MAPSA 2024
Psychology: Making An Impact
18 - 19 OCT
HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, PUTRAJAYA
About
Malaysian Psychology Students Assembly (MAPSA) conference is an event for undergraduate and postgraduate students to present ideas, learn new skills with workshops and connect with students from different universities across the country.
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is the host for MAPSA conference 2024 and are organized by staffs and students from the Department of Psychology.
We hope to see you at MAPSA conference 2024!
Abstract Submission
DEADLINE: 15 May, 2024
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Decision
The confirmation of abstract acceptance will be announced on 30 August 2024.
Registration
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Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Bank Account Details:
Account Name: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Account Number: 5160-1540-4648
Bank Address: Putrajaya Branch, R13 & R15 Bangunan Annexe, Dewan Persidangan Kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya, 62675 Putrajaya, WP Putrajaya
Swift Code: MBBEMYKL
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Sdn Bhd 201101039043 (967165-K)
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Ke Guek Nee
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Prof. Dr. Glenn Hitchman
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Dr. David Barron
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Keynote Speaker Profile
Dr. Ke Guek Nee
Heriot-Watt University
Malaysia
Title: Psychology: Making an Impact
What does IMPACT signify within the field of psychology?
How do psychologists effectuate IMPACT?
What strategies can be employed to sustain IMPACT over time?
Psychologists create a profound impact through their expertise in understanding and addressing mental health challenges. By offering evidence-based interventions, they help individuals manage and overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, leading to improved emotional well-being and quality of life. Psychologists also contribute to the development of effective intervention techniques and public health initiatives, enhancing overall mental health awareness and support. Psychologists’ work fosters personal growth, resilience, and healthier relationships, ultimately creating a ripple effect that positively influences individuals, communities, societies, nation and the world.
Speaker Profile
Dr. Ke Guek Nee is an Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and serves as the Director of the Heriot-Watt University Coaching Lab. Her research spans several areas including coaching psychology, the prevention of Internet addiction, cyber wellness, leadership, work psychology and business psychology. Driven by her passion for research, Dr. Ke has secured over ten grants from both national and international funding bodies. These include the Networked Media Research grant from the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) from the Ministry of Education Malaysia, and the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) from the Scottish Funding Council. Her work is frequently published in top-tier journals and has been featured in various news and media outlets.
Prof. Dr. Glenn Hitchman
Heriot-Watt University
Malaysia
Title: Introducing Malaysia to Parapsychology: The Controversial Science
Parapsychology, the study of phenomena that lie beyond the current understanding of mainstream psychology, has long been a subject of both intrigue and skepticism. To explore this unconventional field, it is essential to understand its foundations, challenges, and potential implications. This keynote presentation will provide an overview of parapsychology, focusing on its historical development, key areas of study, and the scientific methodologies employed to investigate phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis and the survival of consciousness beyond biological death. The presentation will also address the controversies that surround parapsychology, particularly the debates over its scientific legitimacy and the ethical considerations of pursuing research in this area. By examining both the possibilities and the pitfalls of parapsychological research, this presentation aims to open a dialogue on how Malaysian students can approach this field with a critical yet open-minded perspective. The presentation will consider the relevance and contributions of parapsychology to contemporary psychological science and its potential to challenge and expand our understanding of human consciousness and the mind.
Speaker Profile
Prof. Glenn studied Economics at the University of Surrey before following a conversion route into Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He completed his PhD at the University of Northampton. He subsequently spent two years teaching and researching in China, firstly at Dongbei University of Finance and Economics and then at Southwest University. After returning to the UK, he was instrumental in establishing an academic campus within Wembley Stadium whilst leading a BSc in Sport Psychology at UCFB. He then served as Head of Academic Subjects and Quality Lead at Royal Holloway International Study Centre before returning to the University of Northampton. He was appointed as Head of Psychology and Sociology in 2020, before taking up a new role as Professor and Head of Psychology at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia in 2023. Glenn has been involved in a variety of research projects spanning neuroscience, cognitive and social psychology. His specialism is parapsychology.
