Research Centre

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Centre for Business, Socio-Economics and Innovation Research

The Centre aims to produce high-quality and impactful research papers in business, socioeconomics and innovation; provide consultancy services; and establish regional, national and international partnerships with industries, government and non-governmental organisations, academia and other research centres specifically in research and development. 

Our Vision

The Centre strives to be a premier consultancy service provider and a leading research centre dedicated to producing high-standard and impactful research papers in business, socioeconomics and innovation for various stakeholders within the university and across industries, communities, states, and national and international arenas. Our objectives are to:


The Centre aims to

Members Profile

Prof. Dr. Toh Guat Guan (Leader) 

Branch Head, Penang Branch 

Academic Qualification

Email : tohgg@tarc.edu.my

Research Area : Finance, Behavioural Finance, Management, TRIZ

Biography

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Janice Toh is currently the Head of Penang Branch, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT). She has taught various management and finance related subjects for the past 28 years. Currently, she supervises postgraduate students in the areas of management, economics and finance. Her research interests include the management, corporate governance, finance and TRIZ applications. She has presented several research papers in the national and international conferences and has won the best paper award in the 8th Asian Academy of Management International Conference. Besides, she is also a member of the review panel for journals and conferences such as the Asian Journal of Economics and Finance, Asian Conference of Sustainability, Energy and Environment, TARC International Conference, and European Asian Economics, Finance, Econometrics and Accounting Science Association. Prior to her academic career, she has worked in the manufacturing and banking industries, assuming administrative, operations and marketing role. She is a Certified MyTRIZ Level 1 instructor and Certified MyTRIZ Level 3 practitioner. She has conducted several TRIZ workshops for the undergraduates. Besides, she is also a Certified Buzan Licensed Instructor and has conducted Mind-Mapping® workshops for teachers and students of primary, secondary and tertiary levels. In addition, she is also the Registered online mentor for Oxford Brooke University, guiding students from various countries to complete the research and analysis report such as China, Korea, Greece, UK, Singapore and Pakistan. Apart from this, she is also one of the panel of assessors for Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) with the responsibility to process applications to conduct the programmes of study from Private Higher Education Institutions and provide recommendations to MQA for a decision. She strongly upholds life-long learning spirit and has a passion to impart knowledge and to share experience to ensure that students can gain a greater understanding of the subject matters 

External Services to the Academic

13-15 April 2023

Invited as a Special Speaker for Ajou University Graduate School of Engineering’s Overseas IP Field Trip at Ho Chi Minh University, Vietnam.

14-17 October 2021

Paper Reviewer for International Conference on Material Science and Engineering Technology (ICMSET2021), Kyoto, Japan

14-16 October 2020

Paper Reviewer for The Online MyTRIZ Conference 2020

7 December 2019

Invited as a Guest Speaker for the Intellectual Property Strategy Research Forum (IP Forum) held at Ajou University, Korea

8-10 June 2018

Paper Rveviewer for the Asian Conference on the Sustainability, Energy & the Environment (ACSEE2018), The Art Centre, Kobe, Japan

3-6 September 2014

Session Chair / Paper Reviewer for the 4th European Asian Economics, Finance, Econometrics, Accounting Science Association Conference (EAFEASA 2014), Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Georgetown, Penang

August 2013 till Present

Registered Mentor for B.Sc (Hons) Applied Accounting Programme, Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom

External Services to the other University / Community / Society / Nation

      Registered Mentor for Oxford Brooke University’s B.Sc. in Applied Accounting (Honours)

MQA Assessor (Finance and Banking), Malaysian Qualification Agency

Member of 25 StartUps Advisory Council, Karuna Venture Capital Sdn Bhd

Services to the University

Publications

Workshops / Training Conducted (Facilitator/Instructor)

Research Project

Postgraduate Supervision (by Research)

Dr. Lim Khai Yin

Deputy Head, Penang Branch

Academic Qualification

Email : limky@tarc.edu.my

Research Area : Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Image Processing, Forecasting

