About Sustera

Dr. Giuseppe Umberto Cantafio is an internationally experienced academic, researcher, and management consultant specializing in sustainability management, strategic innovation, entrepreneurship, and higher education leadership. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Business and Management at the American University of Bahrain, where he contributes to research development, doctoral supervision, academic governance, and international conference initiatives.

Holding a PhD in Urban Regeneration and Economic Development, Dr. Cantafio has held academic and research appointments at prominent institutions across the United Kingdom, United States, Italy, and the Middle East, including the University of Sunderland, University of Greenwich, Northeastern University, and San Diego State University.

A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), he has supervised nearly 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and serves as an external examiner and doctoral examination chair for UK universities.

His scholarly contributions include journal publications, edited volumes, and international conference proceedings with publishers such as Springer Nature, SAGE, and IGI Global. He has also contributed to European Union Horizon 2020 research initiatives and received recognition for excellence in teaching and academic innovation.

As a member of SUSTERA's International Board of Advisors, Dr. Cantafio brings valuable expertise in sustainability governance, research methodologies, institutional collaboration, and international academic development.

Dr. Bhanupriya Khatri is an academic, researcher, and management educator who currently serves as Head – Global Conferences & Learning at SUSTERA Research & Innovation Center, Cambodia. In this role, she leads and supports the development of international conferences, academic learning initiatives, faculty development programs, workshops, and collaborative academic engagements involving institutions and professionals from different countries.
Prior to joining SUSTERA, Dr. Khatri was associated with Chandigarh University, India, where she contributed to management education, research, and academic development. Her academic expertise spans Human Resource Management, Talent Management, Organizational Behaviour, Diversity Management, employee development, and contemporary management practices. Her earlier affiliation with Chandigarh University and extensive publication record are also reflected in her public academic profile.
She has an extensive research portfolio covering areas such as talent management, HR analytics, organizational behaviour, employee well-being, sustainability, digital transformation, consumer behaviour, and emerging technologies in management. Her scholarly work includes journal articles, book chapters, conference contributions, and collaborative interdisciplinary research.
Beyond research, Dr. Khatri has a strong interest in making management education practical and accessible. Through her educational initiative “Managica: Turning Management into Magic,” she shares simplified learning content related to management, HR, careers, and contemporary workplace issues.
At SUSTERA, she brings together her experience in academia, research, management education, and international academic engagement to strengthen global conferences and learning initiatives and foster meaningful connections among universities, researchers, faculty members, students, and professionals across countries.

Prof. Sanober Khan is an accomplished academician specializing in General Management, Human Resource Management, Organizational Behaviour, Leadership, curriculum development, and higher education. She has served as an International Expert at the Local Accreditation Body named NQAAE (National Quality Assurance Agency for Education) at Uzbekistan. She has contributed to international conferences, faculty development initiatives, and collaborative research projects while promoting talent management, organizational development, digital learning, and sustainable management practices.

Samirul Hassan is an accomplished Academic Research Writing and Publication Consultant dedicated to empowering researchers, academics, PhD scholars, and postgraduate students to produce clear, precise, and publication-ready scholarly work.

With extensive expertise in academic English editing and manuscript development, Mr.Hassan specializes in structural editing, copyediting, academic proofreading, and stylistic enhancement. He works closely with authors to refine grammar, syntax, logical flow, and scholarly tone while strictly preserving their original meaning and intellectual contributions. His comprehensive support spans the entire research lifecycle—from literature review development and methodology articulation to results and discussion writing, thesis/dissertation polishing, and preparing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed international journals.

Prof. Tarek Gaber is Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Computer Science at the University of Salford, UK, and Full Professor at Suez Canal University, Egypt (on leave). His research focuses on resilient AI, secure digital infrastructures and Safe AI deployment across industry and the public sector, building on two decades of work in cybersecurity and AI.
He holds a PhD in Computer Science (Cybersecurity) from the University of Manchester. He has authored over 130 peer-reviewed publications and led or co-investigated projects worth over £7 million. He ranks among the world's top 2% of scientists (Stanford), and his work has earned numerous research awards, including Best Paper and Knowledge Exchange awards. He previously served as Head of the IT Department at Suez Canal University and Programme Leader for Salford's MSc in Cybersecurity. He regularly serves as Programme Chair at international conferences and is Associate Editor of Q1 journals, including PeerJ Computer Science and PLOS One.

