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)

 

Raphael Bar El | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Raphael Bar El | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award 

Professor | Ben-Gurion University of the Negev | Israel

Prof. Raphael Bar El is a distinguished economist and innovation scholar recognized for his extensive contributions to the fields of regional development, innovation policy, and public management. His research focuses on innovation systems, entrepreneurship, and the strategic interplay between economic policy and regional growth. Professor Bar-El has authored and edited several influential books, such as Regional Development and Conflict Management: A Case for Brazil, Desenvolvimento Econômico Regional para a Redução da Pobreza e Desigualdade, Industrialização Rural no Nordeste, and The Economic Development of the Arab Sector in Israel. His academic publications have appeared in leading volumes and journals, addressing topics such as under-investment in innovative enterprises, the spatial distribution of high-tech industries, and socio-economic policy frameworks for conflict regions. Professor Bar-El’s leadership extends beyond academia to public service and international development. He has served as Director of the National and Economic Planning Authority at the Ministry of Economy and Planning and as Director General of the Development Study Center. As the Founder and President of the Israeli Regional Science Association, he has played a pioneering role in advancing regional science and innovation policy in Israel and abroad. His expertise has been sought by numerous international organizations and governments, including the World Bank, UNDP, and various ministries across Latin America, Africa, and Europe, where he has led and advised more than thirty major development and innovation projects. With an academic record comprising 56 documents, 387 citations across 328 publications, and an h-index of 11, Professor Bar-El continues to influence policy thinking and academic discourse on regional innovation and sustainable economic development. His long-standing commitment to integrating theory with practical policy solutions has positioned him as a leading voice in shaping innovation ecosystems and fostering socio-economic growth across diverse regions.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications :

Bar-El, R., Gavious, I., Kaufmann, D., & Schwartz, D. (2017). Under-investments in innovative SMEs: The effect of entrepreneurial cognitive bias. In K. O. Lundvall & P. Nielsen (Eds.), Human capital and assets in the networked world.

Schwartz, D., Avnimelech, G., & Bar-El, R. (2012). The location of knowledge economy and high-tech in Israel. In J. K. Gibson-Graham & G. Roelvink (Eds.), Societies in motion: Innovation, migration and regional transformation.

Bar-El, R. (2014). Economic considerations in implementing a parallel states structure. In M. Cohen & C. Scheindlin (Eds.), One land, two states: Israel and Palestine as parallel states University of California Press.

Bar-El, R., & Co-authors. (2024). Can the periphery survive innovation-led growth? Insights from Israel. Regional Studies, Regional Science.

Bar-El, R., & Co-authors. (2022). Adapting reverse mentoring strategy to SMEs: A new pilot model implemented in Brazil. Sustainability.

Linda Weintraub | Sustainability Strategies | Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award

Ms. Linda Weintraub | Sustainability Strategies | Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award 

Linda Weintraub | Hartford University | United States 

Ms. Linda Weintraub is an influential author, curator, artist, educator, and homesteader whose work bridges contemporary art, ecology, and environmental ethics. With academic training in fine arts from Rutgers University, she has spent decades shaping the discourse around eco-art and sustainable creative practices. Her teaching career spans several distinguished institutions, where she inspired generations of artists through an environmentally conscious and interdisciplinary approach to art education. She has lectured and held academic appointments at colleges and universities across the United States, nurturing an understanding of art as a catalyst for ecological awareness and cultural transformation. Weintraub’s leadership in museum and curatorial practice has been equally significant. As director and curator at leading art centers and institutes, she organized numerous exhibitions that explored the intersection of art, nature, and sustainability. Her curatorial vision often foregrounds the material, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of artistic practice, inviting audiences to reflect on their relationship with the natural world. Through her exhibitions, she has elevated eco-art from a marginal concern to a central theme in contemporary artistic discourse. With a scholarly record of 10 publications, 98 citations across 96 documents, and an h-index of 2, Linda Weintraub’s contributions resonate across disciplines. Her lifelong commitment to integrating art with environmental consciousness has established her as a pioneering voice in contemporary eco-art, education, and curatorial practice—demonstrating that art, at its most transformative, is a dialogue with life itself. Beyond writing and curation, Weintraub is an active artist whose installations and participatory works embody her philosophy of ecological interdependence. Her art engages themes of consumption, decay, regeneration, and multispecies relationships, offering audiences immersive experiences that challenge conventional boundaries between human and non-human life. Through exhibitions and public lectures, she continues to inspire critical thought and creative action toward a more sustainable future.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications :

Weintraub, L. (1996). Art on the edge and over: Searching for art’s meaning in contemporary society (with A. Danto & T. McEvilley). Art Insights.

Weintraub, L. (2003). In the making: Creative options for contemporary art. D.A.P. / Thames & Hudson.

Weintraub, L. (2012). To life! Eco art in pursuit of a sustainable planet. University of California Press.

Weintraub, L. (2019). What’s next? Eco materialism & contemporary art. Intellect Books / University of Chicago Press.

