Chengxiang Ma | Strategic Planning | Business Strategy Innovator Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma | Strategic Planning | Business Strategy Innovator Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma | Strategic Planning | Business Strategy Innovator Award | Lecturer | Walailak University | Strategic Planning 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma is a multidisciplinary academic and sustainability scholar whose work bridges sustainable business development, tourism management, and cross-sector innovation, shaped by an international educational journey and diverse professional engagements. He holds a Doctoral degree in Sustainable Business Development from the Asian Institute of Technology, a Master’s degree in International Hospitality and Services Industries Management from the Glion Institute of Higher Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Thammasat University, forming a strong foundation for his research in post-pandemic economic transformation and responsible industry practices. Professionally, Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma serves as a Lecturer at Walailak University International College, Thailand, following previous academic service at Siam Technology College and significant managerial experience as a Village Training Manager with Club Med International Resort, where he applied human resource development, operational efficiency, and multicultural management principles in global hospitality environments. His research interests span Sustainable Development Goals, tourism innovation, digital transformation in cultural heritage, sustainable business models, cross-border e-commerce, education decision-making, and the integration of wellness and medical tourism into long-term sustainability strategies. He has demonstrated strong research skills in qualitative and interdisciplinary methodologies, strategic analysis, sustainability assessment, and industry-applied studies, supported by multiple publications indexed in Scopus and TCI. His scholarly contributions include work on disruptive technologies in tourism, the interdisciplinary impact of music education on learning outcomes, parental decision-making in international education, and the role of Mandarin proficiency in strengthening cross-border tourism and e-commerce ecosystems. Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma has also produced impactful research on agro-tourism, local food culture, and wellness tourism aligned with SDG-related goals, while his doctoral research contributed to innovative sustainable business model frameworks published in a Springer volume. His achievements during his Master’s thesis allowed Nestlé Professional to implement strategic recommendations that enhanced operational efficiency, sustainability, and market positioning within the hospitality sector. As an emerging scholar, he continues to build an impressive academic record with growing citations and notable international visibility. Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma’s career reflects dedication to sustainability-driven research, global education development, and the advancement of responsible tourism, positioning him as a promising academic leader committed to impactful research, student development, and long-term contributions to sustainable development across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Profile:  scopus

Featured Publications 

  1. Ma, C., Somrak, T., Manajit, S., & Gao, C. (2024). Exploring the potential synergy between disruptive technology and historical/cultural heritage in Thailand’s tourism industry for achieving sustainable development in the future. International Journal of Tourism Research. Published 2024. Citations: 1

  2. Ma, C., Wu, T., Gao, C., & Hu, Y. (2024). Challenges and opportunities for Chinese parents sending their children to study in Thailand, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches of music education and impacts on students’ learning ability. Revista Electronica De Leeme. Published 2024. Citations: 1

  3. Ma, C., Rattanaburi, K., & Gao, C. (2025). Burned out parents, educated kids? Navigating “Juan” culture: Decision-making-process and education in Thailand. International Journal of Educational Research Open. Published 2025. Citations: 1

  4. Ma, C., Bunkrong, D., & Gao, C. (2025). The Mandarin advantage: How Thai university students facilitate cross-border e-commerce for Chinese tourists in Thailand’s post-COVID recovering hospitality sector. Cogent Arts & Humanities. Published 2025. Citations: 1

  5. Ma, C., & Jurattanasan, A. (2023). Promoting conservation and sustainable use of natural resources through agro-tourism in Northeastern Thailand. Journal of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University. Published 2023. Citations: 1

  6. Ma, C., Gao, C., & Somrak, T. (2023). The role of Thai local herbs and ingredients in promoting post-pandemic wellness and medical tourism for sustainable development. PSU Medical Journal. Published 2023. Citations: 1

  7. Jurattanasan, A., & Ma, C. (2024). Promoting food tourism through local culinary storytelling in Southern Thailand: A case study of Gaeng Som Pla Kapong. Journal of Thai Food Culture. Published 2024. Citations: 1

