Category: 2020 Speaker

Assistant Professor. Dr. Veena Phunpeng is the Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT). She currently holds the position of Deputy Director for Center for International Affairs. She received the Royal Thai Government Scholarship to pursue her Ph.D. in Aeronautical Engineering from Imperial College London, UK in 2010. She received Master’s degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand. She is an expert in engineering numerical analysis on a structure of materials. Her significant contribution lies mainly on non-local theory in microstructural analysis of composite materials using finite element method. She has been working in the electro-mechanical properties of materials and apply renewable energy for Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV). Her research interests include nano-composite materials, material simulation, smart materials and alternative energy. One of her research projects had been funded by National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA-Thailand). She received the Best Paper Award from the International Virtual Conference on Science and Technology 2020 and Best Presentation from the IIAE International Conference on Industrial Application Engineering 2017. She also holds a License to work on Mechanical Engineering authorized by the Council of Engineers, Thailand. Last few year, she received a scholarship from Suranaree University of Technology to pursue her Private Pilot License (PPL).

Dr. David Easow, honored with the prestigious “Maulana Azad Puraskar,” has built a remarkable 39-year career marked by leadership across IT & ITES, Infrastructure, Publishing, Management, Education, Training, and Non-Profit sectors. With advanced professional credentials in IT and management from both national and international institutions, Dr. Easow has held influential positions globally, shaping industries and driving growth.

His leadership roles include General Manager at Hilal Computers in Bahrain, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Chief Information Officer at World Vision of India, Director at Exceed Technology (US-based), and Executive Director at EMPI Business School, Delhi. Widely recognized for his expertise in software development, consulting, and project management, Dr. Easow has advised over 200 companies worldwide.

Internationally, he played a pivotal role in establishing a leading IT company in Bahrain and spearheaded business development across four countries. He was instrumental in developing and launching India’s first postgraduate program in Business Analytics and AI-Infused Management Program, under the guidance of Padma Bhushan Shri. N. Vittal, the key architect of India’s IT and Telecom revolution.

Currently, Dr. Easow is Deputy Director of International Affairs and the School of Liberal Arts & Applied Sciences at Hindustan University. He also serves as Country Chapter Chair of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), a member of the Education Committee at the Council of EU Chambers of Commerce, and a mentor at the Atal Incubation Centre. His pioneering efforts, including launching the first internet versions of English and Arabic newspapers in the Middle East, 24/7 IT support service and developing flexible IT training programs, have earned him international recognition.

Punitha is a Senior Assistant Registrar and Manager of Corporate and Student Services of UTM International, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. She manages the office administration, strategic management and international student and scholar services. She has served as a university administrator managing the academic and research for the past 28 years.

Professor Heather McGregor, CBE Executive Dean Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Heather J. McGregor is the Executive Dean of the Edinburgh Business School, the graduate school of business of Heriot Watt University in the U.K. Professor McGregor is the principal shareholder and non-executive chairman of the executive search firm Taylor Bennett and the founder of the Taylor Bennett Foundation, which works to promote diversity in the communications industry. In addition, Professor McGregor is a non-executive director of two public companies. Professor McGregor has a Ph.D. from the University of Hong Kong in Structured Finance and is an experienced writer and broadcaster, including writing for the Financial Times for 17 years. She is also the founder of the Taylor Bennett Foundation, which works to promote diversity in the communications industry, and a founding member of the steering committee of the 30% Club, which is working to raise the representation of women at senior levels within the U.K.’s publicly listed companies. In June 2015, Professor McGregor was made a Commander of the British Empire for her services to diversity and employment. In February 2017, she was appointed by the U.K. Government to be a member of the Honours Committee for the Economy.

Jaliyyah Bello is an Assistant Professor and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Lead, in the Faculty of Business and Law, Coventry University. She completed her PhD programme and Master degree at Coventry University, and her undergraduate studies at Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. She has interests in finance academia and socio-economic development in Africa. In the former, her interests are: financial contagion, financial market analysis, behavioural finance and sustainable finance. In the latter, they include: quality education and gender equality. She is a promoter of The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into curriculum. Previously, Jaliyyah served in industry where she worked in Research and Development.

Ammar Al-Hawaj is a marketing and communications professional, with particular expertise in the domain of Transnational Education (TNE) and collaborative provision. Ammar receiced his Master in International Business and Management from the University of Manchester. He joined Ahlia University in 2011, and currently holds the post of Director of International Relations. In his capacity as Director of International Relations, Ammar sits on both the Brunel University PhD (Without Residence) Joint Board, and the George Washington University Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Off-campus Programs Board. Ammar has strategic level experience, and a proven track record at delivering innovative and bespoke organisational solutions.

Currently holding the business relations position in Ahlia University and administration coordination of PhD programme. Received Master’s degree in Electronics and Control from the Birla Institute of Technology. While taking care of the commercialisation of the industry – university collaboration, also contributing to the administration of the PhD programme in Ahlia University. Was also the Director of Strategic planning till recently. Prior to Ahlia University was responsible for the business development activities of Microcenter Institute of Technology, Bahrain. Before joining Microcenter Institute of Technology, was a faculty in the Ministry of Education, Bahrain. Worked on deputation in Ministry of Education, Bahrain from Electronics Trade and Technology Development Corporation (ET&T Corp.), New Delhi where I was Chief Manager (Research and Development), Quality Assurance and Projects. Joined ET&T Corp Ltd New Delhi in 1981 as graduate engineer trainee. Executed a variety of jobs in electronics trade and technology development Corp. related to technology development. Finally began my career in Hi Beam electronics who were producing television sets. Joined as an executive in the television production. Passed out from University of Mysore as Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication.