Meet Our Team
Discover the dedicated members of AEGIS RESEARCH, from our advisory board to our administration team.
Board of Advisors
Professional Background of Advisory Board Member
BOARD OF ADVISORS MEMBER
Mr. Arafas Bin Abdul Razak
Lawyer/Legal Practitioner (Civil & Syariah Courts)
Mr. Adrian Anthony Pereira
Executive Director of North South Initiative (NSI)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Associate Professor
DR. AZMIL MOHD TAYEB
Co-Founder & Operational Director
azmil@usm.my
Research Analyst & Political Scientist
DR. NURFARHANA CHE AWANG
Founder & Director
farhana@aegisresearch.net
MANAGEMENT &
FINANCE TEAM
MRS. XX
MRS. AKMAR BAKAR
Corporate, Finance & Administration Manager
STRATEGIC CORPORATE & PUBLIC AFFAIRS TEAM
MR. ARIEF FERDAUS AZMI
Corporate Affairs Executive Officer
MR. ZHAMIER SHAFIQ MOHD ILIAS, A.M.P.
Senior Corporate Affairs Executive Officer
RESEARCH TEAM
MR. HAZMAN M. BAHAROM
REGIONAL RESEARCH FELLOW
Lecturer, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), and Ph.D Researcher at Waseda University, Japan.
PROF. FRANSISCO. F. BUDI HARDIMAN
REGIONAL RESEARCH FELLOW
Professor of Philosophy, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Indonesia.
Hazman M. Baharom is lecturer of Malay Studies at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS). He is also a Ph.D researcher at Waseda University and a recipient of scholarships from the Japanese Government (MEXT) and the Atsumi International Foundation. He is also a translator of Japanese literature
Prof. F. Budi Hardiman is a Regional Research Fellow at AEGIS RESEARCH and Professor of Philosophy at Universitas Pelita Harapan, Indonesia. A leading Indonesian philosopher, his work focuses on political philosophy, democracy, ethics, critical theory, and public discourse.
Through his scholarship and international engagement, he has made significant contributions to contemporary philosophical thought and democratic governance in Southeast Asia.
REGIONAL RESEARCH FELLOW
RESEARCH TEAM
DR. ASLAM ABDUL JALIL
RESEARCH FELLOW
Email: aslamj@um.edu.my
Senior Lecturer,
International Institute of Public Policy and Management (INPUMA)
Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Dr. Aslam Abd Jalil is a Senior Lecturer at the International Institute of Public Policy and Management (INPUMA), Universiti Malaya. As an activist-academic, his work bridges the worlds of scholarship, policy, and advocacy—centering on the lived experiences, rights, and political inclusion of marginalised and displaced communities, including refugees, migrants, and stateless persons.
With a deep commitment to social justice and inclusive governance, Dr. Aslam’s research critically explores the intersections of public policy, human rights, and migran, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia. His academic work is complemented by active engagement in civil society and grassroots initiatives, where he works alongside communities to raise awareness, influence policy reform, and promote systemic change.
As both a scholar and practitioner, he has contributed to national and international conversations on refugee protection, migrant rights, and statelessness, offering grounded insights into the structural barriers faced by vulnerable populations. He is also a frequent speaker, panelist, and facilitator in academic, policy, and advocacy spaces.
Dr. Aslam continues to advance a vision of equitable development through his teaching, research, and collaborative work with NGOs, international organisations, and public institutions committed to inclusive and rights-based approaches.
PROFESSOR DR. KARTINI ABOO TALIB @ KHALID
RESEARCH FELLOW
Email: k_khalid@ukm.edu.my
Deputy Director,
Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Level 4, Kolej Keris Mas, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Professor Kartini Aboo Talib is a leading scholar and public intellectual in the field of ethnic relations, public policy, and social development in Malaysia. As the Deputy Director of the Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), she plays a pivotal role in advancing interdisciplinary research and national discourse on issues of ethnicity, identity, and nation-building.
Her research and academic expertise lie at the intersection of public policy, ethnicity, and governance, with particular focus on the dynamics of gender, political integration, electoral politics, consumer culture, security, and migration. She is known for her critical and policy-relevant insights into how ethnic and social identities are shaped and negotiated in multicultural societies.
Professor Kartini has published extensively in both academic and policy-oriented platforms, and her work continues to inform debates on inclusive citizenship, integration strategies, and democratic participation in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. She has also contributed as a consultant and speaker in national dialogues, government advisory panels, and international forums on social cohesion and ethnic harmony.
