Speakers 2026
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Associate Professor Dr. Midhun Chakkaravarthy
Dean, School of AI Computing and MultimediaLincoln University College, Malaysia
Dr. Midhun Chakkaravarthy is an accomplished academic, researcher, and corporate trainer who currently holds the position of Dean, Faculty of AI Computing and Multimedia, at Lincoln University College, Malaysia. He is widely recognized for his expertise in artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity. With more than 1,000 citations and an h-index of 16, his research has made a significant impact at the international level. Dr. Midhun has also led several funded research initiatives, including GPU-based security platforms for big data and internet worm propagation models. In addition, he holds patents related to wireless sensor networks and 5G optimization. As a strategic academic leader, Dr. Midhun has developed interdisciplinary programs aligned with global educational standards, advancing AI and multimedia education. He has strengthened academic partnerships across China, India, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Kyrgyzstan, promoting international collaboration. As a certified HRDF Malaysia trainer, he has delivered corporate training in VBA programming, business intelligence, and data analysis for organizations such as Tekmark Sdn Bhd, Shangri-La Resorts, and Fairmont Industries, bridging academic learning with industry needs.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Professor Dr. Johan Eddy Luaran
Faculty of Education University Teknologi Mara, Malaysia
Dr. Johan Eddy Luaran is a Professor of Education at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, with over 20 years of teaching and learning experience in diverse contexts. He has dedicated his career to researching and supporting meaningful learning for students. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, he pursued his passion for education and earned a Master’s Degree and a PhD in Educational Technology. His research focuses on the use of technology to promote effective learning, and he has authored several Scopusindexed papers in this area. Johan has been a leader in several national projects and is recognized for his teaching and learning innovations related to e-learning. In 2014, he was awarded the UiTM e-Learning Award by the Vice-Chancellor, and in 2015 and 2019, he received the Excellence Service Award. Recently he has been appointed as a Visiting Professor for Zhengzhou Preschool Education College (ZZPEC), China. He is currently the Deputy Dean for Research and Industrial Linkages for Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA.
PLENARY SPEAKER
Associate Prof. Dr. Fariza Puteh Behak
Faculty of Major Language Studies Islamic Science University of Malaysia
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fariza Puteh-Behak is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), specialising in multiliteracies, action research, and English language teaching. She holds a PhD from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. With over two decades of academic experience, Dr. Fariza is recognised for her work on adapting and implementing multiliteracies pedagogy across diverse educational settings, from university classrooms to indigenous and marginalised communities. She is the main inventor of the Online Multiliteracies Project Approach (e-MULPA) and Digital Multiliteracies for English Language Learning (DMELL), digital learning innovations that translate multiliteracies theory into classroom practice. Her scholarship spans multiliteracies, employability skills, indigenous education, and participatory action research, earning her a Google Scholar hindex of 13 with over 524 citations. An active contributor to the broader academic community, she serves as Treasurer of the Malaysian Action Research Network (MARNET).
PLENARY SPEAKER
Associate Prof. Dr. S. J. Kala
Faculty of English Fatima College Madurai, India
Dr. S. J. Kala is an Associate Professor of English and Dean of International Collaboration and Foreign Students’ Welfare Cell at Fatima College, Madurai. With nearly three decades of academic experience, she has contributed significantly as an educator, researcher, administrator, and academic leader. A multidisciplinary scholar, she holds advanced degrees in English, Sociology, Hindi, Journalism, and related fields. She has served in several leadership roles, guided more than sixteen research scholars, and published 53 research papers, 15 conference presentations, and six books. Her research spans language teaching, literature, diaspora studies, journalism, sociology, and tribal heritage preservation. Honored with several awards, Dr. Kala continues to inspire academic excellence and international collaboration.