Dr. David Barron
Heriot-Watt University
Malaysia
Title: Mirror, Mirror: The Impact of an Aging Body Image on Mind and Mood
This talk explores the complex relationship between aging, body image, and psychological well-being. The presentation considers how body image evolves with age, influenced by physical changes, societal expectations, and media representation. Specifically, the presentation covers key aspects such as the psychological impacts of aging on self-perception, mood, and mental health, emphasising that aging often leads to shifts in body image satisfaction. The presentation highlights that societal norms and media often perpetuate unrealistic beauty ideals, contributing to body dissatisfaction, particularly in women. The concept of the Mirror Effect is discussed, where individuals’ self-esteem can be affected by frequent mirror-gazing, which either reinforces positive or negative self-perceptions. Research findings indicate that negative body image is linked to various mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Strategies to promote a more positive body image, including self-acceptance, focusing on overall health rather than appearance, and challenging societal norms, are also presented. This discussion contributes to understanding how body image and self-identity evolve with aging, offering insights into fostering resilience and emotional well-being in later life.
Speaker Profile
Dr. David Barron is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences and Director of Research and Enterprise at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, which he joined in 2023. Prior to this, he spent six years at Perdana University as Deputy Director and Reader in the Centre for Psychological Medicine. David also worked at the University of Westminster for over ten years as a Psychology Technician and Visiting Lecturer, alongside Research Assistant roles at the University of Strathclyde.
David holds a BA (Hons) in Psychology and an MRes in Research Methods from the University of Strathclyde. He earned his PhD from the University of Westminster, focusing on schizotypy. His research expertise spans individual differences, conspiracy theories, and body image. He has authored editorials and guidelines on test adaptation and edited a book on psychology in Southeast Asia. Beyond academia, David is a notable science communicator, with experience across television, radio, and digital and print media.
Featured Plenary Speakers
Dr. Grace Yap
Sunway University
Prof. Dr. Shamsul Haque
Monash University Malaysia
Dr. Jessica Price
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Dr. Jasmine Lee
University of Reading Malaysia
Dr. Asma Perveen
Sultan Idris Education University
Dr. Ron Salden
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Dr. Kenneth Leow
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Dr. Joel Yap Chia Keat
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Dr. Joshua Ng
International Medical University
Dr. Shue Ling Chong
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Dr. Poh Wei Lin
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Dr. Michael Jenkins
Sunway University
Ms. Wichitra Phon
Oasis Place Sdn. Bhd.
Abstract
Dr. Grace Yap
Sunway University
Title: Mindful Morsels: A Qualitative Study on Culinary Waste Management for a Healthier Planet
The burgeoning food waste problem drives environmental pollution and climate change due to landfilling. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering carbon footprints through food waste management is imperative. In culinary settings, significant food waste is generated during food preparation, yet there is no module to educate staff on this. This study introduced a culinary waste management (CWM) module to train culinary arts students in reducing waste from cleaning to assembling. Assessing the module's user-friendliness during practical implementation was essential. The study aimed to explore participants’ awareness and understanding of CWM before and after implementing the module in teaching kitchens and identify motivators and barriers. Thirty-five participants, including students, teaching chefs, and cleaning staff, were recruited at Sunway University. Pre-module interviews revealed varying engagement levels, low literacy, labor-intensiveness, and hygiene concerns as barriers. Post-module interviews highlighted positive psychological and cognitive impacts, with motivators driving CWM practice. However, resistance to novelty impeded implementation. The CWM module is essential in the education-industrial system, providing sustainable waste management knowledge and skills for a successful culinary career.