Prof. Dr. Seda Yıldırım is a internationally recognized scholar and Full Professor in the Department of Business Administration at Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Turkey. Holding a Ph.D. in Marketing from Kocaeli University, she is widely regarded as a leading voice in sustainable development, focusing on the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, environmental quality, sustainable consumption, food security, and social welfare.

Her distinguished career is defined by exceptional academic leadership and widespread impact, with over 2,900 citations on Google Scholar and a extensive repository of publications indexed in Web of Science and SCOPUS. Recognized as top performer in management sciences at her institution, Prof. Yıldırım holds key editorial roles with prestigious academic publishers, including serving on the Editorial Board of Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio) and editing eight SCOPUS-indexed volumes for IGI Global.

Her contributions to global research have earned her numerous prestigious honors, including the Emerald Literati Award for Outstanding Paper (2022) and the Springer Nature Author Service Award (2025). Beyond her editorial and research achievements, Prof. Yıldırım actively shapes international academic discourse through leadership on steering and scientific committees worldwide, including founding and chairing the I. International Symposium on Sustainable Development and Resource Policies in the 21st Century.

Dr. Shirzad Mansouri is a senior academic and researcher with over 30 years of experiences in higher education across Malysia, Indonesia, China, UAE, Thailand and Iran. He is specialized in Educational Administration (PhD), Leadership, Educational leadership, Business Administration (DBA), Master of Administration in Tourism and Hospitality management(MBA), Teaching English as Foreign Language (MA in TEFL) and Entrepreneurial Education. Dr. Mansouri teaches at doctoral, master’s and undergraduate levels, with orientation towards leadership in learning organization, Organizational behavior, Change management, Curriculum leadership, and Educational Research. He supervises Doctoral dissertations, master theses, and leads research seminar in strategic leadership and teaching methodology. His research focuses on leadership studies, technology applications in business and tourism and Language Education.

Prof. Rajesh Srivastava is a distinguished academician, researcher, and management educator with over 20 years of experience in higher education and more than 30 years of managerial experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He currently serves as Professor of Practice at Atharva University (since 2026) and previously held positions as Professor Emeritus and Head–Research at N. L. Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research, University of Mumbai (2023–2026), Professor and Head–Marketing and Research at SIMSREE, University of Mumbai (2012–2023), Director General and Professor at Sterling Institute of Management and SIESCOMS (2010–2012), and Professor and Head–Marketing and Research at K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management (2004–2010). Recognized for his contributions to teaching and innovation, he has received several prestigious accolades including the Innovative Professor of the Year Award (2013), Marketing Innovation Award (2014), Best Marketing Professor Award by ABP News (2017), and recognition among the Top 100 Most Dedicated Professors of the World at the World Congress on Education (2018). An accomplished scholar, he has published over 212 research papers, supervised 32 doctoral scholars, authored and edited seven books, and has accumulated more than 2,857 citations. His international academic engagements span the United States, Canada, South Africa, Denmark, Thailand, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, while his conference leadership includes chairing sessions at prominent international forums in the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Korea, and India. Prof. Srivastava has served on the Management Board of the University of Mumbai, various university research review committees, and advisory boards of leading management institutions, besides contributing as an expert member to AICTE and the University of Mumbai. He also serves on the editorial boards of reputed international journals published by Taylor & Francis, Emerald, and Inderscience and is an active reviewer for several leading journals in the fields of marketing, consumer studies, banking, services, and business management.

Dr. Arshi Naim is a distinguished academic and Top 2% Scientist (Stanford & Elsevier, 2024, 2025) with over 23 years of experience in business management, digital marketing, and higher education. She holds a Ph.D. in Business Management, an MBA in Marketing, and an Honors degree in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University, India. She has authored 140+ Scopus-indexed publications in Q1 and Q2 journals and contributed to books with leading international publishers. She has held key academic and leadership roles globally, including 14 years as Quality Program Head at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia. She is Professor in Business Management at Ibn Rushd College of Management Sciences (KSA), Academic Dean and Professor at the London Institute of Sustainable Development (UK), and Guest Professor at Al-Quds University (Palestine). She also serves in professorial and research supervision roles across institutions in the UK, Malta, Malaysia, and Switzerland. She is a certified Quality Matters Master Reviewer (US) and holds international certifications in project management (UK), entrepreneurship (Harvard Business School), and digital marketing (Cambridge). She actively collaborates worldwide and contributes to advancing sustainable development through her work with the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD), UK.

