Dr. Yang Chia Yen Recognised as 2025 Reviewer of the Year by the Journal of Consumer Behaviour

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

The Research and Postgraduate Centre at Xiamen University Malaysia announced that assistant professor dr. yang chia yen has been awarded the 2025 Reviewer of the Year title by the Journal of Consumer Behaviour (JCB).

The accolade shines a spotlight on Malaysia’s higher‑education sector, signalling that local scholars are influencing research standards worldwide. For students in the School of Economics and Management, the recognition may translate into stronger mentorship, more collaborative projects and greater access to international research networks. Industry partners often look to award‑winning academics when sourcing expertise, which could boost consultancy opportunities for Malaysian firms in consumer and digital marketing.

According to the centre’s statement, the award results from a systematic appraisal of key performance metrics and a multi‑stage review by JCB’s editorial leadership team. JCB, a Social Sciences Citation Index Q1 journal, posted a 2025 impact factor of 7.0 and holds an “A” rating on the Australian Business Deans Council Journal Quality List.

Dr. yang, who began reviewing for the journal in September 2022, said the honor underscores how “constructive, high‑quality reviews are instrumental in advancing knowledge and supporting the academic community.” She added that peer review “allows reviewers to stay updated on the latest advancements in knowledge.”

Dr. yang earned her PhD in marketing from Monash University and heads the Hospitality Management programme at the university’s Malaysian campus. Her research spans consumer behaviour, services marketing, sustainable marketing and digital business. The Sumitomo Foundation in Japan recently awarded her a competitive grant to explore Japanese cultural influence, a project that may generate insights for Malaysian tourism operators seeking to attract Japanese visitors.

Looking ahead, the university expects the award to raise its profile in global research circles, potentially attracting further foreign funding and joint studies. For Malaysian households, the development signals that local institutions are producing expertise that can inform business strategies, especially in sectors such as hospitality, retail and digital commerce.