 

Mudeer Khattak | Competitive Advantage | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr . Mudeer Khattak – Competitive Advantage – Best Researcher Award

Iqra University Islamabad Campus | Pakistan

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

He has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence from an early age. His educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, where he graduated in 2014. Recognizing his passion for finance, he pursued a Master of Science in Islamic Banking and Finance at the same university, completing his coursework in 2015. He further advanced his education by obtaining a Master in Islamic Finance from INCEIF University, Malaysia, in 2016, a program accredited by the AACSB. His academic pursuits culminated in a PhD in Finance from the University Kuala Lumpur Business School in 2020, where his doctoral thesis explored the “Competition-Stability Relationship in Dual Banking System: Evidence from Efficiency-Adjusted Market Power.”

Professional Endeavors

His professional journey is marked by significant contributions to academia and the field of finance. Since January 2021, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor at Iqra University Islamabad Campus, where he teaches a wide range of courses across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. These courses include Financial Management, Essentials of Islamic Finance, Investment Theory, Advanced Financial Management, and Advanced Statistical Modelling, among others.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has held several key administrative roles. He was the Head of the Department of Business Administration at Iqra University, where he also led the National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC) team. Moreover, he served as the Director of Research, overseeing research progress and facilitating high-quality research initiatives. His role as the interim head of the undergraduate department involved launching innovative programs such as the BS in Business Analytics and MSc in Finance and Technology.

he also holds an adjunct professorship at Taylor’s University, Malaysia, where he contributes to curriculum and course development and provides valuable insights from his extensive knowledge and experience in financial planning.

Contributions and Research Focus on Competitive Advantage

His research contributions are substantial, particularly in the field of Islamic finance and banking. He has published numerous papers in Scopus-indexed journals and ABDC and ABS-ranked journals. His research focuses on the stability and competition within dual banking systems, a topic he thoroughly examined in his doctoral thesis. his work has been presented at various international and local conferences, highlighting his active participation in the global academic community.

His research interests also include sustainable finance, financial technology (FinTech), and advanced financial management.  his dedication to research is evident from his role as a reviewer for prestigious academic journals and his involvement in various research committees at Iqra University.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional career, he has received numerous awards and scholarships. Notable among these is the Emerald Certificate of Excellence for his paper presentation at the 12th Foundation of Islamic Finance Conference (FIFC) in 2022. He was awarded the Yayasan Tengku Abdullah Scholarship for his PhD studies at University Kuala Lumpur and secured the “1st Runner Up” position at the 3-Minute Thesis Competition at the same university in 2017. His excellence in Islamic finance was recognized with the INCEIF Scholarship Award for his master’s degree.

Impact and Influence

His impact on the academic and professional community is profound. His leadership roles at Iqra University have been instrumental in enhancing the quality of business education and research. He has successfully led accreditation efforts, ensuring that the programs meet the highest standards. his influence extends beyond his university as he actively participates in shaping the curriculum and strategic direction of financial education programs at Taylor’s University.

His contributions to research have provided valuable insights into the dynamics of Islamic finance and banking, influencing both academic discourse and practical applications in the field. By mentoring students and junior faculty, he fosters a culture of academic rigor and innovation.

Legacy and Future Contributions

His legacy is built on his unwavering dedication to academic excellence, research, and professional development. His work has not only advanced the field of Islamic finance but also set a high standard for business education and research. Moving forward, he aims to continue his research in sustainable finance and financial technology, areas that are crucial for the future of the global financial system.

He is committed to nurturing the next generation of finance professionals and academics through his teaching and mentorship. his vision for the future includes expanding his research to address emerging challenges in finance and contributing to the development of innovative solutions that promote stability and growth in the financial sector.

In conclusion, his academic profile is a testament to his significant contributions to education, research, and professional practice in the field of finance. His achievements and ongoing efforts continue to inspire and influence the academic community and the financial industry at large.

Citations

Citations      351

h-index        9

i10-index    9

Notable Publications