Dr. Nurul Asmaa Akmal is a Senior Lecturer at the Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya. She holds a PhD from Universiti Malaya and specialises in socio-cultural and labour studies, particularly focusing on Malay cleaners, waste management, and 3D (dirty, dangerous, difficult) work. Her research aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in areas of social wellbeing, decent work, and sustainable communities. Beyond labour studies, she is actively involved in Malay language pedagogy, teaching Malay as a second or foreign language with an emphasis on communicative and culturally embedded approaches. Her work also covers Malay socio-cultural studies, including adat, traditional practices, and local wisdom as foundations of community identity. Dr. Nurul Asmaa Akmal additionally contributes to research on Malay economics and entrepreneurship, exploring socio-cultural factors that influence business practices and sustainability. Her scholarship reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and strengthening community impact.