Weintraub, L. (2024). Beyond death: Reflections on the afterlife. Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts.

Jagdish Lohar | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jagdish Lohar | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award  

Research Scholar at Malaviya National Institute of Technology | India 

Mr. Jagdish Lohar is an accomplished civil engineer and researcher with extensive academic and professional experience in the field of geotechnical and structural engineering. He has pursued advanced studies, including a doctoral program focused on utilizing dimensional stone industry waste as a sustainable fill material in reinforced soil structures. His academic journey also includes a master’s degree in structural engineering where he explored fiber-reinforced compressed earth blocks, and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. With over four years of teaching experience at various engineering institutions, he has contributed to shaping the next generation of engineers. His research work has resulted in numerous publications, with more than 35 citations from 25 scholarly documents, and a recognized h-index of 3, and authorship across 10 documents, reflecting the impact and relevance of his contributions. His work emphasizes sustainable and innovative practices, such as the beneficial use of industrial wastes in construction and geotechnical applications. His studies have been featured in high-impact journals and indexed databases, addressing environmental, geotechnical, and economic aspects of civil engineering materials. In addition to his research, Jagdish holds several patents, including granted and filed inventions related to construction technology and materials testing, highlighting his dedication to translating academic knowledge into practical applications. He has also been actively involved in delivering expert sessions on intellectual property, sustainable construction, and geotechnical innovations, promoting awareness and development within the engineering community. His scholarly contributions and commitment to sustainable engineering practices have positioned him as a respected voice in his field, making significant advancements toward environmentally responsible construction solutions and innovative material utilization.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications:   

Solanki, T., Shrivastava, N., & Lohar, J. (2025). Enhancing subgrade stability of black cotton soil using RO membrane as geo-reinforcement. In Advances in Geotechnical Engineering (pp. 1–).

Lohar, J., & Shrivastava, N. (2025). Feasibility of marble processing waste as non-conventional fill in geotechnical applications. Journal of Mining and Environment, 16(1), 15–38.

Lohar, J., Lauhar, N., & Sain, A. (2025). Valorizing marble processing waste in fiber-reinforced cement-stabilized compressed earth blocks: Toward environmental sustainability. Journal of Structural Design and Construction Practice, 30(4), 04025064.

Lohar, J., & Shrivastava, N. (2025). Granite processing waste as sustainable structural fill in reinforced soil structures: A techno-economic analysis. Construction and Building Materials, 491, 142800.

Lohar, J., & Shrivastava, N. (2025). Beneficial use of dimensional stone industry wastes in geotechnical fills: Geotechnical, environmental and economic perspectives. Resources Policy, 101, 105465.

Hassan Mousa | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Hassan Mousa | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Hassan Mousa, Jeddah international College, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Hassan Mosa 🇱🇧, born in 1980, is a distinguished Lebanese academic and sustainability consultant with a global footprint in finance and education. Currently serving as a lecturer and head of the Postgraduate Unit at Jeddah International College, Dr. Mosa combines academic excellence with practical expertise. His extensive teaching portfolio spans institutions such as Lambton College (Canada), Dar Al-Hekma, and the University of Business and Technology (UBT). He is also a renowned consultant, advising global firms like Arthur D. Little, BCG, and Leoron on ESG and sustainability strategies. With a diverse career that blends academia, corporate leadership, and policy consultation, Dr. Mosa has made significant contributions to initiatives under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. His dynamic blend of academic leadership and hands-on experience makes him a thought leader in finance, sustainability, and strategic management, admired for his integrity, depth of knowledge, and visionary outlook.

👨‍🎓 Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Hassan Mosa holds a Ph.D. in Accounting and Sustainability (2021) from the University of West England 🇬🇧, emphasizing the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial practices. He also earned a Master’s degree in Finance (MSc) with Distinction from Oxford Brookes University in 2014, where his thesis focused on the motivations behind mergers and acquisitions. His academic excellence has been consistently recognized, including his achievement as a Certified Financial Specialist (CFE) in the UK, where he ranked first in 2013 with a 94% score 🏅. Fluent in English, Arabic, and French, Dr. Mosa is also proficient in statistical and accounting tools such as SPSS, Oracle, Peachtree, and Sage. His educational background reflects a solid foundation in finance, strategic decision-making, and international accounting systems, well-suited to both teaching and consultancy roles globally.

