I am an associate professor at the Department of Asian and European Languages, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya. Much of my research focuses on the psychological and emotional dimensions of learning additional languages. My broader academic interests include quantitative methods in applied linguistics and natural language processing. I am also increasingly interested in the study of the human sensorium—particularly how sensory perceptions, such as olfaction, intersect with language, cognition, and emotion. In my research on language learning, one of the directions I pursue is exploring how language learners perceive and imagine the cultures of their target language communities. This interest led to the publication of my book, Stereotypes and Language Learning Motivation: A Study of L2 Learners of Asian Languages (Routledge, 2020). I actively engage with theoretical perspectives and seek innovative methodologies that help explain the psychological phenomena involved in learning a new language. This line of inquiry resulted in my most recent book, Emotions and Affect in Language Learning: A Photovoice Study of Learning in Lockdown (Routledge, 2025). In this work, Lev Vygotsky’s concept of perezhivanie provides the theoretical grounding for exploring language learners’ lived experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown. My work has appeared in journals such as Applied Linguistics, Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, System, and Journal of English for Academic Purposes. I welcome opportunities for collaboration with researchers working in related areas.

I am a Professor and Deputy Dean of Research & Innovation at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya. I am a registered Professional Engineer (PEng) with the Board of Engineers Malaysia and an ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer (ACPE). I previously served as the President of the Malaysian Thermoelectric Society and held administrative positions including Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (2016-2019). I also serve as a program examiner for the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC), Malaysia, contributing to the quality assurance of engineering education in the country. My research focuses on energy materials, electronics packaging (solder alloys) and MEMS. I have published over 200 ISI-indexed journal articles, 2 books, and 10 book chapters. My work has garnered over 5,200 citations with an h-index of 37. I hold 7 patents related to my research areas. I have been invited to deliver 8 keynote talks at international conferences and 15 invited talks at local and international conferences. I have secured research grants totaling RM13.7 million and led projects worth RM1.7 million. I have served as an examiner for 31 PhD theses (17 international) and 26 Master's theses (1 international). My expertise is also recognized through my appointment as a reviewer for more than 35 journals and my role as an evaluator for national and international research funding applications. I have supervised more than 35 postgraduate students (specifically 21 PhD, 18 Master's completed, and 9 ongoing). 

Dr. Mozard Mohtar (PhD, Aston University) is an academic and consultant with focused expertise in brand management for services and retailing, psychometrics, and multivariate analyses. Based at Universiti Malaya Graduate School of Business, he combines academic knowledge with practical industry experience to support clients and students in navigating complex market dynamics and building effective brand strategies. As an accredited HRD Corp Trainer, Dr. Mozard has collaborated with clients such as Infineon Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. and Panasonic Industrial Devices Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., providing tailored corporate training and consultation. His approach emphasizes data-driven insights, guiding businesses in refining brand positioning and improving customer engagement strategies. Dr. Mozard’s work is rooted in making complex analytics accessible, turning insights into strategies that drive immediate improvements. Beyond research and consultancy, he is dedicated to mentorship and professional development, regularly participating in both academic and industry conferences, while collaborating with partners on emerging challenges. Dr. Mozard values bridging academic perspectives with industry needs to foster sustainable, meaningful brand growth.