Professor Dr. Abdul Malek is currently serving as a professor in the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He completed his B.Sc. in 1992 and M.Sc. in Engineering in 1994 from the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Later, he obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Materials) from the University of Malaya in 2001.
He began his teaching career as a lecturer at the University of Malaya in 1995 and has since been involved for many years in teaching and research at Multimedia University and IIUM. His primary research focuses are renewable and sustainable materials, composite coating technology, and tribology of automotive engines. To date, Professor Malek has published over 350 research articles, holds an h-index of 30, and has received more than 3,300 citations. His contributions have played a significant role in advancing Malaysia’s industrial and academic standards.
💬 Q&A Session:
Question: Who inspired you to become a researcher?
Answer: I am fortunate to have been deeply interested in research from the very beginning. The desire to achieve outstanding results and the challenging mindset of acquiring new knowledge have always driven me. After completing my degrees at BUET, I began my Ph.D. at the University of Malaya on “Tribology of Automotive Engine.” Both my M.Sc. and Ph.D. supervisors inspired me greatly to pursue research.
Question: You have been associated with teaching and research at International Islamic University Malaysia for many years. How has your experience been?
Answer: My academic career began in 1995 at University of Malaya. Afterwards, I worked at Multimedia University, and since 2009 I have been at IIUM. The time I have spent here has been one of the most important chapters of my professional life. The university has valued my teaching and research, assigning me various administrative and research-related responsibilities.
Question: You are working on semiconductor technology and advanced materials. Please tell us about your current research.
Answer: Currently, my research is focused on advanced materials, especially the development of sustainable, lightweight, and energy-efficient composite materials. The goal is to develop materials that are environmentally friendly and long-lasting. In addition, I have developed a simple and effective method for composite coating, which is suitable for use in high temperatures and harsh environments.
Question: How do you see the future of this technology?
Answer: I believe the future of this technology is extremely bright. We are using waste materials as raw materials, which can also serve as a source of renewable energy. This is an initiative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This research has already been patented.
Question: You have published several textbooks and book chapters. Please tell us about them.
Answer: I have published two textbooks, twenty-five book chapters, and eight edited books. One of these textbooks has been included in the curriculum at IIUM. Additionally, I have filed seven patents and published over 300 international journal articles. I have presented more than twenty innovations at various international exhibitions.
Question: Would you say something about your book “Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials”?
Answer: This book is a comprehensive reference for research on renewable and sustainable materials. It was published by ELSEVIER Ltd.. The book incorporates the latest research so that readers do not have to consult other sources. Renewable materials are substances derived from agricultural or animal sources that grow quickly, like bamboo, straw, cotton, etc. Sustainable materials are those that make a positive contribution to the environment, society, and economy throughout their entire lifecycle.
Question: Which research areas do you wish to focus on in the future?
Answer: My future plans depend on the direction of my current research. At present, I am deeply interested in nanotechnology and nanomaterials, and I intend to focus my work in this area in the future.
Question: What advice would you give to young students?
Answer: Young people should first develop a questioning mindset. If you want to pursue research as a profession, obtaining a Ph.D. degree is extremely important. Stay firm in research with your talent, self-confidence, and patience. I believe the next generation will surpass us, Insha’Allah.
Question: Could you tell us about the opportunities for Master’s and Ph.D. studies at your university?
Answer: Yes, our university accepts applications throughout the year. Students can contact the “International Student Admission Unit, IIUM” or send an email to [email protected].
🔗 Profile Link:
ResearchGate Profile – Prof. Dr. Abdul Malek
Professor Dr. Abdul Malek’s research is of international standard and has laid a strong foundation for the development of sustainable materials. His extensive research experience and dedication serve as an inspiration for young scientists. The biggani.org team extends its sincere best wishes for his future success. We hope his research will open new horizons for young researchers in Bangladesh.
Advancing Sustainable Materials Research — An Interview with Prof. Dr. Abdul Malek
Prof. Dr. Abdul Malek is a Professor in the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 1992 and 1994, respectively. Later, he obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Materials) from the University of Malaya in 2001.