Dr. Jessica Price
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Title: Raising awareness on period poverty and reducing stigma related to menstruation
Period poverty is a global issue, whereby a combination of financial constraints, scarcity of resources and social stigma can result in limited access to safe hygienic sanitary products. There is a complex connection between period poverty and education, which also contributes to gender disparity. Women in higher education institutions may experience negative effects such as discomfort, distraction or inability to participate due to menstrual leakage, leading to chronic absenteeism. In Malaysia, over 50% of women and girls report wanting to miss school during their periods, highlighting the severity of the issue. To address this, Project Period investigated period poverty within a HEI setting and this research aligns well with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality). An online survey was distributed to investigate issues faced by women in accessing sanitary products in HEI settings. Free sanitary products were made available strategic locations in a HEI university in Malaysia, for a three-month period. These sanitary products were sourced from Blood Malaysia as their products are sustainable, organic, biodegradable and plastic-free. The impact of the project was evaluated through surveys and focus groups. The project is expected to better awareness, mental health, academic outcomes and physical health of those involved.
Prof. Dr. Shamsul Haque
Monash University Malaysia
Title: Cultural life scripts as schema: Recalling schema congruent and incongruent events from a hypothetical life story
We, involving 34 Malaysian adults, investigated if the memory of cultural life script congruent and incongruent events was better than life script neutral events. We created a 1500-word hypothetical life story of a Malaysian girl comprising six life script congruent, six life script incongruent, and six life script neutral events. Half of those events were high-frequent, and half were low-frequent life script events. Participants first read the story on a computer screen and then completed a free recall test ten minutes later and again one week later. They recalled as many details as they could from the 18 events presented in the story. The results revealed that participants retrieved more information from the life script incongruent events than from life script congruent events at both recall points. The memory for high-frequent life script events was better than for low-frequent and life script-neutral events. Overall, the recall rate was higher in the immediate than in the late phase. The results confirm the isolation effects or Von Restorff effect, which predicts that unusual and distinctive events are more memorable than typical, commonly expected events.
Dr. Jasmine Lee
University of Reading Malaysia
Title: The Face of the Self: What is special about the own face?
Human faces are remarkably similar in basic form: a pair of eyes aligned horizontally above a central nose and mouth. However, there are subtle differences that make every face unique. Yet, we are capable of noticing the subtle differences between each face instantly and effortlessly. Within a split second, the identity, state of mind, emotions, intentions, age, and attractiveness of a person can be gleaned from a face. There is a general agreement in the scientific community that faces constitute a special type of stimulus compared to other visual objects. Among all faces, one's own face seems to hold the most significant relevance as it represents the "self." As a physical extension of the self, the own face serves as an important foundation to understand the complex conceptions of self. However, does this mean that one's own face is special compared to other familiar and unfamiliar faces? If so, in what sense? In this talk, I will discuss why and what makes one's own face special. First, I will provide justification for why one's own face might be special at phenomenological, volitional, and sensory levels. Next, I will integrate research that investigates the factors contributing to the uniqueness of one's own face. Finally, drawing on examples from my research, I will argue that, in contrast to other familiar and unfamiliar faces, one's own face representations are acquired through distinct learning mechanisms and are supported by both quantitatively and qualitatively different processes.
Dr. Ron Salden
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Title: Empowering Marginalised Communities in Malaysia – What do metal music and scuba therapy have in common?
Enhancing awareness of the special needs and strengths of marginalised communities is a lifelong endeavour. Especially in a multicultural country like Malaysia there is significant progress to be made. Metal music might be reviled by certain segments of Malaysian society, but despite its extreme imagery and loudness a qualitative study demonstrates it encapsulates intensely positive effects for its fans. Moreover, the beneficial effects are in line with empowering results reported across the globe while also providing a few cultural nuances.
Similarly, most people are not aware of scuba therapy or the fact that NGOs like Diveheart exist. Initial scepticism rapidly is replaced with amazement about the disabled community being significantly more resilient and braver than it is being credited for. A qualitative study explored the empowering effects of scuba therapy among rehabilitation specialists and People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Malaysia. The results provide insight on individual lived experiences that exemplify both challenges faced in the local context and the impressive benefits of scuba therapy. What might the implications be for psychology and for society at large? Join this talk to find out!
Dr. Kenneth Leow
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Title: Fostering Well-Being in Sustainable Urban Spaces: Insights from Self-Determination Theory and Eudaimonic Well-Being.