Biography

Lim Khai Yin received her Master of Science (Artificial Intelligence) and PhD (Visual Analytics) in 2009 and 2017, respectively. Currently, she is a senior lecturer in TAR UMT. Her research interests include computer vision, medical image processing, machine learning, and data analytics. She has also published papers both in journals and conference proceedings relating to artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision, specifically in fuzzy theory, neural networks, and medical imaging during her postgraduate study. She has experience in guiding final year projects (FYP) as well as post-graduate students in the topics that involve AI and computer vision. Besides that, she has been involving in some industry projects, mainly in the topics of classifying painting styles and engagement prediction in social media. 

Journal


Conference Proceedings


Book


Consultancy in Industry 

   Roles : Co- researcher

2019-2021

Company: CMG  Holdings Sdn Bhd

Roles : Principal Researcher

2020-2022

Company: Webqlo Sdn Bhd

Roles : Co- researcher

2022-2023

Company: Work At Cloud Sdn Bhd

Roles : Project- lead

2022-2025

Company: B2BE GSS Sdn Bhd

Roles : Project- lead

2022-2027

Company: QNE Software Sdn Bhd


Reviewer

Mr. Lim Thean Pheng

Deputy Head, Penang Branch

Academic Qualification

Email : limtp@tarc.edu.my 

Research Area : Technology Acceptance, Technostress, Learning Engagement 

Biography

Lim Thean Pheng is a lecturer and Deputy Head at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Penang Branch.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in management and a master's degree in information technology (technopreneurship) from Universiti Sains Malaysia.  He is also a member of the Malaysian Institute of Management and the affiliate member of the Chartered Management Institute, UK. 

Lim has more than 15 years of working experience in the business and education industry.  Beginning his career as a Business and Financial Consultant, Lim was involved in various consultancy projects with multinational enterprises such as Chee Wah Corporation Berhad and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). In academics, he has vast experience in supervising dissertations for bachelor’s degree students, industry consultancy projects and lecturing in courses related to Operations Management, Entrepreneurship and Information Technology.

Journal


Conference Proceedings


Reviewer


Consultancy



Dr. Chee Wei Loon

Senior Lecturer 

Academic Qualification

Email : cheewl@tarc.edu.my

Research Area : Entrepreneurship education, green and sustainable entrepreneurship

Biography

Dr. Chee Wei Loon has been a lecturer at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology since 2010. His research specialization areas are entrepreneurship education and green entrepreneurship. Prior to joining Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, he held several executive positions in the service sector such as Dell Global Business Center Sdn. Bhd. and Citigroup Transaction Services Sdn. Bhd. 

Journal


Conference Proceedings


Dr. Christine Chong Siew Pyng

Senior Lecturer 

Academic Qualification

Email : chongsp@tarc.edu.my

Research Area : Economics, corruption

Biography

Dr. Christine Chong Siew Pyng is a senior lecturer in Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Penang. Her areas of  research interest include public finance, public sector economics, crime and corruption. She currently co-supervise a PHD candidate at Wawasan Open University and a Master student.  Prior to this, she has worked in domestic and international companies specialising in logistics and forwarding. 

Journal


Reviewer


Dr. Beh Chong You

Programme Leader/Senior Lecturer

Academic Qualification

Email : behcy@tarc.edu.my

Research Area : Biomedical Instrumentation; Advanced Biomaterials; Computational Electromagnetics; Wave Scattering and Propagation.

