Wooi-Chen Khoo | Statistical Models and Inference | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Wooi-Chen Khoo | Statistical Models and Inference | Best Researcher Award

UCSI University | Malaysia

Dr. Wooi-Chen Khoo is a distinguished academician and researcher specializing in actuarial science, business analytics, and applied statistics. With expertise in statistical modeling, time series analysis, survival models, and data analytics, she has built an impressive portfolio of teaching, research, and academic leadership. She has taught across leading institutions such as UCSI University, Sunway University, and the University of Malaya, delivering both undergraduate and postgraduate programs aligned with IFoA and SoA standards. Her research integrates applied probability, statistical inference, and multidisciplinary applications, resulting in impactful publications in high-quality journals. Dr. Wooi-Chen Khoo has successfully supervised PhD and master’s candidates, guiding them toward scholarly and industry-relevant contributions. Beyond academia, she engages with professional bodies such as the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), the Society of Actuaries (SoA), and the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Her outreach includes keynote lectures, panel discussions, and workshops for industries, emphasizing data-driven decision-making.

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Education

Dr. Wooi-Chen Khoo’s academic foundation reflects her strong commitment to mathematics and statistics. She began her journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Science at Universiti Sains Malaysia, followed by a Master’s degree in Mathematical Science from the same institution, where she deepened her expertise in applied statistics. She later pursued her doctoral studies at Universiti Malaya, where she completed a PhD in Applied Probability and Statistics. During this period, she refined her focus on statistical modeling of time series and mixture distributions, which became central themes in her scholarly work. Her academic training has equipped her with both theoretical depth and applied skills, enabling her to bridge the gap between pure mathematics and real-world statistical challenges. Complementing her formal education, Dr. Khoo also holds professional qualifications such as HRDF Trainer certification, Google Analytics accreditation, and affiliation with the Society of Actuaries, reflecting her interdisciplinary competence and professional credibility

Experience

Dr. Wooi-Chen Khoo has built a diverse teaching and administrative career across leading Malaysian universities. At UCSI University, she currently serves as Head of the Institute of Actuarial Science and Data Analytics, where she leads programme accreditation, curriculum development, and IFoA alignment. She previously headed the Department of Applied Statistics at Sunway University, driving new programme initiatives and accreditation processes. Earlier, she contributed as a lecturer at Universiti Malaya while pursuing her doctoral studies, strengthening her teaching of probability theory and statistical methods. Her teaching portfolio spans IFoA modules CS1, CS2, and CM1, postgraduate research methodology, and empirical modeling. She has supervised numerous final-year, Master’s, and PhD students, many of whom progressed into impactful research careers. Beyond teaching, Dr. Khoo has held roles as exam coordinator, journal reviewer, invited speaker, and panelist, highlighting her academic leadership. Her consultancy and industry outreach underscore her commitment to data-driven problem solving.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Wooi-Chen Khoo has received recognition for her academic excellence and applied research contributions. She was awarded First Place in an article writing competition organized by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) for her work on resilience and economic growth in an ageing society, aligning statistical insights with sustainable development goals. Her research excellence was also acknowledged with a Best Paper Award at the IMT-GT International Conference on Mathematics, Statistics, and Their Applications, recognizing her innovative statistical modeling of bus travel time using the Burr distribution. Additionally, she achieved Second Runner-Up for Best Technical Paper at the Malaysian Road Conference & Exhibition and the International Road Federation Asia-Pacific Regional Congress, showcasing the practical impact of her work in transportation systems. These awards reflect her ability to integrate rigorous statistical methodologies with applied contexts, contributing not only to academia but also to national policy and industry practices.

Research Focus

Dr. Wooi-Chen Khoo’s research lies at the intersection of applied probability, statistics, actuarial science, and data analytics. Her work emphasizes statistical modeling, including mixture autoregressive models, time series of counts, and Burr distributions, with applications spanning infectious disease forecasting, unemployment analysis, insurance pricing, and urban transportation. She has published extensively in reputable international journals, demonstrating both theoretical innovation and practical relevance. In transportation studies, her research has advanced understanding of bus travel time variability and reliability, while her contributions to epidemiological modeling offer insights into disease spread and preventive strategies. She has also explored statistical frameworks for socio-economic issues, such as unemployment and insurance schemes. Her current projects expand into reinforcement learning applications and AI-driven modeling, reflecting her adaptability to emerging methodologies. By supervising postgraduate candidates and collaborating with institutions like DOSM, IFoA, and SoA, Dr. Khoo continues to bridge research, policy, and professional practice

 

Publications

 

Title: Modeling time series of counts with a new class of INAR (1) model
Year: 2017
Citation count: 36

Title: Short-term impact analysis of fuel price policy change on travel demand in Malaysian cities
Year: 2012
Citation count: 28

Title: Quantifying bus travel time variability and identifying spatial and temporal factors using Burr distribution model
Year: 2022
Citation count: 19

Title: Coherent forecasting for a mixed integer-valued time series model
Year: 2022
Citation count: 7

Title: On the prediction of intermediate-to-long term bus section travel time with the Burr mixture autoregressive model
Year: 2024
Citation count: 6

Conclusion

Dr. Wooi-Chen Khoo is a passionate educator, accomplished researcher, and strategic academic leader whose contributions in applied probability, actuarial science, and data analytics have advanced knowledge, supported industry practices, and shaped future generations of statisticians.