He began his academic career in 1995 as a lecturer at the University of Malaya, followed by positions at Multimedia University and later at IIUM, where he has been serving since 2009. His main research interests include renewable and sustainable materials, composite coating technology, and tribology in automotive engines.
Prof. Malek has authored over 350 research papers, achieving more than 3,300 citations and an h-index of 30. His contributions have been recognized with numerous national and international awards, and his work continues to enhance industrial and academic standards in Malaysia and beyond.
💬 Interview Section:
Question: Who or what inspired you to become a researcher?
Answer: I consider myself fortunate to have been passionate about research from the very beginning. I have always been driven by curiosity and the challenge of achieving meaningful results. After completing my degrees at BUET, I began my Ph.D. at the University of Malaya on the topic “Tribology of Automotive Engines.” My M.Sc. and Ph.D. supervisors greatly inspired me to pursue research as a lifelong commitment.
Question: You have been teaching and conducting research at IIUM for many years. How has this journey been?
Answer: My academic career began at the University of Malaya in 1995, followed by a period at Multimedia University, and since 2009 I have been with IIUM. These years have been among the most significant of my professional life. IIUM has consistently valued my teaching and research contributions, entrusting me with various administrative and supervisory responsibilities.
Question: You are working on semiconductor and advanced materials research. What are you currently focusing on?
Answer: My current research focuses on advanced and sustainable lightweight materials, particularly those that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The goal is to develop composite materials suitable for automotive components that can endure long-term use with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, I have developed a novel composite coating technique that is simple, cost-effective, and ideal for high-temperature or harsh environments such as gas turbine components.
Question: How do you see the future of this technology?
Answer: I believe the future is very promising. Our work involves utilizing waste as a raw material, contributing to renewable energy and sustainability. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The project has already been patented and offers an innovative approach to sustainable materials engineering.
Question: You’ve published several books and book chapters. Could you tell us more?
Answer: Yes, I’ve authored two textbooks, twenty-five book chapters, and edited eight books. One of my textbooks is taught at IIUM, while the others are research-based and used internationally. I have also filed seven patents and published over 300 journal papers. Furthermore, I’ve presented more than twenty research innovations at various exhibitions.
Question: We’re very interested in your book Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials. Could you explain the idea behind it?
Answer: This encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference for students, educators, and professionals involved in renewable and sustainable materials. It was published by Elsevier Ltd. and aims to bring together the latest global research in one volume.
Renewable materials refer to agricultural or animal-based products that regenerate within a decade, such as bamboo, straw, cork, or cotton. Sustainable materials, on the other hand, are those that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits throughout their lifecycle while ensuring safety for both people and the planet.
Question: What areas of research would you like to explore in the future?
Answer: My future work will naturally build on my current projects. Considering the rapid pace of technological advancement, I’m particularly interested in nanotechnology and nanomaterials, which I believe will shape the next generation of sustainable materials.
Question: What advice would you give to young students who wish to become researchers?
Answer: First and foremost, nurture a curious mindset. If you truly wish to pursue research as a career, aim for a Ph.D. degree. Stay determined, confident, and intellectually engaged throughout your studies. With discipline and persistence, you can excel both as an individual researcher and as part of a research team. I have full faith that the next generation will surpass us, Insha’Allah.
Question: Are there opportunities for postgraduate students to study at your university?
Answer: Yes, IIUM offers numerous opportunities for Master’s and Ph.D. programs throughout the year. Students can apply for upcoming semesters and find details through the International Student Admission Unit or by emailing [email protected].
🔗 Profile Link:
ResearchGate – Prof. Dr. Abdul Malek
Prof. Dr. Abdul Malek’s dedication to sustainable materials research continues to set an inspiring example for scholars and scientists worldwide. His efforts to develop renewable and environment-friendly engineering solutions demonstrate how science can serve humanity responsibly.
The biggani.org team extends its best wishes for his continued success and hopes his work will inspire young Bangladeshi researchers to pursue scientific excellence.
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