Biography

Dr. Beh Chong You is a Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, where he has been instrumental in delivering a wide range of electronic engineering courses at both Diploma and Degree levels. His expertise lies in the dynamic field of Biomedical Electronic Engineering, and he is recognized as a young and accomplished researcher in this domain. With an impressive track record, Dr. Beh Chong You has authored eight ISI-Indexed articles, where he served as the first author. Notably, seven of these articles were published in Tier/Quartile 1 journals, while the remaining one was published in a Tier/Quartile 4 journal. His work has garnered significant recognition and accolades, demonstrating his dedication and prowess in Biomedical Electronic Engineering. His research contributions have been particularly impactful in the areas of Biomedical Electromagnetics and Advanced Biomaterials. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and innovation, he continuously seeks opportunities to expand his expertise and contribute further to the field. Dr. Beh Chong You's commitment to excellence is reflected in his extensive publication record, which comprises 15 research publications with a cumulative Impact Factor of 49.16. This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about his dedication to advancing the boundaries of knowledge in Biomedical Electronic Engineering. Looking ahead, Dr. Beh Chong You eagerly anticipates the potential for his research to generate positive societal impacts. He is enthusiastic about collaborating with fellow researchers and exploring novel ideas that can pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field. Overall, Dr. Beh Chong You's professional biography underscores his passion for Biomedical Electronic Engineering, his accomplishments as a researcher, and his relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

Journal


Conference Proceedings


Awards


Reviewer

Dr. Woo Suk Wah

Senior Lecturer 

Academic Qualification

Email : woosw@tarc.edu.my

Research Area : Project Management; Waterfront Development; Sustainable Development and Planning; Sociology in Construction

Biography

Woo Suk Wah has been a lecturer at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology since 2017. Her research specialization areas are waterfront development, project management and issues in construction related to sustainability and sociology. Prior to joining Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, she was a quantity surveyor and course coordinator for open and distance learning programmes. 

Journal


Conference Proceedings


Reviewer

1. Environment, Development and Sustainability 

2. Symposium on Technologies for Sustainable Urban Development (TechSUD 2023) 

Dr. Kamalesh Ravesangar

Senior Lecturer 

Academic Qualification

Email : kamalesh@tarc.edu.my

Research Area : Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, Organizational Behavior

Biography

Dr. Kamalesh Ravesangar is an academician with over ten years of experience in teaching Certificate, Diploma, Degree, and supervision for MBA(coursework mode) students from various social and cultural backgrounds at private colleges and universities. Currently, she works as Senior Lecturer at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management & Technology in Malaysia. Moreover, she has a total of three years of experience in industries related to educational, manufacturing, recruitment, and engineering. She is also a Professional Member of Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management (MIHRM).  A subject matter expert in human resource management, human resource development, management and organizational behavior studies. She has published articles and reviewed articles in online journal publications. She holds a Phd (doctorate) and a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management. She is also peer-reviewer for a few journals in the field of Business, Management, HRM. Besides, she has been awarded " Certificate of Recognition & Excellence in Reviewing by Asian Journal of Economics, Business & Accounting and Journal of Global Economics, Management and Business Research & Institute of Industry and Academic Research Incorporated (IIARI). 

Journal


Book


Reviewer


Internal Grant

Dr. Tan Choo Jun 

Senior Lecturer 

Academic Qualification

Email : tancj@tarc.edu.my

Research Area

Biography

Choo Jun received his PhD degree from School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2014. He has more than 10 years of experience in software design and development, as well as research and development in artificial intelligence. He also has a wealth of experience in teaching and learning, conducting lectures both online and onsite for tertiary students, and also serving as a learning advisor for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Currently, he is an academic at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT). His research specialization encompasses the design and development of computational intelligence models, especially evolutionary algorithms and their algorithms to real world problems.

Journals


Conference Proceedings


Book 


Consultancy in Industry


Recent Awards


International Conferences

Dr Teh Kate Yng

Senior Lecturer 

Academic Qualification

Email : tehky@tarc.edu.my

Research Area : Environmental risk communication, Communicating sustainability, Corporate social responsibilities

Biography

Dr Teh Kate Yng is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication at Faculty of Communication and Creative Industries, TAR UMT Penang Branch. Holds a PhD in environmental communication, her research interests include environmental risk communication, environmental journalism studies, communicating sustainability, and corporate social responsibilities. Prior to her academic career, she has wide experiences and strong background in manufacturing and consultancy industries. She has successfully provided training and guidance to ensure her clients acquire necessary practical skills to develop and maintain management systems in their businesses. Additionally, completion of IRCA certified ISO 22000:2018 and ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Training Courses has enabled her abilities towards auditing practices.  