Chaima AOUICHE | Mathematics and Bioinformatics | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Chaima AOUICHE | Mathematics and Bioinformatics | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Chaima Aouiche is a dedicated academic and researcher in computer science with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and bioinformatics. Born on October 24, 1990, in Tebessa, Algeria, she began her academic journey at Larbi Tebessi University and pursued her Ph.D. at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), China. With international exposure, Dr. Aouiche has authored impactful publications on cancer gene prediction, data integration, and AI-based energy systems. She has collaborated across disciplines and countries, contributing to international conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Currently serving as a university teacher in Algeria, she is also a multilingual educator with teaching experience in China and Algeria. Dr. Aouiche combines technical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for teaching, traveling, and community service, making her a well-rounded and globally competent scholar committed to innovation and education.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Chaima Aouiche holds a strong academic foundation in computer science. She earned her Bachelor’s degree (2008–2011) and Master’s degree (2011–2013) in Computer Science from Larbi Tebessi University, Algeria, where she was recognized with the “Outstanding Student Award” in 2013. She expanded her horizons by studying the Chinese language for a year (2013–2014) at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) in Xi’an, China. She then pursued a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Technology at NPU (2014–2021), focusing on stage-specific gene prediction, big data integration, and artificial intelligence. Throughout her academic journey, she acquired various global certifications, including Artificial Intelligence Foundations, Advanced Machine Learning, and Deep Learning, further enriching her qualifications. With multilingual skills in Arabic, French, English, and Chinese, she integrates global perspectives into her research and teaching. Her academic path reflects both depth and international breadth.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Chaima Aouiche has a diverse background in academia, industry, and cross-cultural teaching. She began her professional career in project management at MPE-MPI Investments, Tebessa (2011–2013), where she gained hands-on technical and administrative skills. In 2017, she taught English and Arabic in Xi’an, China, enhancing her intercultural communication and educational outreach. Currently, she works as a university teacher in Algeria, engaging in teaching, research supervision, and publication. Her training includes courses in project management, AI, and big data, complemented by technical expertise in programming (Python, Java, R), MATLAB, web technologies, and networking. Her ability to communicate in four languages (Arabic, French, English, Chinese) and her volunteering and mentoring activities reflect her commitment to holistic professional development. Dr. Aouiche’s career is defined by interdisciplinary collaboration, international exposure, and a passion for applied technological solutions, making her an asset in both academia and industry.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Aouiche’s academic and professional excellence has been recognized through multiple awards and certificates. She was awarded the Outstanding Student Award by Larbi Tebessi University in 2013. Her further accolades include numerous international certifications, such as the HSK 4 Chinese Proficiency Certificate, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Training (Xi’an Jiaotong University), AI Foundations Masterclass (2023), and Advanced Machine Learning and Deep Learning Certificates (2024). She has also been recognized for her participation in global academic initiatives, such as the International Winter Camp (2017) and the Silk Road Engineering Science Program (2020). In addition to formal honors, her significant co-authorship on high-impact publications in BMC Bioinformatics, Frontiers in Genetics, and IEEE conferences speaks to her professional standing. These accolades collectively highlight her dedication to academic distinction, global engagement, and technological innovation.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Aouiche’s research intersects bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Her work has emphasized integrating multiple datasets to predict stage-specific cancer-related genes, mapping copy number variations, and modeling aberrant genomic events. She co-authored key studies published in BMC Bioinformatics, Frontiers in Genetics, and Quantitative Biology, which propose dynamic gene modules and data-driven cancer diagnostics. Recent work explores ensemble learning and AI approaches to detect cyberattacks using integrated datasets, showing a pivot toward cybersecurity and smart systems. Additionally, her research extends into renewable energy, specifically applying AI models to optimize photovoltaic systems and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) control. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges computational biology and engineering, reflecting her adaptability and innovative vision. Dr. Aouiche is particularly interested in applied AI that addresses real-world challenges in medicine, energy, and security, with a growing focus on industry 4.0 applications.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Chaima Aouiche is an innovative computer scientist and academic whose international education, multidisciplinary research in AI and bioinformatics, commitment to teaching, and dynamic professional experiences make her a valuable contributor to global science and technology.

Publications

Rakesh Meena | Applied Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Rakesh Meena | Applied Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, India

Mr. Rakesh Meena is a promising researcher and Ph.D. candidate at the Department of Mathematics, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, India. His academic journey is characterized by a focus on advanced mathematical modeling, fractional calculus, and differential equations. With a blend of theoretical and computational expertise, Mr. Meena is dedicated to contributing to innovative solutions in applied mathematics, particularly in areas like epidemic modeling and dynamic systems. He is driven by the desire to combine research with teaching to foster academic growth and knowledge sharing. Throughout his career, he has earned recognition through prestigious scholarships and fellowships, such as the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from CSIR-UGC. His research contributions, including numerous journal publications and conference presentations, reflect his deep commitment to advancing mathematical sciences. Mr. Meena’s aspirations align with the goal of bringing meaningful change to both the academic community and society through his research and teaching.

