Almutairi, A. R., & Quttainah, M. A. (2017). Corporate governance: Evidence from Islamic banks. Social Responsibility Journal. (Cited 222 times)

  3. Judge, W. Q., Hu, H. W., Gabrielsson, J., Talaulicar, T., Witt, M. A., Zattoni, A., … Quttainah, M. A. (2015). Configurations of capacity for change in entrepreneurial threshold firms. Journal of Management Studies. (Cited 118 times)

  4. Quttainah, M. A., & Almutairi, A. R. (2017). Corporate ethics: Evidence from Islamic banks. Journal of Management & Governance. (Cited 62 times)

  5. Almutairi, A. R., & Quttainah, M. A. (2019). Corporate governance and accounting conservatism in Islamic banks. Thunderbird International Business Review. (Cited 56 times)

 

Ivona Gudac Hodanić | Sustainability Strategies | Best Review Paper Award

Dr. Ivona Gudac Hodanić | Sustainability Strategies | Best Review Paper Award 

Ivona Gudac Hodanić | Expono d.o.o. | Croatia 

Ivona Gudac Hodanić is a Croatian civil engineer and researcher with extensive experience in architectural and construction project management. She has built a versatile career that bridges the technical, creative, and administrative dimensions of engineering practice. Currently serving as a Project Associate at EXPONO d.o.o., she contributes to architectural design development, technical documentation, and project coordination, ensuring compliance with building standards and regulations. Her role integrates multidisciplinary collaboration between architecture and construction, enhancing project functionality, aesthetics, and technical feasibility. Beyond design, she plays an important part in administrative operations, including bid preparation for public tenders, documentation management, and communication with investors and institutions. Earlier in her career, Ivona served as a teaching and research assistant at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka. Fluent in English and proficient in several other languages, she combines strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills with advanced technical proficiency in software tools such as AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Microsoft Office, and project management applications. With her balanced background in academia, research, and professional practice, Ivona contributes to advancing sustainable and efficient construction practices. Her scholarly record includes 2 indexed publications with 13 citations across 13 documents, reflecting her growing influence in the field. She holds an h-index of 2. Ivona holds a Doctor of Science degree from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, where her doctoral research focused on developing a model for assessing the lifecycle costs of pontoons to support marina management systems. She also earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Rijeka. Her additional professional training covers internal auditing, public procurement, project management, and leadership development.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications : 

Gudac, I., Marović, I., & Hanak, T. (2014). Sustainable optimization of winter road maintenance services under real-time information. Procedia Engineering, 85, 183–192.

Car-Pušić, D., Marović, I., & Gudac, I. (2010). You will be able to organize your own projects and programs in the future. Zbornik radova (Građevinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci), 13, 225–243.

Marović, I., Bošković, D., & Gudac, I. (2012). Process approach in modeling Croatian construction contract management practice. International Journal for Engineering Modeling, 25(1–4), 19–26.

Car-Pušić, D., Marović, I., & Gudac, I. (2014). Comparison of budget and PPP model in financing public structures in posttransition environment. In Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference “People, Buildings and Environment” (pp. 90–99).

Car-Pušić, D., Marović, I., Gudac, I., & Medvedec, D. (2015). Prioritization of public investment projects: Case study of GSC portfolio. In Proceedings of the 34th International Conference on Organization and Technology in Construction.

Krzysztof Podwysocki | Environmental Analysis | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Krzysztof Podwysocki | Environmental Analysis | Young Scientist Award 

Krzysztof Podwysocki | State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre | Lithuania 

Dr. Krzysztof Podwysocki is a dedicated researcher at the Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology of Hydrobionts, State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre in Vilnius, Lithuania. He is a biologist whose work focuses on invasion ecology and crustacean biology, with particular expertise in the behavioral and physiological mechanisms underlying species invasions. He earned his doctoral degree in biology from the University of Lodz in Poland, where his research explored the invasion potential of genetically distinct populations of the amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus. His academic journey has been defined by an integrative approach that combines experimental ecology, morphology, and biogeography to understand species interactions and the ecological success of invasive organisms. Dr. Podwysocki’s research has made important contributions to the understanding of invasion mechanisms in aquatic ecosystems. His studies have shown how population-level variation shapes dispersal patterns, feeding behavior, and environmental adaptability in invasive amphipods. By revealing how genetic differences influence invasion potential and hybridization outcomes, his work supports the development of predictive models that can anticipate the spread of invasive species. His experimental work has connected physiological and morphological traits, such as exoskeleton strength and mouthpart structure, to ecological performance and competitive dominance. With a growing research portfolio, Dr. Podwysocki has authored several publications indexed in international databases such as Scopus and SCI, where he holds 12 citations across 9 documents with an h-index of 2. His scholarly contributions reflect a strong focus on advancing ecological understanding and improving predictive frameworks for managing invasive species.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Linked In 

Featured Publications : 

Podwysocki, K., Desiderato, A., Szczerkowska-Majchrzak, E., Jermacz, Ł., Kobak, J., Bącela-Spychalska, K., & Rewicz, T. (2025, November). Population-dependent dispersal potential of freshwater invasive amphipods: A case study of Dikerogammarus villosus. Animal Behaviour.

Jermacz, Ł., Podwysocki, K., Desiderato, A., Bącela‐Spychalska, K., Rewicz, T., Szczerkowska‐Majchrzak, E., Augustyniak, M., Gjoni, V., & Kobak, J. (2025, September). The same species, not the same invader: Metabolic responses of genetically distinct invasive populations of Dikerogammarus villosus and their intraspecific hybrid to environmental stresses. Journal of Animal Ecology.

Podwysocki, K., Bącela-Spychalska, K., Desiderato, A., Rewicz, T., & Copilaş-Ciocianu, D. (2025, May). Environment, intraspecific lineages and geographic range jointly shape the high morphological variability of Dikerogammarus villosus (Sowinsky, 1894) (Crustacea, Amphipoda): A successful aquatic invader across Europe. Hydrobiologia.

Podwysocki, K., Szczerkowska‐Majchrzak, E., Jermacz, Ł., Kobak, J., Bącela‐Spychalska, K., Rewicz, T., & Desiderato, A. (2025, March). Predation or omnivory—Two different feeding patterns displayed by two intraspecific groups of the invasive Ponto–Caspian amphipod—Dikerogammarus villosus. Freshwater Biology.

Podwysocki, K., Pabis, K., Palero, F., Błażewicz, M., & Serigstad, B. (2024, April). Low abundance and high patchiness of decapod fauna sampled with van Veen grab on the West African continental margin (Gulf of Guinea, Ghana). Oceanologia.

Adil Zareef Khan | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Adil Zareef Khan | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Adil Zareef Khan | Chung Yuan Christian university | Taiwan

Mr. Adil Zareef Khan is a motivated and research-oriented professional currently pursuing a PhD in International Trade and Economics at Chung Yuan Christian University in Taiwan. With a strong academic foundation in commerce and project management, he has developed expertise in areas such as risk management, financial management, procurement, human resource management, quality management, and supply chain decision-making. His research interests lie at the intersection of leadership, project innovativeness, organizational behavior, and international trade policies, with several publications focusing on spiritual, ethical, servant, and inclusive leadership and their influence on project success, creativity, and team cohesion. In addition, he has contributed research examining the global impact of trade policies, including tariff dynamics. Alongside his academic journey, he has worked as a research assistant in the field of international trade and economics, gaining experience in research coordination, data handling, and scholarly writing. His professional career also includes serving as a law officer, where he dealt with legal suits, advised decision-makers, and managed human resources, as well as teaching as a visiting lecturer at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He has participated in international research conferences and has been recognized with scholarships and research assistantships for academic excellence. Beyond his academic and professional roles, he has honed skills in office administration, project coordination, document management, business communication, and legal and compliance insight, supported by certifications in project management and human resources from international institutions.

Featured Publications : 

Khan, A. Z., & Lee, C. W. (2025). The impact of Trump’s tariff policies on global trade dynamics: A case study of major US trade partners. International Journal of Business and Economic Affairs, 10(1), 62–71.

Lee, C. W., & Khan, A. Z. (2024). Ethical leadership and servant leadership on team creativity: Task interdependencies as a moderating role. International Journal of Business and Economic Affairs, 9(3), 69–80.

Khan, A. Z., & Lee, C. W. (2025). Exploring leadership’s role in sustainable development: The moderating impact of community involvement in SMEs across Pakistan, India, and Taiwan. Sustainability, 17(16), 7384.

Lee, C. W., Khan, A. Z., & Liu, P. T. (2025). CSR and job satisfaction in Pakistan’s construction sector: The roles of organizational commitment and perceived support. Human Resources Management and Services, 7(2), 4446–4446.