Journal


Conference Proceedings

Mr. Lee Lai Seng

Senior Lecturer 

Academic Qualification

Email : leels@tarc.edu.my

Research Area : Roll-To-Plate Nanoimprint Lithography,   Design and fabrication of seamless PDMS mold

Biography

Lee Lai Seng has been a lecturer at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology since 2002. His research specialization areas are Roll-To-Plate Nanoimprint Lithography and design and fabrication of seamless PDMS mold. Prior to joining Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, he held several engineering positions in semiconductor companies such as Hitachi Semiconductor Malaysia (Kedah), Hitachi Semiconductor Malaysia (Penang), Agilent Technologies Malaysia and OSRAM Opto Semiconductor.

Conference Proceedings

Mrs. Cheng Seow Voon

Lecturer 

Academic Qualification

Email : chengsv@tarc.edu.my

Research Area : Corporate governance, Integrated reporting, Earnings 

Biography

Cheng Seow Voon is an accomplished academic and professional with a strong background in accounting. She holds a Master of Science degree in Accounting, Organization, and Institution (AOI) from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), which she completed in the year 2014. Ms. Cheng is also a Chartered Accountant from the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Currently, Ms Cheng serves as a Lecturer at TAR UMT Penang Branch Campus, where she has been actively involved in shaping the academic landscape and contributing to the growth of students for the past eight years. She was also an Associate Dean of TAR UMT prior year 2022.  She played a pivotal role in the academic administration and strategic development of the university college. Her responsibilities included overseeing various academic programs, collaborating with faculty members, and contributing to the overall growth and success of the institution.

Ms Cheng's dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of business and accounting led her to be one of the founding members of the Business Research Centre at TARUC, Penang. As a researcher, she has focused on areas such as Integrated Reporting, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Corporate Governance. Her research findings have been published in reputable journals, showcasing her intellectual contributions and adding value to the academic community.

Prior to her career in academia, she worked in the semiconductor industry for a multinational corporation based in Japan. Her experience in the corporate world has provided her with a well-rounded perspective and a deep understanding of the practical implications of accounting and business concepts.

Ms Cheng's passion for education and her dedication to research have earned her recognition and respect within her field. Her achievements extend beyond the classroom, as she has also authored a book and contributed to several journals, further establishing her as a thought leader in her areas of expertise.

Journal


Conference Proceedings


Book

Events

RFID Tag Antenna Research Methodology by Mr Nigel Ooi

Date Jul 26, 2021

Time: 5.15pm-6.15pm

Participants: Open to all TARUC staff and students.

Summary of sharing: Radio frequency identification (RFID) has variously been described as a key technology enabler for the IoT. It stands to reason that the RFID allows computer systems to identify things, it enables applications to become “thing aware”. One of the latest applications is the use of RFID tags as sensors to gather relevant data about the environments smart objects are placed in. In view of the importance of the technology, We have invited one of our postgraduates (Mr. Nigel Ooi Ji Wei) to share his experience in RFID Technology research. The speaker will first provide the overview of the current RFID technology, and then introduce the limitations and challenges of the technology. The details of the RFID tag antenna research methodology will be discussed in the later section.

This event is brought to you by the Research Centre TARUC Penang 

Brown Bag Lunch

Date: 30 Oct 21 (sat)

 Time: 11am

Session 1: Do community cultures and traditions influence on nature conservation perspectives? A case of Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. Dr. Teh Kate Yng The event will be open to all lecturers and students within TAR UC Penang.

Session 2: Digital Activism in Online Communities: Analysis of Sentiment and Participation on Twitter During COVID-19 in Malaysia – Dr. Syamsul Zahri Subir