Beyond academia, she is a strong advocate for intercultural understanding, policy reform, and equitable development, often working closely with civil society, policymakers, and intergovernmental institutions to shape more inclusive and resilient communities
Fellows & Associates
ASSOC. PROF. DR. WAN PUSPA MELATI
RESEARCH FELLOW
Email: wanpuspamelati@gmail.com
Associate Professor
Taylor's University
Dr Wan Puspa Melati is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Taylor’s University, Malaysia. Educated at the University of San Francisco, Oxford University, and the International Islamic University of Malaysia, she has over 15 years of interdisciplinary experience in academia, research, and community engagement.
Her work centers on clinical sociology, disability inclusion, gender and family studies, youth empowerment, and social innovation. She has led or collaborated on a wide range of national and international research projects, including policy development for persons with disabilities, Deaf culture and education, and community-based interventions for marginalised groups.
Dr Melati previously served as Deputy Director of the Eradicating Poverty Impact Lab and as Head of Department at Taylor’s University. She currently serves as the Regional Representative for Research Committee RC46 (Clinical Sociology) of the International Sociological Association (ISA), Honorary Secretary of the Malaysian Social Science Association, and Vice President II of MyBIM (Malaysian Sign Language and Deaf Studies Association).
Her appointment as Research Affiliate at AEGIS Research reflects her commitment to impactful, inclusive research that bridges academic inquiry with social change.
DR. SITI RAHYLA BINTI RAHMAT
RESEARCH FELLOW
Email: rahyla@usm.my
Deputy Director,
International Mobility and Collaboration Centre (IMCC)
Senior Lecturer,
Department of Economy, School of Social SciencesUniversiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia
Dr. Siti Rahyla Rahmat is the Deputy Director of the International Mobility and Collaboration Centre (IMCC) and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economy, School of Social Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). She is a multidisciplinary economist with deep expertise in environmental and natural resource economics, development economics, and agricultural science, contributing actively to national and regional dialogues on sustainability and inclusive development.
Her research interests also cover science policy analysis, global value chains (GVC), socio-economic studies, social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA), bioeconomy, and social impact assessment (SIA). Dr. Siti Rahyla is particularly focused on integrating scientific, economic, and social perspectives to inform sustainable policy and investment decision-making.
Through her dual academic and administrative roles, she has played a key part in fostering international academic collaboration, student mobility, and knowledge exchange—advancing the global engagement mission of USM. She is also involved in collaborative projects that examine the intersection between economic development and environmental sustainability, especially in the context of Malaysia’s evolving bioeconomy landscape.
As a scholar, mentor, and institutional leader, Dr. Siti Rahyla continues to champion applied research that addresses real-world challenges, uplifts local communities, and informs evidence-based policymaking.
PROFESSOR DR. SITY DAUD
RESEARCH FELLOW
Email: sitydaud@ukm.edu.my
Professor,
Centre for History, Politics and International Affairs (SPHEA),
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM),
43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Professor Dr. Sity Daud is a renowned scholar at the Centre for History, Politics and International Affairs, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). With a distinguished academic career rooted in political sociology, development studies, and social policy, she is widely recognised for her contributions to understanding the evolving role of the state in ensuring human security, economic development, and political stability.
Her areas of expertise span developmental states, human security, political economy, development economics, elections and governance, social protection systems, and state intervention in policymaking. Through her research, Professor Sity explores the intersections between political institutions, economic frameworks, and the welfare of communities, particularly in emerging and transitional societies.
Professor Sity has authored and contributed to numerous scholarly works, policy briefs, and public commentaries, offering critical insights into the design and impact of social policies, democratic governance, and inclusive development strategies. Her work bridges the gap between theory and practice, often engaging with national development agendas and international frameworks for sustainable and equitable growth.
With a passion for mentoring young scholars and engaging in interdisciplinary dialogue, she is also active in regional and global research collaborations focused on social justice, state transformation, and the future of public policy in Southeast Asia.
DR. SARINA HARUN
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Email: drsarina@unirazak.edu.my
Lecturer
Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK)
Dr. Sarina Harun is an experienced academic and industry professional with a PhD in Marketing Communication from Universiti Sains Malaysia. She currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at SKC Education Group and an ODL Lecturer at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK), specializing in communication and marketing.
With over a decade of experience spanning academia and management in the food and beverage industry, Dr. Sarina brings deep expertise in teaching, research, international student affairs, and marketing strategy.
Her research focuses on health communication and social media behavior, and she has presented at multiple international conferences. Passionate about student engagement and academic quality, she is committed to inspiring learners and contributing meaningfully to the education landscape.