💼 Experience

Dr. Mosa brings over two decades of multifaceted experience across academia, government projects, and international consulting. As a lecturer at Jeddah International College and former instructor at institutions such as UBT, Dar Al-Hekma, and Lambton College (Canada), he has taught courses spanning corporate finance, sustainability reporting, investments, and supply chain finance 📚. He served as Assistant Director for global programs in partnership with Harvard University (2014–2015), focusing on SMART cities and affordable housing. His consulting roles have spanned ministries and major corporations including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, GOSI, Maaden, and UAE’s Ministry of Economics. He has also delivered over 40 training programs in both Arabic and English for entities like PepsiCo and Saudi banks. Earlier in his career, he held the position of Chief Accountant at Procter & Gamble (1997), giving him a firm grounding in corporate finance. His career reflects a seamless blend of leadership, innovation, and cross-sector impact 🌍.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Mosa’s research interests revolve around sustainability accounting, ESG integration, strategic finance, international financial reporting standards (IFRS), and public-private budgeting models 🔍. His work explores the practical application of sustainability concepts in corporate and governmental finance, particularly in emerging economies. He actively contributes to national transformation programs such as Saudi Vision 2030 through financial digitalization, Kaizen budgeting, and inclusive economic policies. Passionate about aligning financial systems with long-term value creation, his research delves into innovative budgeting frameworks, sustainable investments, and the socio-economic impact of financial governance. He is deeply interested in how sustainability reporting can reshape decision-making in both the public and private sectors. By mentoring future financial leaders and advising global firms, Dr. Mosa combines theory with practice, reinforcing his belief in finance as a tool for inclusive development and responsible governance ♻️📊.

🏆 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Hassan Mosa’s academic and professional journey is marked by significant recognitions and achievements. His top-ranking status as a Certified Financial Specialist (CFE) in the United Kingdom in 2013, scoring 94%, attests to his deep knowledge and mastery of financial practices 🥇. His Ph.D. and master’s degrees from reputable UK institutions, combined with his global teaching and consulting engagements, reflect sustained excellence. As a consultant for leading corporations like BCG and Arthur D. Little, he is highly regarded for his ESG strategies and budgeting reforms. He was also selected to co-lead international programs affiliated with Harvard School, showcasing global recognition of his expertise. His thought leadership in sustainability has earned him invitations to deliver specialized training for ministries, multinational corporations, and policy institutions. With over 20 citations and 10+ peer-reviewed international publications, Dr. Mosa is not just a seasoned practitioner but also a respected scholar in sustainability accounting and strategic finance 🌟📖.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Integrating ESG Reporting in Middle Eastern Public Finance

 Digitalization of Financial Systems: Case Study from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

 Budgetary Reform Using Kaizen in Healthcare Systems.

 IFRS Adoption in Gulf Countries: Challenges and Opportunities. Middle East Accounting Studies.

 Merger Motivations and Financial Health: A Comparative Analysis. International Journal of Finance and Economics.

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

Xialing Sun | Environmental Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xialing Sun  – Environmental Analysis – Best Researcher Award

Shandong Second Medical University | China

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

He, born in 1994 in China, embarked on his academic journey with a profound interest in sustainable development and environmental management. He pursued his PhD at the China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), where he developed a solid foundation in ecological well-being performance and econometrics. His academic prowess and dedication to his field were evident early on, setting the stage for a prolific career in environmental science.

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Upon completing his PhD, he undertook postdoctoral fellowships at both the China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing) and Shandong Nongyou Software Company Limited. These roles allowed him to delve deeper into research areas such as ecological economics and environmental management, further honing his expertise. His professional journey is marked by significant contributions to both academia and industry, underscoring his versatility and commitment to sustainable development.

Research Interests and Focus 🔍

His research projects, both completed and ongoing, total ten in number, highlighting his active engagement in advancing ecological well-being performance and environmental management. His work is highly cited, with one paper alone cited up to 119 times in the CNKI database, reflecting the significant influence and relevance of his research.

Contributions and Research Focus on Environmental Analysis 📚

His research is characterized by its breadth and impact. He has authored over 20 papers in renowned SCI/SSCI/A&HCI/CSSCI journals, with many published as the first or corresponding author in top-tier SCI journals. His work includes two papers rated 3-star ABS and one 2-star ABS, along with contributions to three SSCI papers, one A&HCI paper, and seven CSSCI papers, two of which were fully reprinted by Renmin University.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

His contributions have been widely recognized. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Sun Yueqi National Fund Award and the first and second prizes in provincial-level “Innovation-Driven Development” papers. Additionally, he has been honored with the Modernization Innovation Achievement Award in Coal Enterprise Management and the Provincial Outstanding Contribution Award in Educational Informatization. His excellence in academia is further demonstrated by twice receiving the Ministry of Education’s National Scholarship.

Impact and Influence 🌍

His influence extends beyond his research. He has authored a book, published numerous patents, and drafted standards that contribute to the field of environmental management and sustainable development. His background in mathematics, engineering, and management sciences equips him with a unique interdisciplinary perspective, enhancing the applicability and impact of his work.

As a peer reviewer for prestigious journals such as the Journal of Environmental Management, Journal of Cleaner Production, Ecological Indicators, Economic Analysis and Policy, and Energy & Environment, he plays a crucial role in shaping the future direction of research in his field. His editorial appointments and collaborations further cement his position as a leading figure in environmental science.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

His legacy is one of innovation, dedication, and profound impact on the field of environmental science. His ongoing projects and future research endeavors promise to continue advancing our understanding of sustainable development and environmental management. With his extensive expertise and commitment to excellence, he is poised to make lasting contributions that will benefit both academia and the broader global community.

Notable Publications