Dr. Vishnu Sharma is a distinguished academician and researcher with over two decades of experience in higher education, academic, administrative leadership, and research supervision. He is currently serving as Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering at Poornima University, Jaipur. Dr. Sharma has led curriculum development initiatives, coordinated major academic collaborations including Red Hat Academy and NASSCOM Future Skills, and guided several Ph.D. and postgraduate researchers in the areas of Machine Learning and Software Engineering.
His research contributions include publications in IEEE and Springer, book chapters with Wiley and international publishers, and multiple national patents in the domain of digital twin technology and groundwater sustainability. Dr. Sharma has presented his research at various national and international conferences and actively participates in academic quality enhancement, syllabus design, and professional development programs.
His academic interests span Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Database Systems, and emerging technologies. Known for his collaborative approach and commitment to academic excellence, Dr. Sharma continues to contribute significantly to teaching, research, and innovation in the field of Computer Science & Engineering.

Prof. Abolghasem Arabiun is a Professor of Technological Entrepreneurship at the University of Tehran, Iran. He is an accomplished academic, researcher, and international expert specializing in technological entrepreneurship, international business development, strategic management, innovation ecosystems, and design thinking. His research and professional work focus on applying innovation-driven frameworks within universities, industry, and policy-making institutions to promote sustainable economic growth, technological advancement, and organizational transformation.

Throughout his academic career, Prof. Arabiun has made significant contributions to the internationalization of higher education and business, the development of globally competitive entrepreneurial ecosystems, and the commercialization of technology-based innovations. His extensive collaborations with internationally renowned institutions, including Babson College, have strengthened his global perspective on entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic management while fostering meaningful cross-cultural academic and research partnerships.

Prof. Arabiun is the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Tehran, recognizing his commitment to excellence in teaching, capacity building, and the development of future entrepreneurial leaders. His teaching philosophy integrates experiential learning, design thinking, and practical problem-solving to bridge academic theory with real-world practice.

He continues to actively promote international academic cooperation, strengthen global research networks, and advance entrepreneurial ecosystems capable of addressing complex global challenges through innovation, strategic foresight, and sustainable development. His work reflects a strong commitment to creating impactful collaborations that connect academia, industry, and society for long-term global progress.

Dr. Tshewang Phuntsho is a Lecturer and Head of the Research Centre at the Gedu College of Business Studies, Royal University of Bhutan. He holds a Ph.D. in Green Science and Engineering (Data Science) from Sophia University, an M.Sc. in Mathematical Engineering from University of L’Aquila, and a B.A. in Mathematics and Philosophy from Hiram College. His research focuses on computational intelligence, optimization, machine learning, and data analytics, particularly in financial modelling, project scheduling, and resource allocation. His scholarly contributions have been published in leading Scopus-indexed journals, including Connection Science, IEEE Access, Knowledge-Based Systems, and Journal of Scheduling, and he has presented his work at several international conferences on artificial intelligence, data science, and information technology.

With over a decade of academic experience, Dr. Phuntsho has taught courses in business mathematics, statistics, operations research, finance, and quantitative decision-making, while also delivering guest lectures at institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, University of Valencia, and IMS Unison University. He has received numerous prestigious scholarships and research grants, including the Japanese Government JDS Scholarship and multiple Royal University of Bhutan research awards. Proficient in a broad range of programming languages and analytical tools, including Python, R, Julia, Matlab, STATA, and Hadoop, his current research interests encompass AI-augmented decision-making, computational and financial optimization, machine learning, and sustainable business intelligence systems, contributing to innovative and data-driven solutions for complex managerial and economic challenges.

Tareq Hashem is a Full Professor at Applied Science Private University in Jordan and serves on the Dissertation Committee at Westcliff University, USA. His academic career includes roles as Assistant and Associate Professor at Philadelphia University and, later, as Associate Professor, Head of the Marketing Department, and Full Professor at Isra University. His research and teaching focus span management, digital marketing, and marketing information systems across various industries. He actively contributes to academia as an author, editor, and reviewer for scholarly publications and editorial boards. Complementing his academic work, Hashem has substantial professional experience, having worked as a credit officer at the Islamic International Arab Bank and as a marketing manager in the hotel furnishings industry.