DR. ABANG MOHD. RAZIF BIN ABANG MUIS
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Email: amrazif@gmail.com
Senior Lecturer
Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
Dr. Abang Mohd. Razif Abang Muis is a historical sociologist and Islamic development scholar whose work bridges the domains of Islamic-based development, civilisational studies, historical sociology, and governance in Malaysia particularly in the contexts of Sabah and Sarawak. He is recognised for his interdisciplinary contributions that critically examine the intersections of history, religion, identity, and development policy. His research explores how Islamic institutions, local wisdom, and community structures influence societal resilience, ethical governance, and inclusive nation-building.
Currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Dr. Razif has authored or co-authored over 40 refereed journal articles and more than 15 conference papers. He has also delivered invited and plenary talks at various international academic forums, underscoring his growing influence in the fields of Islamic civilisation and Malaysian social history. His areas of expertise include Historical Sociology, Civilisational Studies, Islamic-Based Development, Islamic Institutions and Governance, and Community Development.
DR. HUSSAIN YUSRI BIN ZAWAWI
RESEARCH FELLOW
Email: hussainyusri@unisza.edu.my
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Law and International Relations, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)
Dr. Hussain Yusri Zawawi is a Research Fellow of AEGIS RESEARCH and a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law and International Relations, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Malaysia. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and International Relations.
His areas of expertise and research include federalism, international relations, foreign policy, diplomacy, comparative politics, and governance. He previously served as the Head of the International Relations Programme at the Faculty of Law and International Relations, UniSZA, from 2021 to 2025.
Dr. Hussain has authored several academic publications, including books and journal articles focusing on federalism, Malaysian politics, and contemporary issues in international relations. As a Fellow Researcher at AEGIS RESEARCH, he is committed to contributing his expertise in research and policy analysis to support knowledge development and evidence-based policymaking.
DR. NORAIDA ABD WAHOB
RESEARCH FELLOW
Email: aidawahob@gmail.com
ECONOMIST
Dr. Aida is an economist and policy researcher with over eight years of experience in economic analysis, public policy development, and strategic planning. She holds a PhD in Economics from Universiti Putra Malaysia and has led numerous national and state-level research and consultancy projects related to labour economics, socioeconomic development, poverty, education, and Bumiputera empowerment. Her expertise includes applied economic research, policy analysis, data analytics, and stakeholder engagement across government, academia, and industry.
DR. ZAIREENI AZMI
RESEARCH FELLOW
Email: zaireeni_azmi@usm.my
Senior Lecturer
Centre for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA),
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Dr. Zaireeni Azmi is attached to the Centre for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Her research expertise focuses on gender and social policy, particularly women’s political participation, leadership, elections and decision-making. She has also worked on wider gender-related issues including sexual harassment, women’s entrepreneurship, wellbeing and community development.
In recent years, her research interests have expanded to include ageing and later-life issues, with a particular emphasis on gender and social inclusion perspectives. This includes growing attention to care systems, caregiving arrangements and the social and policy dimensions of ageing, which are relevant to understanding training pathways, workforce realities and service provision in elderly care.
Dr. Zaireeni has extensive experience in leading and collaborating on national and international research projects as both principal investigator and co-researcher. Her collaborations include institutions such as the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, E-READI, ALiGN and Westminster Foundation for Democracy, as well as research grants funded by FRGS-MOHE, AKEPT, ISM, MSN and Malaysian universities. She has also engaged with industry and policy partners including Milliman, Flex, MIGHT, IKRAM and APPGM-SDG.
Beyond research, she is actively involved as a trainer and facilitator in gender, leadership and social inclusion for government agencies, industry stakeholders and community organisations. She works closely with Ministry of Women, Family and Community development (MWFCD). Her capacity-building work includes workshops and training programmes on gender awareness, leadership development and Inclusive social policy, with relevance to strengthening competencies among care providers and community-based workers.
She was appointed Malaysia’s Senior National Expert for the ASEAN Study on Women’s Political Participation and Leadership (2022–2023). Her work has been widely published in academic journals and book chapters, and she is regularly invited as a speaker, reviewer, facilitator, and media commentator.
RESEARCH TEAM
DR. YVONNE KHOR
FELLOW & RESEARCH OFFICER,
Graduated from China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU)
MISS SABRINA IDILFITRI
FIELD RESEARCHER
MR/MRS.
Research Assistant
MR/MRS.
Research Assistant
Research Officer/ Research Assistant
ADMIN & SUPPORT STAFFS
MR/Mrs. Xxx Xxx
Accountant
Mrs/Miss. Xxx xx
Admin Officer