Creating a sustainable environment involves numerous challenges that require significant motivation. A key factor in successful urbanisation planning is to understand how users perceive the attributes of rejuvenating spaces. The usability and practicality of these spaces not only facilitate intellectual activities but also shape the emotional experience and personal fulfilment individuals derive from engaging with their surroundings. This presentation applies the Self-Determination Theory to examine users’ motivation in developing spaces that enhance personal well-being. Additionally, it explores the concept of eudaimonic well-being, which emphasises living in accordance with one's true self and achieving a sense of purpose and fulfilment. By analysing how space usability contributes to both emotional and eudaimonic well-being, the presentation provides insights into creating an environment that is not only sustainable, but also supports intellectual growth, emotional satisfaction, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Dr. Asma Preveen
Sultan Idris Education University
Title: Emotional Competency Module.
Emotional competency refers to a person who is capable of being aware of emotional shifts that occur due to constant changes in their body as well as in the environment and being flexible to deal with them accordingly. Emotional competency refers to a person who is capable of being aware of emotional shifts that occur due to constant changes in their body as well as in the environment and being flexible to deal with them accordingly. The Emotional Competency Module was developed as part of a Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) to help overcome emotional issues faced by adolescents aged between 13-22 years old. There are four themes in this module which are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management. The four domains focus on four different psychological aspects that are important to enhance emotional competency of adolescents. The activities focused on domains: Self Awareness, Self Management, Social Awareness and social Management. By instilling these four domains’ activities in adolescents, they can enhance their emotional competency in dealing with daily challenges and be more goal-focused and self-directed, which ultimately increase their psychological well-being. The module focuses on cognitive affective and behavioural techniques to modify, restructure, and reframe the four emotional domains.
Dr. Joel Yap Chia Keat
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Title: Unravelling Stress, Coping Strategies, and the Influence of Parenting on Resilience
Stress is an inherent part of modern life, affecting individuals across all walks of life, from students facing academic pressures to professionals managing work-related challenges. This session explores the multifaceted nature of stress and the coping strategies that help mitigate its effects. A key focus will be placed on coping strategies—problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping—and their roles in navigating stressful situations. The influence of parenting styles will also be examined to understand how these factors shape individuals’ coping behaviours. This session will offer some insights into stress management and underscore the importance of developing personalized coping mechanisms and the role that institutions and communities can play in supporting stress management for improved overall well-being.
Dr. Joshua Ng
International Medical University
Title: Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviours, Malaysian Men, and Collectivistic Culture
Shame culture, face-saving reactions, importance of extended family, and patriarchal family structures are several characteristics of collectivistic culture in Malaysia. These features of collectivistic culture have directly and indirectly impacted on mental health help-seeking behaviours among Malaysian men. A cross-sectional survey (n = 234) revealed that the need to save face is a negative predictor of Malaysian men’s willingness to seek professional mental health services, indicating the context of Malaysian males being pressured to live up to the expectations of being tough and portraying themselves as always being alright. Next, a qualitative interview study among Malaysian males in the mental health profession (n = 7) revealed that finance, availability of mental health services, and complexity of issue (i.e., “I cannot solve the issues myself”) are emergent themes that facilitate mental health help-seeking behaviours for the very first time. Implications of these behaviours of Malaysian men upon their community members (i.e., their family members and mental health practitioners) shall be discussed in this presentation sharing.
Dr. Shue Ling Chong
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Title: “Click, Swipe, Like”: Understanding Potential Problematic Internet Usage and Social Media Addiction among Adolescents.
Adolescents today are often digital natives, who have been growing up in a world that is deeply integrated with digital technology. While digital advancements facilitate learning and communication through digital platforms and enable easy access to resources, excessive engagement on social media platforms and internet usage poses potential negative impacts on adolescents’ functioning and psychological well-being. Hence, it is essential to optimize the benefits of digital technology usage, while concurrently recognizing and mitigating the associated risks. Devices, internet, and social media usage amongst adolescents will be the focal areas of this talk. In this talk, I will be sharing about my ongoing work that examines problematic internet use and social media addiction among adolescents in Malaysia. Trends in adolescents’ usage of devices, internet, and social media, along with the associated psychological health impacts, will be discussed. Additionally, I will discuss some of the underlying mechanisms of these relationships, with the aim of identifying protective mechanisms which could prevent problematic usage and social media addiction among adolescents.
