Dr. KaTat Sou | Public Policy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. KaTat Sou | Public Policy – PhD candidate at Macau Polytechnic University, Macau

Mr. KaTat Sou, Kevin is an emerging scholar in the fields of public administration, public policy, and journalism. With a multidisciplinary academic background and a growing portfolio of impactful publications, he is recognized for his deep analytical skills and interdisciplinary research contributions. Kevin’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to addressing complex governance challenges through empirical research and innovative theoretical frameworks. His collaborative approach and forward-thinking vision position him as a promising figure in the global academic landscape, particularly in the realm of performance-based governance and psychological behavior in financial decision-making.

Academic Profile

Scopus

Education

Kevin’s academic credentials are firmly rooted in social science and policy studies. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy at Macau Polytechnic University, where his research investigates the intersections of governance performance and psychological factors in administrative decision-making. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration (2017–2020) and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Communications (2008–2012), both from the University of Macau. This blend of policy expertise and communication acumen provides him with a distinctive edge in examining how information dissemination and policy structures influence public sector outcomes.

Experience

Throughout his academic and research career, Kevin has engaged in interdisciplinary projects that span across governance, economics, psychology, and digital finance. He has worked as a research contributor in multi-author and multi-institutional studies, collaborating with scholars from China and abroad. His contributions often lie in data analysis, theoretical modeling, and conceptual development. Kevin’s experience also includes reviewing academic literature, coordinating policy analysis, and contributing to empirical investigations that seek to improve the efficiency and transparency of public financial systems. His work frequently incorporates insights from public management and behavioral economics, making his findings applicable to both academic and real-world policy debates.

Research Interests

Kevin’s primary research interests lie in public administration, budgeting reforms, digital finance, behavioral public policy, and mental health in organizational settings. He is particularly interested in how psychological factors affect financial and administrative decision-making within governmental institutions. His recent work explores how digital innovation influences corporate environmental performance and how public budgeting frameworks respond to performance metrics. With a growing emphasis on cross-disciplinary frameworks, Kevin’s research bridges gaps between policy science, behavioral theory, and technology-driven governance—offering innovative solutions to pressing challenges in the public sector.

Awards

As a dynamic and early-stage scholar, Kevin is actively building his profile for recognition in national and international academic communities. While formal award recognition is still developing, his ongoing academic contributions and publication in high-ranking SSCI and SCI journals position him as a competitive nominee for prestigious recognitions such as the Best Researcher Award. His publication record and international collaborations reflect the quality and relevance required for such honors, affirming his capacity for research excellence and leadership potential.

Publications

Chronicle Analysis of New Public Management and Performance-Based Budgeting: Delusion and Existence – Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2025 (SSCI). Cited by 4 articles.
The Role of Psychological Factors in Financial Decision-Making: Evidence from the Chinese Banking Industry – International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 2023 (SSCI). Cited by 8 articles.
The Impact of Digital Finance on Corporate Environmental Performance and Employee Psychological Anxiety – Medicine, 2024 (SCI). Cited by 10 articles.
Stabilization of the Shapley Value for Cooperative Games through Level-Induced Structures – International Transactions in Operational Research, 2024 (SCI & SSCI). Cited by 6 articles.
Digital Governance Frameworks and Public Satisfaction in Performance-Based Institutions – Asian Journal of Public Administration, 2022. Cited by 3 articles.
Administrative Reforms and Budgeting Systems in Southeast Asia: A Comparative Analysis – Public Management Review, 2021. Cited by 7 articles.
Policy Framing and Citizen Trust: Media Influence on Public Sector Narratives – Journal of Government and Economics, 2020. Cited by 5 articles.

Conclusion

KaTat Sou, Kevin stands out as a forward-thinking researcher with a strong interdisciplinary foundation and growing academic influence. His scholarly work reflects a keen understanding of emerging governance challenges, particularly in the intersection of public policy, digital transformation, and psychological behavior. With several SCI and SSCI-indexed articles and active participation in research collaborations, he embodies the qualities sought in a modern academic leader. His ongoing doctoral studies, coupled with his research output and analytical contributions, make him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award, and a valuable contributor to the global research community.

Assist Prof Dr . Mahani Hamdan | Public Policy | Best Researcher Award

Senior Assistant Professor , Universiti Brunei Darussalam , Brunei Darrussalam .

Dr. Mahani Haji Hamdan is a Senior Assistant Professor at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), specializing in Accounting and Finance. She holds various administrative roles, including Director of the Institute of Policy Studies. Her academic career spans over two decades, beginning as a Tutor and progressing to senior academic and leadership positions. Dr. Mahani has made significant contributions in public policy, corporate social reporting, and financial management research. In addition to her academic commitments, she actively engages in community services, such as consulting for Brunei’s public and private sectors. Her exemplary leadership and dedication to her field are reflected in her numerous awards and recognitions.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Mahani completed her Ph.D. in Management from Queensland University of Technology, Australia, in 2011. She also holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Leeds, and a BA (Hons) in Accounting & Financial Management from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. She further enriched her academic journey through a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the prestigious Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley, USA, in 2015. Throughout her educational pursuits, Dr. Mahani has earned several accolades, including the Certificate of Best Research Higher Degree Student Award, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence.

Experience

Dr. Mahani began her career in finance as an Accounting Officer at the Employees’ Trust Fund, Ministry of Finance, Brunei, and later transitioned into academia. She joined Universiti Brunei Darussalam in 2004 as a Lecturer and steadily rose through the ranks to her current position as Senior Assistant Professor. Her leadership extends to roles such as Director of the Institute of Policy Studies and previously, Deputy Dean of UBD’s School of Business and Economics. In addition to teaching, she leads various research initiatives in public policy, finance, and management.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mahani has been recognized with numerous awards throughout her career. In 1990, she was awarded the Best Student Award by Brunei SHELL. In 2010, she received the Certificate of Best Research Higher Degree Student Award from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Most recently, in 2024, Dr. Mahani was honored with the Outstanding Paper Award at the Emerald Awards for her research contributions. Her dedication to excellence in research and education has consistently earned her recognition in both national and international academic communities.

Research Focus

Dr. Mahani’s research interests include budgeting practices for SMEs, the adoption of International Accounting Standards (IAS), and public policy analysis in Brunei. She also explores performance management systems and corporate social reporting in relation to organizational justice. Additionally, she investigates sovereign wealth management and sustainable development policies. Her research often bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical implementations, particularly in the public and private sectors of Brunei.

Publications

“Post-Crisis Emerging Role of the Treasurer”
“Is Brunei Ready to Adopt the International Accounting System?”
“Sovereign Wealth Funds and Wealth Management in Brunei Darussalam”
“Transformational Change in Brunei Higher Education”
“Electricity Tariff Reforms, Welfare Impacts, and Energy Poverty Implications”
“Working from Home, Covid-19, and Multi-Dimensional Model of Well-Being Theory”

Conclusion

Dr. Mahani Haji Hamdan is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her diverse academic expertise, leadership roles, and mentorship capabilities. Her experience in research across various disciplines and her contributions to public policy, supported by numerous awards and grants, position her as a leading figure in her field. To further strengthen her candidacy, increased international collaboration and more publications in top-tier journals may be beneficial.

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