THP FBF academics earn consecutive recognition among
Malaysia’s leading business scientists

UTAR Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF) academics, Prof Dr Lee Voon Hsien and Assoc Prof Dr Leong Lai Ying, have been listed among the Top 20 “Best Business and Management Scientists in Malaysia” by Research.com in its 2026 rankings.

Building on their previous nomination among the “Best Business and Management Scientists in Malaysia” in 2025, the accolade highlights their outstanding scholarly contributions and sustained impact in the cross-disciplinary fields of business and management, and information systems.

The prestigious list by Research.com, one of the world’s prominent educational platforms and research portals, is compiled based on a scientist’s D-index (Discipline H-index), which takes the number of scholarly publications and the impact of citations into account within a specific discipline. The fifth and latest edition of the Research.com “Best Business and Management Scientists in Malaysia” ranking examined more than 177,000 scientists’ profiles aggregated from various bibliometric sources across all disciplines.

Prof Lee’s research areas primarily centre on operations management, supply chain management, mobile technology, technology adoption, information systems and digital marketing.

With publications in reputable journals and active collaboration with both local and international researchers, one of her latest research projects aims to explore how digital technologies help to improve organisational performance and business practices. Inspired by the rapid advancement of technology and the need for organisations to remain efficient and adaptable, the research provides practical insights for firms and marketers to enhance operations, strengthen supply chains, and improve customer engagement.

Grateful for the achievement, Prof Lee said, “This recognition is both humbling and encouraging. I am grateful for the support from my collaborators, students, and the wider academic community who have contributed to this journey. This recognition motivates me to continue producing rigorous and meaningful research that bridges theory and practice.”

Dr Leong, whose research areas centre on business information systems, mobile applications and services, technology adoption, consumer behaviour, digital marketing, customer service, and organisational and employee performance studies, has likewise contributed to the advancement of interdisciplinary research through her extensive scholarly publications and active engagement in impactful academic collaborations.

Her recent research delves into users’ interaction with digital platforms, which explores ways for organisations to improve customer experience and strengthen the adoption of new technologies. While the research helps users to be more confident in using digital services in their daily lives, it also promotes digital solutions that reduce reliance on physical resources, encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable and efficient practices through technology.

Echoing the sentiments of Prof Lee, Dr Leong enthused, “This recognition has further strengthened my determination to continue striving for excellence in research and publication. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my collaborators for their invaluable assistance and guidance throughout my research journey.”

Both researchers also acknowledged the instrumental role that UTAR and its academic community have played in supporting their research endeavours.

For continually shining an effulgent light on UTAR’s business and management research excellence through their unwavering dedication and outstanding academic contributions, the University extends its heartfelt congratulations to Prof Lee and Dr Leong on their inclusion in the 2026 Research.com “Best Business and Management Scientists in Malaysia” rankings.