Dr. Joseph G. Refugio is a distinguished academic leader and researcher with extensive contributions to higher education. Currently serving as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School at St. Vincent’s College in Dipolog City, Philippines.
Dr. Refugio holds a Doctorate in Management with a specialization in Educational Management from the University of San Jose Recoletos, complemented by multiple degrees including an MBA, a BS in Commerce (Accounting), and a BS in Secondary Education with a Mathematics major. His professional accolades include being conferred as a Diplomate in Business Education by the Philippine Academy of Professional in Business Education and receiving awards such as the 2020 Most Outstanding Educator in Region IX and the 2024 Outstanding Leadership Award in Education. Recipient of the 2026 Plaque of Recognition as Most Outstanding Leadership in Research and Publication.
He actively contributes to professional educational organizations, serving as President of the Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB), Philippine Association of Graduate Education (PAGE) Region IX, and Council of Deans for Teacher Education. His leadership roles extend to regional quality assessment teams (RQAT), where he influences program standards in business, hospitality, and teacher education.
A committed researcher, Dr. Refugio has participated extensively in national and international forums as a session chair, juror, and peer reviewer. His scholarly output includes research presentations, peer-reviewed publications in esteemed international journals.

Dr. Mostafa Mohamad is an Associate Professor of Digital Transformation and Analytics at Newcastle Business School and Zayed University, with more than 22 years of academic, consulting, and industry experience. He is the Director of the MSc Business Analytics Programme at Newcastle Business School and the Founder and Chair of the Institute of Technology, Innovation, and Strategy. His expertise spans digital transformation, artificial intelligence, business analytics, Industry 5.0, FinTech, cybersecurity, blockchain, digital supply chains, and innovation strategy.

Dr. Mohamad has published extensively in leading international journals and has received numerous prestigious awards for his research, innovation, and teaching excellence. Throughout his career, he has led digital transformation and analytics projects for organisations across the public and private sectors, including multinational corporations, government agencies, and international organisations. A passionate educator, researcher, and consultant, he is committed to helping organisations harness emerging technologies to drive innovation, sustainable growth, and strategic competitiveness.

Dr. Ahmad Yahya Mustafa Shaheen is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), an AACSB-accredited institution in Egypt. His research focuses on artificial intelligence in marketing, virtual influencers, and parasocial relationships, with a particular emphasis on consumer behaviour across the MENA region. His scholarly contributions have been published in leading Q1 and Q2 international journals.

Alongside his academic career, Dr. Shaheen leads a marketing consulting practice that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Egypt and the GCC. Combining academic expertise with industry experience, he delivers practical, research-driven marketing solutions and collaborates effectively in both Arabic and English.

Mr. Sovantheara Chhit (Sam) is a seasoned Sales and Marketing Manager with over 19 years of professional experience across the hospitality and real estate industries. With 13 years in hospitality and 6 years in real estate, he has built a distinguished career driving business growth through strategic sales, business development, operational excellence, and customer-centric marketing. His expertise includes hotel management, brand positioning, revenue optimization, market expansion, and partnership development.

Known for his results-oriented leadership and strategic vision, Sam has successfully led sales and marketing initiatives for hotels, condominium developments, serviced residences, and lifestyle facilities. He is passionate about creating sustainable business value by building strong client relationships, developing high-performing teams, and delivering innovative growth strategies. Committed to continuous learning and collaboration, Sam works with businesses, investors, and industry leaders to foster innovation, operational excellence, and long-term organizational success.

Dr. Mohammed Jaboob is an assistant professor in department of management at college of commerce and
business administration in Dhofar University, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman. He earned his Doctorate in the
specialized field of leadership and. Dr. Mohammed Jaboob research interests include leadership and
management, Artificial intelligence, VR & AR in higher education, sustainability, and Human Resource
Management. In the academic field, he studied many scientific subjects, including management principles,
human resource management, organizational behavior, international management, and operations
management. He also contributed to several achievements with the institution, including Dhofar University
obtaining national accreditation, as well as, International accreditation (QS). In addition to international
accreditation for business colleges (AACSB). In the field of scientific publishing, Dr. Mohammed Jaboob
has many research papers in prestigious journals.

Ms. Maryam Salim Al Nuaimi serves as the Director of the Media and Marketing Department at the University of Buraimi, Oman, where she leads the institution's strategic communication, branding, marketing, and public relations initiatives. With a strong passion for storytelling and institutional branding, she believes that every organization has a unique story worth sharing. Her work focuses on transforming ideas into compelling narratives that inspire, engage stakeholders, and strengthen meaningful connections across diverse audiences.