Javed, A., Ibrahim, M. Y., Ngah, A. H., Zafar, M. J., Hammad, M., Khan, A. Z., & Mir, F. (2025). Impact of inclusive leadership on project success—with mediating role of organizational commitment and top management support as moderator: A systematic literature review. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(8), 2025250–2025250.

RAJAH RASIAH | Sustainable development | Best Researcher Award

Prof. RAJAH RASIAH – Sustainable development  – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Rajah Rasiah’s pioneering research on technology, industrial policies, and their link to development makes him an ideal candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work exemplifies excellence in innovation, sustainable development, and the ability to influence global change. The breadth and depth of his contributions make him a standout nominee in the field of international development.

 

Universiti Malaya | Malaysia

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Rajah Rasiah’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to understanding complex global economic phenomena. He pursued his foundational education in social sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), where he earned a Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) in Management. His thirst for knowledge led him to further study, earning a Master of Social Science (MSocSc) from the same institution. However, it was his Ph.D. in Economics from the prestigious Cambridge University, awarded in 1992, that propelled him to the forefront of economic thought. This early academic background laid the foundation for his subsequent contributions to the field of development economics, particularly in technology, industrial policy, and international development.

 

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Throughout his career, Rajah Rasiah has held multiple leadership positions, notably as the Distinguished Professor of Economics at the Asia Europe Institute, University of Malaya. He has been an influential figure in shaping academic discourse and policy through his roles, such as the first holder of the Khazanah Nasional Chair of Regulatory Studies and Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administration at the University of Malaya. Beyond his administrative roles, Rasiah has contributed to various academic and research institutions globally. His distinguished career includes serving as a Professorial Fellow at UNU-MERIT, Senior Research Associate at the Technology Management and Development Centre at Oxford University, and a Professorial Fellow at the Centre for Rising Powers at Cambridge University. Rasiah’s contributions to academia are extensive, having delivered lectures at numerous prestigious universities worldwide, including Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and Columbia. He has become a key figure in the international academic community, sharing his knowledge on development, technology, and industrial policy across continents.

 

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Climate change

Rajah Rasiah’s research primarily focuses on technology, industrial policy, and their link to development. His seminal work has significantly influenced the understanding of how technology adoption and industrial policies shape the economic landscape, particularly in developing countries. He has conceptualized technology as a crucial driver for economic progress and has developed methodologies for assessing technological capabilities, industrial clustering, and the dynamics of foreign investment. Rasiah’s policy-oriented research has led to commissions by international organizations such as the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), World Bank, and Asian Development Bank. His contributions to guiding industrial policy in the Global South, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, are notable. He has authored pivotal reports for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the UNESCO Science Report, showcasing his influence in shaping global industrial strategies.

 

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Rajah Rasiah’s academic and professional contributions have been widely recognized. In 2014, he received the prestigious Celso Furtado prize from the World Academy of Sciences, which honors his advancement of social science thought. This recognition was further cemented when Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education awarded him the title of Distinguished Professor in Economics in 2017, an acknowledgment of his outstanding scholarly work. The Merdeka (Independence) Award for academic excellence, conferred upon him in 2018, serves as a testament to the lasting impact he has had on Malaysia’s academic and economic development.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Rasiah’s research has had a profound impact not only on academic scholarship but also on policy-making in developing countries. His work on industrial policy, technology development, and innovation has influenced government strategies in emerging economies, particularly in Asia. His ability to bridge the gap between academia and policy has made him a sought-after advisor to international organizations like the UN, World Bank, and ADB. Furthermore, his contributions to the global discourse on technology and development have helped shape international development agendas, particularly in the context of South-South cooperation. Beyond the classroom and policy circles, Rasiah’s influence extends to academia globally. His research has been published in over 280 international journals, making him one of the most prolific economists in his field. His academic leadership at the Asia Europe Institute, University of Malaya, has helped shape the next generation of economists, fostering a legacy of excellence in economic research and policy analysis.

