I'm a Senior Lecturer at the English Language Department, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics. After more than two decades of working in language, communication and skills development, I joined UM in 2019 to contribute to progressing the field of health(care) discourse in Malaysia and beyond. In my current role, I teach languages and linguistics courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level, while supervising and conducting research. Research Focus - Improving Health & Wellbeing by Applying a Discursive ToolkitI study matters related to language, health(care) and wellbeing, applying qualitative and discursive perspectives to address problems and inform practice in provider-patient interaction, health education and other related topics. I am particularly interested in analysis of real-life interaction, to answer questions on how people "do things" with language in health-related contexts. For example, how do doctors and patients collaboratively make decisions about treatment, manage chronic health conditions, and discuss concerns by interacting with each other in person or online? I'm also interested in communication in healthcare education, interprofessional discourse and patient education, alongside how people express and make meaning of health-related issues via their talk and stories. My current funded  projects include studies on professional socialisation of house officers (FRGS), patient experience of gum disease (IIRG, UM). Expertise -Enhancing Language and Communication in Diverse SettingsBeyond my research and academic duties, I help enhance language and communication in academic and professional settings, applying a diverse knowledge and skillset composed over 25 years of experience. Before joining academia, I was engaged in various positions mostly as a consultant/independent contractor, including as a language/content service provider for over 15 years and as a language/communication skills instructor for over 17 years. In these roles, I provided language consulting services and skills training for corporate and individual clients in Malaysia and internationally. I have a CELTA qualification and am a HRDF certified trainer. My work history is available at https://my.linkedin.com/in/ayeshah-syed-0468293 Professional Activities and LeadershipAt UM, I have been actively involved in advancement of research and academic practices. From 2022-2024, I led the research portfolio at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics as the Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation, with other appointments including as the Protem-Deputy Head of the Medical Devices Centre of Excellence, UM and Taskforce member for UM's Programme Educational goals. Outside the university, I  am involved in professional associations related to languages and linguistics and social advancement, including Persatuan Bahasa Moden Malaysia (President, 2022-2024, Vice President-2024 - 2026, Exco member since 2013) and the citizens' movement organisation, the Association of Voices of Peace, Conscience and Reason (Exco member - since 2016, Treasurer-2025-present).Research Collaboration and Supervision Opportunities I welcome potential collaborations aligned with my expertise and also enjoy connecting with other researchers to learn about their work, gain insight into new contexts, fields and perspectives and explore how I might contribute to their research activities.  In terms of postgraduate supervision, I supervise projects that apply discursive approaches to address problems in health-related contexts, focusing on interaction. Note to potential supervisees: I have limited availability for 2025-2026 due to a heavy supervision load. 

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Associate Prof. Dr. Thabet Ahmed Abdallah Abu-Alhaj, Specialized Lecturer And Researcher In Islamic And Qur’anic Studies Education and Academic Experience Ph.D. in Tafsir and Qur’anic Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan — 2009 MA. in Usuluddin, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan — 2003 PA. in Da’wah and Usuluddin, World Islamic Sciences and Education University, Amman, Jordan — 1995 Associate Prof. Dr.  Abu Alhaj has been serving at the University of Malaya since 2012, where he has gained extensive experience in teaching, supervision, curriculum development, and international research collaboration. His contributions have significantly advanced the field of Islamic and Qur’anic Studies within a global academic context. Professional Summary: A distinguished academic specializing in Islamic Studies in general and Qur’anic Studies in particular, proficient in both Arabic and English. He has dedicated his career to advancing the field of scientific research methodology, teaching and supervising research in both languages, and promoting intellectual integration between Islamic and modern sciences. He has authored and published over 86 scholarly works in reputable international journals and academic platforms in Arabic and English. He has supervised more than 50 postgraduate students from over 25 different countries, guiding them to complete their master’s and doctoral theses with excellence. His academic leadership extends beyond teaching and supervision. He serves as an editor for several highly ranked international scientific journals, and as a reviewer for numerous master’s and doctoral theses at both local and international levels. He is also recognized as an international trainer in scientific research and academic writing, and has actively participated in more than 70 international scientific conferences. Scientific Research Interests and Specializations Islamic Studies in general. Qur’anic Studies in particular. Contemporary and Comparative Intellectual Studies. Applied Islamic Studies. Traditional and Contemporary Scientific Research Methodologies. Management and Implementation of Scientific Research Projects Teaching Philosophy and Vision for Academic Development: He firmly believes in the universality and purposefulness of scientific research and the need for its continuous development. His academic philosophy emphasizes linking Islamic Studies with other scientific disciplines to achieve cognitive integration and holistic understanding. He advocates for innovative, non-traditional academic approaches that are closely connected to contemporary realities, aiming to provide practical and objective solutions that serve humanity as a whole. His vision for academic development centers on: Integrating undergraduate education with field-based learning; Connecting postgraduate research with applied and real-world contexts; and Promoting collaborative teamwork and academic excellence within the global research community. Through his academic, supervisory, and editorial contributions, he continues to play an influential role in shaping the future of Islamic and Qur’anic Studies at both the regional and international levels.