Panel Session - RUSET IPB

Dr. Syed Farid Alatas
An Associate Professor of Sociology at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and currently serving as the Head of the Department of Sociology at NUS. He also headed the Department of Malay Studies at NUS from 2007 to 2013. He lectured at the University of Malaya in the Department of Southeast Asian Studies prior to joining NUS. Professor Alatas’ key areas of interest include the sociology of Islam, social theory, religion and reform, as well as intra- and inter-religious dialogue. His research often explores the intersections of these subjects, examining how Islamic thought interacts with modern social and political structures. Among his notable works are two influential books on the medieval Islamic scholar and historian Ibn Khaldun: Ibn Khaldun (Oxford University Press, 2013) and Applying Ibn Khaldun (Routledge, 2014). These works have been highly regarded for their insightful analysis of Ibn Khaldun’s contributions to sociology, particularly his ideas on historiography, social cohesion, and state formation. Currently, Professor Alatas is conducting research on Salafism in the Malay world, aiming to uncover the historical and contemporary dimensions of this movement within Southeast Asia.

Dr. G Manickam Govindaraju
A Senior Lecturer II at School of Media & Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, Taylor’s University. Dr. G Manickam Govindaraju is a distinguished academic with a proven track record in the field of communication studies. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Universiti Malaya, a Master of Applied Language Studies from the University of Westminster, UK, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Her academic journey has been complemented by active involvement in professional organizations, including the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia, the Malaysia Association of Communication Educators, and the Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Perpaduan Komuniti Malaysia. Her expertise in crisis communication, public relations, news framing, and leadership provides valuable insights into contemporary challenges and effective strategies. Her extensive publications in reputable journals and conference proceedings demonstrate her commitment to scholarly excellence and her ability to contribute meaningfully to the academic discourse.

Dr. Korakit Choomgrant
An Assistant to the Dean (Research and Academic) at Kasetsart University. Dr. Choomgrant began his academic journey at Kasetsart University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History. He furthered his education with advanced degrees from Chulalongkorn University and Lund University, specializing in Southeast Asian Studies. His doctoral research at Silpakorn University concentrated on Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism. Throughout his career, Dr. Choomgrant has held various positions at Kasetsart University, including Assistant Professor and Head of the Southeast Asian Studies Program. He has also taught at institutions such as the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality and Head of BBA programs at Dhurakij Pundit University. His research interests include the relationship between tangible and intangible heritage in Southeast Asia, with a focus on the perspectives of both majority and minority groups, including queer communities. Dr. Korakit Choomgrant examines cultural commodification and heritage-making processes, providing insights into how heritage is constructed, preserved, and utilized.

Dr. Anna Snider
An International Agricultural Development Specialist at the University of Illinois AgReach and the ADM Institute for the Prevention of Postharvest Loss. With over twenty-five years of experience in development and research, she has dedicated her career to empowering smallholder farmers globally. Since joining AgReach in 2019, Dr. Anna Snider has led programs focused on strengthening extension systems, promoting gender equity, and enhancing nutrition, significantly improving access to essential services and technologies for both female and male farmers. Holding two Doctor of Philosophy degrees—one in Sustainable Management from Montpellier SupAgro in France and another in Planning Rural Development Projects from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid in Spain—Dr. Snider also holds a Master of Science in International Horticulture from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research interests encompass the construction and destruction of social capital, agricultural systems for improved nutrition, gender and women’s empowerment, and market incentives for sustainable production. With her expertise in education and extension, gender issues, nutrition, policy and governance, and resilience, Dr. Anna Snider is a leading voice in agricultural development.

Dr. Stella Christie
A Professor (with tenure) in the Department of Psychology at Tsinghua University and serves as the Research Chair at the Tsinghua Brain and Intelligence Laboratory. She is also the Director of the Tsinghua University Child Cognition Center in Beijing, China. With an extensive academic background, Dr. Christie has held significant positions at renowned institutions, including Swarthmore College and the University of British Columbia. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a focus on Mind Brain Behavior, at Harvard University in 2004, graduating magna cum laude with the highest honors. Dr. Christie earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Northwestern University in 2010. Dr. Stella Christie’s research focuses on cognitive development, social learning, and the influence of language on children’s reasoning abilities. Dr. Christie has authored several impactful publications, including articles in esteemed journals such as Topics in Cognitive Science and Child Development.

Contact Us