Top 10 most-cited papers in
Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management

Dr Seow Ai Na from Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF) has been recognised for her outstanding research contribution, with her article ranked among the top 10 most-cited papers published in 2024 by the Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, based on citation data from Clarivate Analytics. This achievement highlights the strong academic and practical relevance of her work in crisis management and business resilience.

Sharing her motivation for conducting the research, Dr Seow explained, “This project was inspired during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many SMEs were caught unprepared for the crisis, resulting in severe business disruptions and closures. Observing these challenges sparked my interest in how businesses can better prepare for and respond to uncertain, volatile environments. As this study focuses on organisational resilience, crisis preparedness, and strategic responses to uncertainty, it closely aligns with my research interests. Through this publication, I hope the findings can reach a global audience of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who are actively working on these important issues.”

She added, “Being among the top cited papers indicates that the research is not only relevant but also widely used by other scholars. It underscores the importance of resilience, especially for tourism SMEs that are highly exposed to external shocks, such as economic crises stemming from geopolitical conflicts and global disruptions. I believe this recognition reinforces the value of our research in supporting sustainable business practices and informing policy development.”

Reflecting on her journey, Dr Seow acknowledged UTAR’s role in her success. “UTAR has provided a strong academic foundation and a supportive research environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. The university’s emphasis on research excellence, along with opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement and international collaboration, has significantly contributed to this achievement. The guidance, resources, and encouragement from colleagues and mentors at UTAR have been instrumental in shaping my research journey,” she said.

The research, titled Building Tourism SMEs’ Business Resilience through Adaptive Capability, Supply Chain Collaboration and Strategic Human Resource, was co-authored with Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (Kampar Campus) Deputy Director Prof Dr Choong Yuen Onn, Centre for Entrepreneurial Sustainability Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Low Mei Peng, Dr Nur Hafizah Ismail (UUM), and Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, reflecting a collaborative effort to advance knowledge in this critical field. Dr Seow expressed her appreciation for the support provided by her co-authors, “It is both encouraging and humbling to know that our work has resonated with the academic community and is contributing to ongoing discussions in this field. This recognition motivates me to continue pursuing impactful research that addresses real-world challenges.”

Results from the research suggest that addressing business collaboration and human resource development is critical to developing capabilities that foster business resilience in tourism SMEs. The study addresses the dearth of theoretical and practical research on tourism SMEs. While calling for greater attention to developing resilient businesses, this study provides insights for disaster planning to withstand potential future shocks.

The research aligns closely with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which focuses on strategies that sustain business continuity and support workforce stability during times of disruption, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, which highlights the importance of innovation, adaptability, and collaborative networks in strengthening organisational sustainability and long-term competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain business environment.