Puan Elinda binti Zulkipli Diplomatic Officer (Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik – PTD) Unit Kabinet, Parlimen dan Projek Khas MOTAC, Malaysia
Elinda Zulkifli is a dedicated Administrative and Diplomatic Officer (Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik – PTD) currently serving at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Malaysia. With extensive experience in public service, she has made significant contributions to Malaysia’s tourism development policies, cultural heritage preservation, and international tourism collaborations. Elinda holds a strong academic background in public administration and has consistently demonstrated strategic planning and leadership skills in enhancing Malaysia’s tourism offerings. At MOTAC, she plays a vital role in coordinating tourism initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation that align with national tourism goals and global trends. Her commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and cultural diplomacy has made her a valuable asset in advancing Malaysia's position as a leading travel destination in Southeast Asia.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhidayah Abdullah Faculty of Hotel & Tourism Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia Specialisation: Food Technology | Food Safety | Halal Innovation | Hospitality Education
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhidayah Abdullah is a distinguished academic with over two decades of experience in food technology, food safety, halal innovation, and hospitality education. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Technology (specialising in Food Nanotechnology) from UiTM, along with Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Food Science and Management from UKM. Her work spans food product development, enhancement of bioactive compounds using nanotechnology, halal food practices, and consumer food behaviour. She has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and authored several laboratory manuals used in food science education. Her research addresses topics such as halal bakery consumption, food waste mitigation, and digital innovation in hygiene and food safety. Dr. Norhidayah is a multiple award-winning innovator, having received gold and bronze medals for her projects on sustainable food solutions and e-learning modules. Her MOOCs on food product development and safety have benefited both academic communities and industry practitioners. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator, having led numerous national-level workshops, technical talks, and community-based outreach initiatives. Her recent recognitions include the Best MOOC Award (2024), Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (2023, 2017), and Best Paper Awards in international conferences. At MI-HOST 2025, Dr. Norhidayah will share valuable insights on integrating digital technology and sustainability in hospitality education. Her keynote will explore trends in food innovation, halal market readiness, and experiential learning as drivers of future-ready hospitality leadership.