Dr RAHIMAH HAMDAN

Dr. Rahimah Hamdan is a scholar and lecturer at the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia. With a deep-rooted passion for Malay literature and culture, she has made remarkable contributions to the field through research, publications, and academic leadership. Dr. Rahimah has a wealth of experience in both academia and cultural institutions. She previously served at the University Cultural Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, under the leadership of National Laureate Datuk Dr. Siti Zainon Ismail. She also contributed as a Research Lecturer for two years at the Institute of the Malay World and Civilization (ATMA), UKM, before assuming her current position at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Her expertise spans Traditional Malay Literature, Cultural Studies, and Gender in the Malay World, making her a sought-after scholar in these areas. She has also held the prestigious position of Head of the Malay Heritage Museum, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, UPM, where she played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Malay cultural heritage. A prolific researcher, Dr. Rahimah has published extensively in renowned local and international journals and has presented her work at numerous conferences worldwide. She is frequently invited as a panel speaker for forums on Malay literature, cultural studies, and gender discourse, both within and beyond UPM. She also plays an active role as a peer reviewer for high-impact academic journals and has successfully led multiple research grants, including funding from the Ministry of Higher Education (Fundamental Research Grant Scheme). In recognition of her innovative approach to teaching and learning, she has won six gold medals and eight silver medals in national and international innovation competitions. In 2024, Dr. Rahimah further cemented her reputation on the global stage by securing an international research grant from The Sumitomo Foundation, Japan. Her project, "Bridging Cultures through Heroic Narratives: A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Heroism in Japanese and Malay Historiographical Texts," has positioned her as a leading scholar in comparative literature, strengthening academic ties between Malaysia and Japan. In 2025, she received a travel grant and full conference sponsorship from the Southeast Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program Foundation (SEASREP), headquartered in the Philippines.