Norma-Rashid is an avid researcher on faunistic living treasures with an extensive field experience. Her job involves four domains teaching, research, administration and providing scientific services to a wider community. The central theme of her research interest is behavioural ecology in the laboratory or various ecosytems (mangrove, marine, riverine, agricultural and forest) in wide ranging animals (insects, spiders & scorpions, selected vertebrates including humans). Currently, she has developed a passion for various aspects (biomonitoring, biocoenosis, ecomorphometrics, taxonomy, behaviour and ecology of dragonflies & spiders. She has described a myriad of species found to be new local records or new to science promoting Malaysian megabiodiversity. Being the only trained local odonatist led her to many connections and recognitions of international repute. Some of her collaborations include Natural History Museum, Leiden, Sussex University, Harvard University, Universiti Brunei Darussalam and National Univesity of Singapore. Her teaching techniques exploited her behaviour expertise relating animal behavioural repertoire as tool usage in capturing student interests which led onto enthusiastic learning. Relating her field activities; I always feel fortunate being part of an expedition as it is a voyage of discovery...

I have been involved in teaching for more than 32 years. I started my career as a temporary teacher before pursuing my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Malaya, where I obtained my Bachelor in Indian Studies and History and Master in Linguistics. I did my PhD in Linguistics at Newcastle University in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. I have decent knowledge in Tamil grammar, where I teach the subject at my institution, and have authored a few books, individually and jointly, on that subject. I have written and published more than 50 articles so far and have attended more than 75 conferences and seminars, locally and abroad. Field Interest: I am interested and actively involved in research involving fields of study such as linguistics, historical linguistics, language borrowing, translation, Tamil education, and classical literature of Tamil.  Completed Research: Phonology, Linguistics, Grammar, Loanword Phonology, Lexical Morphology, Translation and Cognates, and Tamil Education. Supervisions of Postgraduates and Undergraduates: I have more than a dozen postgraduate students who have completed their studies under my supervision in various fields, especially those related to linguistics, grammar, Tamil education, and philosophy.  Language skills: I have good speaking and writing command in Tamil, Malay, and English. I could read and write Hindi and Sanskrit moderately. PROFESSIONAL: I have been actively involving various organisations at various levels, holding various roles. To name a few, I am one of the board-list members of the Malaysian Examination Council. Besides working closely with the council in examination-related matters, I am also a panellist in the curriculum review committee of the council for the Tamil subject (Till todate). I am a member of the faculty and served as Head of Department of Indian Studies, University of Malaya, from June 2014 till September 1, 2018. I am also a member of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Malaya. Recently, I was appointed as an External Examiner of Tamil subjects thought at Teacher Training Institutes in Malaysia for a period of two years (2018-2022). I am serving as the current Secretary of the International Association of Tamil Research, Malaysia (1997). I also served as the General Secretary II for the 9th International Tamil Conference and Seminar on Tamil Studies (9ICSTS) held at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, from 29 January 2015 till February 2, 2024. I am also involved in social engagement activities at various levels. Currently, I am serving as Chairman of the Parents and Teachers Association of a Tamil School in Kuala Lumpur (SRJK (T) Jalan Cheras, (2016-2019).

Associate Professor Dr Asrul is currently in the Department of Architecture at the Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya,  Kuala Lumpur, and has worked for the past 20 years. Has extensive teaching portfolio included, but is not limited to, teaching responsibilities, academic leadership responsibilities, the design, development, and accreditation of curriculum for both the Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees, participation in research and scholarly activities, and involvement in teaching, learning, and qualified practise. As a result of his extensive background, he has been invited to join the non-executive council member in the board of Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM),  and has been Accreditation Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM). Dr Asrul has served as Deputy Dean of Research and Development. Additionally, he has been appointed as visiting lecturer in Universiti Islam Indonesia in the year 2018 among others and presented as keynote speakers in international conferences organised by Architectural Institutions as well as universities locally and overseas. Academic and Research Career: With a desire to delve deeper into the world of academia, Dr. Asrul pursued higher studies and obtained a Doctorate in Architecture from University of Nottingham UK. Their research work in this area garnered significant attention and acclaim, establishing in the domain on sustainabile architecture and urban habitat. Dr. Asrul's relentless pursuit of excellence extended beyond the confines of their research lab. He actively engaged with students and fellow researchers, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and scientific rigor. This dedication to the profession and commitment to academic excellence earned Dr Asrul the "Certificate of Excellence Services" in 2006, 2020, and 2022, and also "Excellent Service Award," 2021, signifying the profound impact he had on the academic community over the years. His academic journey is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and a commitment to excellence. Their numerous overseas engagement awards and accolades, including the "Diamond Award" British Invention Show", "Certificate of Excellence Services," "Excellent Service Award," and the "Vice Chancellor Price," exemplify their exceptional contributions to academia, research, and the promotion of sustainable development. Dr. Asrul's has sat and contribute as internal/external/chairman of over 15 thesis proposal Defence (PD), Candidature Defence (CD) and also Thesis Seminar, he had scholarly impact on the academic community and the dedication to environmental stewardship will continue to shape a brighter and more sustainable future for new generation of academia. Dr. Asrul has accomplishments and contributions have created significant impacts both locally and internationally. Earlier in May 2022, he took on the role of External Examiner for the Architectural Programme at the International University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL). This position allowed him to apply his expertise to influence the quality and direction of architectural education in one of Malaysia's prominent universities. In August 2022, Dr. Asrul achieved a significant milestone when he became the first Malaysian RU lecturer to deliver a public lecture at the University of Mongolia. His participation in ARCHASIA 2022-Ulanbatar paved the way for international academic exchange and further showcased his thought leadership in the field of architecture. Furthermore Dr. Asrul was appointed as the only Malaysian coordinator for the Indonesian Universities Architectural School Validation at Universitas Islam Indonesia. This esteemed role, entrusted to him by the Board of Architects Malaysia, in October 2022, demonstrates his knowledge and skills in architectural education. Dr. Asrul's organizational skills and academic prominence were further recognized on June 24, 2023, when he was appointed as the sole Malaysian RU Academic staff joint conference coordinator for the World Architectural Forum, scheduled to be held in 2024. The Malaysian Institute of Architects, a highly respected professional body, entrusted him with this important responsibility. His international reach, Dr. Asrul was appointed as the only Malaysian External Examiner and Guest Lecturer for the 2023-2024 academic session at the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Hasanuddin in Sulawesi, Indonesia. This appointment, effective from June 26, 2023, signifies the respect and trust placed in his professional judgment and educational capabilities. Dr. Asrul's career and profound contributions to architecture and education have contribute to Universiti Malaya, his department and the nation. His commitment to fostering international collaboration and promoting excellence in architectural field and education continues to inspire his peers and the next generation of academia.