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Scopus

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Orcid

 

Education 🎓

Mr. Rakesh Meena’s educational background forms a solid foundation for his research career. He began his academic journey at Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, where he completed his Five-Year Integrated M.Sc. in Mathematics with first division in 2020. Following this, he embarked on his Ph.D. in Mathematics, with a focus on linear and nonlinear fractional differential equations. Under the guidance of Dr. Sushil Kumar, he has made notable progress in mathematical modeling, particularly through the semi-analytical approach. His cumulative performance during his Ph.D. coursework reflects dedication, maintaining a CGPA of 7.25. Throughout his education, Mr. Meena has demonstrated a continuous pursuit of knowledge, aiming to contribute to the vast field of mathematical sciences. His educational path has not only provided him with strong analytical skills but also a deep understanding of both theoretical and computational methods. This educational experience, combined with his passion for research, serves as a solid launchpad for his future contributions to the scientific community.

Work Experience 💼

Mr. Rakesh Meena’s professional experience includes extensive academic research at the Department of Mathematics, SVNIT, Surat. Currently pursuing his Ph.D., Mr. Meena has contributed to a range of mathematical research, particularly in fractional calculus, epidemic modeling, and nonlinear differential equations. His expertise in using semi-analytical methods, such as the Residual Power Series (RPS) method and Homotopy Analysis Method, allows him to solve complex mathematical equations, which are pivotal in the fields of mathematical modeling and computational mathematics. As a junior and senior research fellow (JRF/SRF), he has been involved in multiple research projects that align with his goal of applying mathematical theory to real-world problems. Additionally, Mr. Meena has shared his research findings through several journal articles and conference papers, expanding his influence in academic circles. Beyond research, his role in mentoring and teaching aligns with his long-term goal of working in an institution where teaching and research go hand-in-hand. His participation in both national and international conferences further strengthens his professional experience, offering him a platform to engage with global research communities.

Awards and Honors

Mr. Rakesh Meena has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and fellowships, recognizing his academic excellence and research potential. In 2020, he was awarded the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) by CSIR-UGC, which was followed by the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) in 2022. These fellowships are granted to outstanding researchers in the field of mathematical sciences and are a testament to his proficiency and dedication to research. Additionally, Mr. Meena qualified for GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) in both 2022 and 2023, further cementing his academic credentials. His work, particularly in mathematical modeling and fractional calculus, has earned him recognition in the academic community. His achievements also include being a recipient of certification from CSIR-HRDG, highlighting his commitment to continuous learning and development. These awards and honors reflect Mr. Meena’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of mathematical research, and they serve as a foundation for his continued contributions to the scientific community.

Research Interests

Mr. Rakesh Meena’s primary research interests lie in mathematical modeling, fractional differential equations, and dynamic systems. His doctoral research specifically focuses on linear and nonlinear fractional differential equations, employing semi-analytical methods for their solutions. He aims to explore these equations’ applications in real-world phenomena, such as epidemic modeling, fluid dynamics, and wave propagation. His work in fractional calculus offers new insights into the mathematical descriptions of complex systems, which are often difficult to model using traditional integer-order differential equations. Through his research, Mr. Meena is particularly interested in understanding the behavior of systems with memory and hereditary properties, common in biological and physical systems. In addition to his work on differential equations, he is exploring the application of the Residual Power Series (RPS) method and other numerical techniques, such as the Euler and Runge-Kutta methods, to obtain approximate solutions to these complex models. His interdisciplinary approach to mathematical modeling promises to contribute to both the advancement of mathematical theory and its practical applications in fields like epidemiology, physics, and engineering.

Research Skills

Mr. Rakesh Meena’s research skills are diverse, encompassing both theoretical and computational techniques. His proficiency in mathematical modeling, especially in the context of fractional differential equations, stands out as a major strength. He is well-versed in various semi-analytical methods, notably the Residual Power Series (RPS) and Homotopy Analysis Method, to solve complex differential equations. These techniques are especially useful in capturing the dynamics of systems governed by fractional order equations, which are prevalent in many natural and social systems. Mr. Meena also possesses strong numerical skills, applying methods like the Euler method, Runge-Kutta method, and finite difference methods for computational analysis. He is skilled in using computational tools, including MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, and LaTeX, to model, analyze, and visualize mathematical problems. His ability to integrate both analytical and numerical methods enables him to approach research challenges from a comprehensive perspective. Moreover, his academic rigor and attention to detail contribute to his systematic approach to research, making his work both reliable and impactful.

📚 Publications

Conclusion 

Mr. Rakesh Meena is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to his excellent academic record, innovative research in fractional differential equations, and contribution to mathematical modeling. His expertise in semi-analytical and numerical methods provides significant value to his field. With a broader impact focus and increased public engagement, he has the potential to make transformative contributions to both academia and society. This will further cement his position as a leader in his field. 🌟