In her role, she develops and implements integrated marketing and communication strategies that enhance the university's visibility while authentically reflecting its mission, values, and aspirations. By combining creativity with strategic thinking, she has contributed to building a strong institutional presence across both traditional and digital media platforms.

She holds a Master of Arts in Media, Communication and Public Relations from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. Her interdisciplinary expertise enables her to integrate communication, technology, and data-driven insights to create innovative marketing solutions and deliver sustainable institutional impact.

Dr. Mahal B. Rosel, Ed.D., is a strategic planning and futures thinking expert, researcher, and educator from the Philippines. She currently serves as the University Planning Officer of Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), where she leads institutional strategic planning, performance management, sustainability initiatives, and development planning. She also serves as Director of the Climate Action, Resilience & Empowerment Center (CARE), advancing climate resilience, research, and community engagement. Dr. Rosel has led the development of externally funded research and development initiatives, integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into university planning and governance, and contributed to institutional transformation through strategic foresight, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making. Her work spans higher education governance, climate action, grants management, research productivity, and public sector innovation, with publications and presentations at national and international conferences. She is passionate about fostering global partnerships and advancing sustainable, future-ready higher education.

Prof. Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi is the Associate Dean (Research and Development) at XIM University, Odisha, India, with over 15 years of experience in academia, research, and industry engagement. His expertise spans operations and supply chain management, inventory management, logistics, digital transformation, circular economy, and sustainability. He has previously held academic leadership positions at the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Hyderabad, and GITAM School of Business, where he contributed significantly to research, doctoral supervision, and supply chain resilience initiatives.

Prof. Panigrahi has authored more than 55 research publications in leading Scopus, Web of Science, ABDC, and ABS-indexed journals, along with several book chapters published by Springer, Routledge, and CRC Press. He serves on the editorial boards of several internationally recognized journals, including *Scientific Reports (Sustainability)*, *Discover Sustainability*, and the *International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering and Technology*. His research excellence has been recognized with the AIMS Management Scholar Award (2024). An active contributor to the academic community, he is also a member of several professional bodies and has completed advanced certifications in mixed methods research, responsible research and innovation, and AI-powered supply chain management.

Dr. Ibrahim Rashid Al Shamsi is an associate professor and dean in the College of Business, University of Buraimi, Oman. His areas of specialization include business, human resource management, and other management-related subjects. He obtained his master's in business administration from the UK and Ph.D. in business administration from Malaysia. He also serves indexed journals as a reviewer and is involved in various academic and research tasks. Before joining academia, he worked for 20 years with the Directorate General of Health Services, Al Buraimi Governorate, Ministry of Health, where he held important positions as Head of the Administration Department, Director of Administration and Finance, and Director of Planning and Studies.

Dr. Maria Victoria Rosas is a distinguished academic leader, educator, and Certified Management Consultant with extensive experience in business education and higher education leadership in the Philippines. She has served as the National President of the Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB), where she championed excellence in business education, quality assurance, faculty development, and academic collaboration across higher education institutions. She has also led several national and international professional organizations, contributing significantly to curriculum innovation, research promotion, and academic governance. An accomplished scholar and administrator, Dr. Rosas is widely recognized for her commitment to developing future-ready business education and strengthening partnerships among academia, industry, and professional organizations. Her leadership continues to inspire educators and institutions in advancing quality, innovation, and global engagement in higher education.

Dr. Jeremy Brown is an experienced academic, he holds a doctorate in Information Systems, (Faculty of Applied Technology) an MSc in Computer-Based Information Systems (Faculty of Computing), and a BEd in Business Studies (Faculty of Education), all from the University of Sunderland (UK).

He has over 30 years of international experience teaching and researching in Information Systems, eLearning, IT Governance and Community Informatics. He has published articles in Scopus ranked journals including “Information Technology for Development” and “Information Research”. Recent projects include investigating the digital skills gap in female microentrepreneurs in Oman.
A specialist in MIS, his global academic footprint includes teaching engagements in numerous countries, including the UK, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Brunei Darussalam, and now Kazakhstan. While working at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, he was instrumental in spearheading national eLearning initiatives for higher education, demonstrating commitment to advancing educational technology in higher education.