DR ZURAIDAH ABDULLAH is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Management, Planning and Policy, Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya. With over three decades of experience in education, she has established herself as a leading scholar in the fields of educational leadership, professional learning communities (PLC), and school improvement.
Dr. Zuraidah began her career as a secondary school teacher, serving in several schools across Malaysia before progressing into academic leadership. Her transition into higher education marked the beginning of an impactful academic career, where she has contributed extensively to teaching, research, and institutional development. She obtained her PhD in Educational Leadership (Principalship Studies) from Universiti Malaya, further strengthening her expertise in school leadership and educational transformation.
Her research focuses on professional learning communities, educational leadership, teacher development, inclusive education, and social issues in education. She has published widely in reputable indexed journals, including Scopus and Web of Science, and has contributed to scholarly books and policy-oriented research. Her work has influenced both academic discourse and practical implementation, particularly in improving teacher practices and strengthening school leadership systems.
Beyond academia, Dr. Zuraidah is actively involved in national and international collaborations. She has worked closely with key agencies such as the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), JAKIM, IPGM, and UNESCO Malaysia, contributing her expertise to policy development, educational programmes, and social initiatives. Her research and consultancy work demonstrate strong alignment between academic knowledge and real-world impact.
Dr. Zuraidah has also held several important leadership roles within Universiti Malaya, including Deputy Dean and Director-level responsibilities. She has played a significant role in academic governance, programme development, and postgraduate supervision, successfully mentoring numerous PhD candidates who now contribute to academia and educational leadership.
Her contributions have been recognised through various awards at institutional, national, and international levels, reflecting her excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement.
Overall, Dr. Zuraidah Abdullah’s career reflects a strong integration of scholarship, leadership, and societal impact. Her work continues to shape educational leadership practices and contribute to the advancement of education in Malaysia and beyond.