Dr. Michael Jenkins
Sunway University
Title: Social Cognition: Bridging Two Worlds
Among the many worlds of Psychology, the Social and the Cognitive are often considered separate. A social psychologists’ interests may involve intergroup dynamics, identity, or attitudes; meanwhile, a cognitive psychologist may focus on attention, memory, or decision-making. Stereotypically, these two worlds differ in terms of methods and skillsets, but in reality, the connection between social and cognitive psychology is strong and growing, generating new fields such as Social Cognitive Neuroscience. In this talk, I will identify how Social and Cognitive psychology can be integrated to provide new insights, and highlight my own attempts to answer social questions using cognitive tools. These include experimental methods that provide controlled conditions without losing sight of the social phenomena they are meant to measure. Finally, I will discuss how 2-person neuroscience can go one step further to directly measure social processes in the brain in real time. Ultimately, this talk will demonstrate just one of many ways in which the worlds of Psychology can be brought together through interdisciplinary means.
Dr. Poh Wei Lin
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Title: The scope of refreshing. Are all information within our working memory easily accessible?
You may be aware of sensory attention (perception), meaning we focus on a few external information for deeper processing while ignoring other irrelevant information. Could attention operate the same way as internal/reflective attention? For example, if we paid more attention to certain thoughts within our working memory, how does that affect other thoughts in terms of attention and memory? And how would language affect this? My work aimed to answer some of these questions. Refreshing is a cognitive process that entails directing the spotlight of internal, or reflective, attention onto a mental representation in service of ongoing cognition. Refreshing shares many parallels with perceptual attention, including its ability to both facilitate and inhibit the processing of recently refreshed items, depending on the circumstances. However, there is currently limited information on the depth to which refreshing causes representations to be processed, or what facets of a multimodal mental representation might be primarily targeted by refreshing.
Title: Assistive technology for Neurodivergent scope of refreshing.
Neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations—often face unique challenges in academic, social, and professional settings. Assistive technology (AT) offers innovative solutions to enhance their ability to learn, communicate, and function independently. This presentation explores various forms of AT designed to support neurodivergent individuals, including software applications, hardware tools, and adaptive devices that cater to specific needs such as improving focus, reducing sensory overload, facilitating communication, and enhancing organizational skills. The presentation will examine current trends in AT, highlight research on its effectiveness, and provide practical examples of how these technologies are being used in educational and therapeutic settings. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of individualized approaches to selecting AT, the role of caregivers and professionals in implementing these tools, and future directions in the development of technology that better accommodates neurodiversity. Attendees will gain insights into the potential of assistive technology to create more inclusive environments and empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
Dr. Wichitra Phon
Oasis Place Sdn. Bhd.
Featured Trainers
Dr. Nurul Ain Hidayah Binti Abas
Dr. Nurul Ain Hidayah binti Abas has been working as an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Psychology Department at Sultan Idris Education University. Dr. Nurul serves as the Deputy Chair of the Sexual Harassment Core Committee and is a trainer on Sexual Harassment appointed by the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development. She also serves as Deputy Chair of the Human Research Ethics Committee and holds a Certificate in Disability Management Professionalism. Currently, she is also holding the position of Chief Editor for Journal of Research, Policy & Practice of Teachers & Teacher Education. She earned her doctoral degree in Work Psychology from Philipps University of Marburg, Germany, and Master of Applied Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, USA. Dr. Nurul's research interests focus on organizational psychology and occupational health, particularly in improving employee performance, fairness, appraisal, and talent management.
Prof. Dr. Alvin Ng Lai Oon
Prof. Dr. Alvin Ng Lai Oon is a clinical psychologist by training and now a full-time academic at the university, belonging to the Department of Psychology, under the School of Medical and Life Sciences where he is also Deputy Dean (International). He currently runs the Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Sunway. He also holds honorary academic positions at the University of Exeter and the University of East Anglia. Dr Ng was the Founding President of the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology which he helped set up in 2010. He was the Secretary of the Asian Cognitive Behavioral Therapies Association where he was instrumental in facilitating professional and public talks on mental health. Dr Ng has given more than 400 talks on psychology and mental health, and has participated as an invited keynote and speaker at numerous conferences locally and internationally.
