Professor Dr. Azhar Ariffin earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with honors from Universiti Malaya in 1993, followed by a Ph.D. in Asymmetric Organic Synthesis from the University of Nottingham, UK, in 1999. Upon completing his studies, he returned to Malaysia and began his career as a young lecturer in the Chemistry Department at the University of Malaya. Over the years, he climbed the academic ranks, achieving the status of Associate Professor in 2003 and attaining the position of full Professor in 2016.

From 2021 to 2022, Professor Dr. Azhar Ariffin served as the Head of the Chemistry Department before assuming the role of Deputy Dean of Research at the Faculty of Science from 2022 to 2024. Currently, he holds the position of Deputy Dean of Development at the Faculty of Science. His research endeavors predominantly focus on organic synthesis, with a specific interest in developing bioactive compounds, including derivatives of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), oxadiazole, thiadiazole, and triazole for use as antioxidants. Additionally, he explores the synthesis of various derivatives of quinazoline for potential applications in anticancer treatments. Currently, his research involves the creation of carbazole derivatives for their utility in organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials, with a focus on improving the C(sp²)-N bond formation through the Buchwald-Hartwig reaction under microwave irradiation.

Professor Dr. Azhar Ariffin's contributions extend beyond his home institution, as he served as an Experienced Researcher at Kaunas University of Technology from 2019 to 2023 under the MEGA HORIZON 2020 PROJECT: MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION STAFF EXCHANGE.