 

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Rajah Rasiah’s legacy lies not only in his scholarly work but also in his dedication to the development of economic thought, especially within the context of international development and technology. His pioneering methodologies for assessing industrial capabilities and his focus on the intersection of technology and economic development have left an indelible mark on the field. As an academic leader, Rasiah continues to shape the future of economic thought. His ongoing work at the University of Malaya, coupled with his numerous advisory roles in global institutions, ensures that his influence will endure. Looking ahead, Rasiah’s focus on the challenges of globalization, technology, and development in the Global South will remain vital in addressing pressing economic issues of our time.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rajah Rasiah’s journey from a student at Universiti Sains Malaysia to a globally recognized economist and academic leader is a remarkable testament to his contributions to the field of economics. Through his extensive research, policy work, and leadership roles, he has significantly influenced global economic development strategies, particularly in the Global South. His legacy continues to shape economic thought and policy, ensuring his impact will be felt for generations to come

📚Publications

  • What are the Current Determinants that Influence the Total Amount of Greenhouse Gases Produced by Selected Asian Nations?

    Authors:  Alaganthiran, J.R., Chenayah, S., Rasiah, R.

    Journals: Institutions and Economies

  • Fostering Inclusive Green Growth in Chinese Cities: Investigating the Role of Artificial Intelligence

    Authors:  Fu, H., Rasiah, R.

    Journals: Sustainability (Switzerland)

  • Can ESG Disclosure Stimulate Corporations’ Sustainable Green Innovation Efforts? Evidence from China

    Authors:  Li, M., Rasiah, R.

    Journals: Sustainability (Switzerland)

  • Do CEOs’ and board directors’ environmental governance experience, corporations’ age and financial performance influence adoption of green management practices? A study of energy-intensive industries in Malaysia

    Authors:  Jaaffar, A.H., Rasiah, R., Osabohien, R., Amran, A.

    Journals: Energy Efficiency

  • The Influence of Psychological Factors on Consumer Purchase Intention for Electric Vehicles: Case Study from China: Integrating the Necessary Condition Analysis Methodology from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory

    Authors:  Zhao, H., Furuoka, F., Rasiah, R.

    Journals: World Electric Vehicle Journal

jiaxi wu | Environmental management and green development | Best Researcher Award

Ms. jiaxi wu – management and green development  – Best Researcher Award

China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing | China

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Education and Training

He embarked on her academic journey with a solid foundation in finance and international business. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, where she majored in Finance and minored in International Business. This multidisciplinary approach equipped her with a robust understanding of global financial systems and business dynamics. Driven by a passion for innovation and technology, she pursued a master’s degree at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, majoring in E-commerce and Engineering Management. Her master’s studies deepened her understanding of the intersection between technology and business, paving the way for her future research endeavors.

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Academic Positions

His professional journey is marked by her commitment to academic excellence and her pursuit of impactful research. She is currently in the final year of her PhD at the China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, focusing on environmental management and green development. Her research interests are centered around ecological economics and enterprise innovation management. Throughout her academic career, He has demonstrated a remarkable ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical solutions for contemporary environmental challenges.

 

Contributions and Research Focus on management and green development📚

Research and Innovations

He has made significant contributions to the field of environmental management and green development. Her research is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, combining elements of ecological economics and enterprise innovation management. She has authored a total of 13 papers in SCI/SSCI journals, with several publications in leading SCI TOP journals. Notably, one of her papers has been rated 3-star ABS, highlighting the quality and impact of her work. his research projects are diverse, addressing various aspects of environmental management, including sustainability practices, green technologies, and policy implications.

 

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

His academic excellence has been recognized through various accolades and awards. She has been awarded the second school-level scholarships at the China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, a testament to her dedication and scholarly achievements. In addition to her research publications, he serves as an anonymous reviewer for prestigious journals such as Energy Efficiency and Food Policy, further demonstrating her expertise and contributions to the academic community. Her work has garnered high citations, reflecting its significance and influence in the field.

 Impact and Influence 🌍

Community Impact

His research has had a profound impact on the field of environmental management and green development. Her work on ecological economics and enterprise innovation management has provided valuable insights into sustainable practices and their implementation in various industries. By exploring the economic and managerial aspects of environmental sustainability, he has contributed to a better understanding of how businesses can adopt green practices while maintaining economic viability. Her research has influenced policy discussions and decision-making processes, highlighting the importance of integrating environmental considerations into business strategies.

 Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Future Contributions

As he approaches the culmination of her PhD journey, her legacy in the field of environmental management and green development is already well-established. Her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to impactful research have set a high standard for future scholars. Looking ahead, he aims to continue her research and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges. Her future contributions are expected to further bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications, fostering a more sustainable and resilient world.

 

Notable Publications