Prof. Dr. Walton Wider
Prof. Dr. Walton Wider is currently working as a Professor at the Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Malaysia. He has obtained his PhD in Psychology from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia. He holds a Master of Education (Educational Psychology) and a Bachelor of Science (Human Resource Management) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Dr. Wider has authored more than 150 academic journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed, and well-indexed journals (Scopus, SSCI, SCIE, ABDC, ESCI). Some of the renowned journals include International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction; Current Psychology; Journal of Adult Development; International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation; Kybernetes; Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education; Environmental and Sustainability Indicators; Asian Education and Development Studies; BMC Nursing; Heliyon; Perceptual and Motor Skills, and Journal of Organizational Effectiveness. To date. His research interests include educational psychology, education management, and educational technology.
Dr. Wong Hoo Keat
As a cognitive psychologist, Dr. Hoo Keat’s research focuses on cross-cultural face perception, more specifically on the own-race bias in face memory (i.e. poorer recognition of other-race faces compared to own-race faces). He also applies eye-tracking technique to further investigate how interracial contact and cultural factors may interact to influence the underlying mechanisms of human face processing. Currently, he is utilising combined techniques – eye-tracking and heart rate variability (HRV) – to study the attentional bias and emotional face processing in depressive individuals as well as the psychophysiological effects of mindfulness breathing meditation.
Dr. Adriana Ortega
Dr. Adriana Ortega is an Occupational Health and Organizational Psychologist with extensive experience in organizational psychology and behaviour, with a specific focus on promoting workplace health and well-being. She is dedicated to enhance communication and interpersonal skills, especially for young adults and psychology students as they begin their professional journeys. She prioritizes culturally relevant and practical approaches, engaging with communities to advocate for wellness, inclusivity, and respect. Throughout her professional journey, she has worked in the UK, Denmark, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and India, with a focus on environmental and occupational health psychology, workplace wellness, and sustainable community development. Her goal is to improve the quality of life, workplace health, and well-being within the organizations and communities she works with. Therefore, her training and coaching emphasizes equipping young adults and psychology students with the necessary skills for successful internships, placements, and future careers in psychology-related fields.
Dr. Aroyewun Temitope Folashade
Dr. Aroyewun-Olaleye Temitope Folashade is an excellent lecturer, clinical psychologist, researcher, and supervisor with over ten years of amazing alliance with clients, psychotherapy/counselling, and three years of teaching. She possesses superior skills in clinical interviewing, assessment, and psychotherapy using CBT, SFBT, ACT, MI, ET, and others among individuals, groups, couples, adults, adolescents, and families. She teaches diverse psychology courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and supervises both research and clinical students.
Ms. Caryn Tang
Caryn Tang is a dynamic and engaging trainer, renowned for her 12 years of expertise in eye tracking systems and human behaviour research across Southeast Asia. With a passion for user experience (UX/UI) and consumer behaviour, Caryn provides insightful perspectives and actionable strategies, utilizing eye tracking technology to enhance understanding and drive success in business research. As a Regional Project Director, Caryn has spearheaded numerous projects, applying her deep understanding of UX/UI principles to optimize user experiences. She is a certified Tobii trainer, with yearly visits to Tobii Headquarters for advanced training, ensuring she stays at the forefront of technological advancements in eye tracking. Her extensive experience in consumer behaviour research, paired with her technical expertise, positions Caryn as a leader in the field, helping businesses gain valuable insights and improve their strategies.
Dr. Anasuya Jegathevi Jegathesan
Dr. Anasuya is currently an Associate Professor and the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences at the University of Cyberjaya. She is a licensed and practicing counsellor in Malaysia for over 20 years. She is a certified trainer in Reality Therapy and a Thanatologist and sat on the National Advisory Council for Counselling 2017-2018. She gives talks and workshop on issues of mental health in the workplace, looking especially at practical applications and crisis interventions. Recipient of the Selangor State Government Public Health Grant for her Suicide Attrition Initiative, she has conducted numerous trainings on managing suicide and self harm, Dr. Anasuya has co-edited a book on Multicultural Counselling: application of Improved Mental Health Services as well as developed therapy cards “Journey Through Life” to be used in sessions. Her research areas are intercultural interaction, spiritual counselling, death and grief, adolescence and ethical issues in counselling.
Abstract
Dr. Nurul Ain Hidayah Binti Abas (Sultan Idris Education University)
Title: Strengthening Awareness: Recognising Sexual Harassment and Bystander Intervention Strategies
Strengthening Awareness: Recognising Sexual Harassment and Bystander Intervention Strategies" aims to educate participants on how to detect and manage sexual harassment in a variety of settings. It begins by defining sexual harassment, outlining its different types, and presenting real-life instances to demonstrate its impact. Participants will learn how to recognise warning signs while understanding the psychological, health and social impacts on victims. Bystanders' importance is highlighted, and practical intervention options such as direct confrontation, delegation, and support are discussed. Participants will use these strategies into practice in an atmosphere of safety through interactive activities such as role-playing exercises, and scenario-based discussion. The programme additionally highlights the importance of developing a respectful and supportive environment, promoting open communication, and providing clear reporting methods. Finally, it provides an overview of current issues and relevant resources to promote a proactive approach to addressing sexual harassment and empowering bystanders to intervene effectively.
Prof. Dr. Alvin Ng Lai Oon (Sunway University)
Title: Preconference Workshop on Behavioural Fluency-Building with Precision Teaching in Education
Ever wondered how you can improve your mastery over the skills or the knowledge you want to learn at university? Behavioural principles in psychology can help. An approach to instilling skill mastery is behavioural fluency-building. It involves the targeting and training of component behaviour skills towards mastery, focusing on speed and accuracy, in order to improve a more complex composite skill. These trainings are carried out using precision teaching where every performance is monitored and feedback to the learner. Fluency or mastery is assumed when the retained skill is automatic and that the learner is able to be creative with the skill in multiple context. This workshop by Prof Alvin Ng aims to provide a brief background into the use of behaviour fluency-building and how it is applied within the education context, as well as its utility within the area of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and beyond. Come equipped with a countdown timer or a stopwatch. Also, bring a pen and a notepad for practical work in learning about fluency-building. The aim of this workshop is to empower you with applied psychological skills that you can share with the rest of the world for mutual benefits.
Prof. Dr. Walton Wider (INTI International University)
Title: Easy Publishing with Bibliometric Methods
The "Easy Publishing with Bibliometric Analysis" workshop emphasizes the importance of bibliometric methods in academic publishing, providing researchers with the skills to leverage these methods for enhanced publication success. Bibliometric analysis helps evaluate research impact and guides informed decision-making. The workshop covers essential bibliometric concepts, various types of analysis (e.g., co-citation, bibliographic coupling, and co-word analysis), and key metrics such as citations, h-index, and impact factor. Practical applications include manuscript preparation through hands-on exercises where participants will apply bibliometric methods to real-world examples, with group discussions and Q&A sessions facilitating deeper understanding.
Dr. Wong Hoo Keat (University of Nottingham Malaysia)
Title: Demystifying Gaze: Designing Effective Eye-Tracking Studies
This workshop demystifies eye-tracking, a powerful tool in understanding visual attention. We begin with an overview of the field and its applications in various scientific disciplines. Following this, we delve into the fundamentals of eye-tracking technology, providing a foundation for interpreting data. The core of the workshop equips participants with the knowledge to design rigorous eye-tracking studies. This includes a thorough examination of data analysis methodologies, ensuring researchers can extract meaningful insights. We will explore specific applications, including how eye movements influence face perception. Finally, the workshop examines the use of eye-tracking in reading research, showcasing how it can illuminate the cognitive processes of language processing. By the end of this workshop, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of eye-tracking methodology, its potential across scientific research, and the key considerations for designing effective studies.
Dr. Adriana Ortega (Monash University Malaysia)
Title: The pre-conference workshop: "Building Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Psychology"
The pre-conference workshop "Building Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Psychology" aims to equip psychology students with essential skills crucial for their future careers in the field. In addition to allowing practitioners to build positive relationships, manage conflicts, and effectively collaborate with clients and colleagues. Participants in this workshop will take part in interactive activities and group discussions focusing on key topics such as active listening, psychological safety, conflict resolution, empathy, and developing rapport with clients and colleagues. These foundational skills are crucial for fostering positive relationships, addressing conflicts constructively, and promoting effective collaboration within the psychology domain. The workshop will be valuable preparation for internships, placements, and future careers in psychology-related fields, enhancing participants' readiness to become proficient professionals in the psychology field. With a strong emphasis on cultivating effective communication and interpersonal skills, this workshop is an essential resource for emerging professionals and psychology students as they enter their growing careers. By prioritizing culturally relevant and practical solutions, the workshop aims to provide psychology students with the necessary communication competencies to excel in internships, placements, and their future roles, ultimately empowering them to succeed as competent professionals in the psychology domain.
Dr. Aroyewun Temitope Folashade (Sultan Idris Education University)
Title:
The field of psychology has been significantly shaped by Western theoretical frameworks developed by North American and European scholars. These frameworks, however, have been criticized for their limited inclusivity and their failure to adequately account for the unique strengths and cultural contexts of diverse ethnicities. Furthermore, critics argue that these Western paradigms, with their emphasis on power dynamics, hierarchical structures, and entrenched privilege, can be detrimental to the mental health and well-being of individuals from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. Contemporary training programs in psychology are demonstrating greater receptivity to inclusivity, striving to deliver culturally competent and responsive treatments to marginalized populations seeking mental health services. This movement also coincides with a call for the decolonization of psychology, a concept that embodies the critical interrogation and dismantling of inequities embedded within institutional frameworks. A decolonial lens applied to clinical practice underscores the urgency of dismantling educational practices that perpetuate oppressive systems. This entails challenging dominant power structures, deconstructing imperialist ideologies, and cultivating inclusive spaces that acknowledge the needs of diverse clients and communities. In response, training programs must critically evaluate their curricula and actively cultivate opportunities for students and practitioners to develop critical consciousness around social justice issues.
Dr. Anasuya Jegathevi Jegathesan (University of Cyberjaya)
Title: Managing yourself in a suicide crisis.
The first responders in a Suicide crisis are rarely trained mental health workers. It is everyday individuals who are faced with a friend or family member in a crisis state, an active suicide occurring or supporting and individual after a suicide attempt. This workshop looks at the crisis response to suicide of people without training in suicide management. It addresses practical approaches and skills that may be applied in management of the crisis, avoiding escalation and keeping all parties safe. The goal is to help participants be the right person, in the wrong time and place, so that they can be a positive force in the suicide crisis. Warning, the workshop may be triggering to some as it will be sharing real experiences and events on suicide and the management of such challenges.
Ms. Caryn Tang (SDS Associates Sdn Bhd.)
Title: Advancing Market Research with Eye Tracking: A Data-Driven Approach to Consumer Insights
Eye tracking technology is revolutionizing market research by providing precise, data-driven insights into consumer behavior. This study explores the use of eye tracking to analyze how consumers visually engage with products, advertisements, and digital interfaces. By tracking eye movements and measuring visual attention, key metrics such as fixation duration, gaze paths, and areas of interest (AOIs) offer a detailed understanding of consumer preferences and decision-making processes.Through various real-world and simulated shopping environments, we capture and analyse the unconscious visual behaviours that drive consumer choices. Eye tracking enables businesses to optimize product placements, enhance packaging design, and improve overall user experience (UX) strategies. Additionally, heatmaps and gaze data reveal patterns in consumer interaction, allowing brands to make informed, evidence-based decisions.
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PSYCHOLOGY: MAKING AN IMPACT
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