Dr. Noor Hidayah Pungot | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Senior lecturer & Researcher at  University Technology MARA (UiTM), Malaysia

Dr. Noor Hidayah Pungot, born on July 7, 1984, in Johor, Malaysia, is a Senior Lecturer (DM54) at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). With over 16 years of academic and research experience, she specializes in Organic Chemistry, focusing on synthetic chemical exploration, medicinal chemistry, and natural product synthesis. She also serves as a Research Fellow at the Institute of Science (IOS), UiTM Puncak Alam, contributing to the Chemical Synthesis Group. Dr. Noor Hidayah is actively engaged in research on bioactive compounds, total synthesis of natural products, and analytical chemistry, utilizing advanced instrumentation such as NMR, FTIR, and GCMS. Her contributions to the academic field extend to her role as a course instructor for various chemistry subjects at UiTM. She has been recognized for her expertise and leadership through multiple committee roles, including Project Manager for the Satreps (MOHE – JICA) project and Coordinator of Risk Management at IOS. With a decade of experience in organic synthesis, Dr. Noor Hidayah continues to contribute significantly to chemical research, education, and institutional development.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Noor Hidayah Pungot earned her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in 2019, focusing on the total synthesis of pachydermin and bioactive metabolites derived from Chamonixia pachydermis. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Master of Science (MSc) in Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation at the University of Malaya in 2009, researching chemical constituents from selected Malaysian Rubiaceae (Mitragyna speciosa). She obtained her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Chemistry from UiTM in 2006, where she investigated alkaloids from Uncaria Callophylla. Her strong academic foundation was built at Johore Matriculation College (2002-2003) and Sekolah Menengah Sultan Ismail, Johor Bahru (SPM, 2001). Dr. Noor Hidayah’s academic journey has been characterized by a strong focus on organic synthesis, analytical methodologies, and medicinal chemistry. Through her studies, she has developed expertise in synthesizing bioactive compounds, employing cutting-edge chemical instrumentation, and advancing knowledge in medicinal chemistry. Her educational background has equipped her with the skills necessary for conducting high-level research in organic and medicinal chemistry, solidifying her position as a leading academician in her field.

Professional Experience

Dr. Noor Hidayah Pungot has accumulated extensive professional experience over the years, progressing through various academic and research positions. She began her career as an Executive Officer at Southern Lion Sdn Bhd in Johor Bahru (2007-2008), gaining industry experience before transitioning into academia. In 2009, she joined UiTM as a Lecturer at the Faculty of Applied Science, Kuala Pilah Campus, a position she held until 2019. In 2019, she was promoted to Senior Lecturer (DM52) at the School of Chemistry and Environment, UiTM Shah Alam, where she has been actively engaged in teaching, research, and academic administration. In addition to her lecturing duties, she has held several leadership roles, including Project Manager for the Satreps (MOHE – JICA) project (2024-2026), Coordinator of Risk Management (IOS) (2023-2026), and Committee Member for Academic & Postgraduate Unit at IOS (2023-2025). Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as Organic Chemistry I & II, General Chemistry, and Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory. Through her diverse professional experiences, Dr. Noor Hidayah has made significant contributions to both academia and research, demonstrating her dedication to advancing chemical sciences and higher education.

Research Interests

Dr. Noor Hidayah Pungot’s research interests lie in the field of organic chemistry, particularly in synthetic and medicinal chemistry. Her primary focus is on the synthesis of N-heterocycles with pyrrolidine ring systems, specifically developing derivatives and intermediates of pachydermin using different chemical reactions. She is also engaged in the total synthesis of natural product compounds, including B-carboline, Daibucarboline, Hyrtiosulawesine, and Pityriacitrin. Additionally, her research explores synthetic methodologies and chemical exploration, with a special interest in using catalysts such as MgAl Hydrotalcite. Dr. Noor Hidayah is also deeply involved in studying the biological activities of synthesized compounds, including their antibacterial, anti-quorum sensing, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and anticancer properties. Her work extends to analytical chemistry and instrumentation, utilizing advanced techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). Through her interdisciplinary research, she aims to contribute to drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and the development of novel therapeutic agents. Her commitment to research excellence is reflected in her collaborations, published works, and participation in various scientific projects and initiatives.

Research Skills

Dr. Noor Hidayah Pungot possesses a strong set of research skills, particularly in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and analytical chemistry. With over a decade of experience in organic synthesis, she has expertise in synthesizing bioactive compounds, including N-heterocycles and total synthesis of natural products. Her research methodologies encompass advanced synthetic techniques, catalyst development, and chemical reaction optimization. In the field of medicinal chemistry, she has conducted extensive studies on the biological activities of synthesized compounds, including their antibacterial, anticancer, and antimalarial properties. Dr. Noor Hidayah is also proficient in analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment such as NMR, FTIR, and GCMS for chemical characterization. Additionally, she has experience in project management and academic leadership, having served as Project Manager for the Satreps (MOHE – JICA) project and holding key administrative roles at UiTM. Her skills extend to teaching and mentoring students, guiding them in research projects, and enhancing their practical laboratory skills. Through her expertise in synthetic methodologies, bioactive compound analysis, and chemical instrumentation, Dr. Noor Hidayah continues to make significant contributions to the advancement of chemical sciences and pharmaceutical research.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Noor Hidayah Pungot has been recognized for her excellence in research, academia, and institutional service through various awards and honors. She has played a key role in several high-impact research projects, including her position as Project Manager for the prestigious Satreps (MOHE – JICA) project (2024-2026). Additionally, she has been entrusted with leadership roles such as Coordinator of Risk Management (IOS) (2023-2026) and Secretary of Risk Management (IOS) (2023-2025), reflecting her commitment to institutional development. She has also contributed to academic and research committees, including the Academic & Postgraduate Unit at IOS (2023-2025) and the Content Creator Website Committee at IOS (2023-2025). Her dedication to education has been recognized through her role as a Resource Person for Industrial Training (FSG678) at the School of Chemistry and Environment, UiTM Shah Alam. With a track record of academic excellence, research contributions, and administrative leadership, Dr. Noor Hidayah continues to be a highly esteemed academician in the field of organic chemistry.

Conclusion

Dr. Noor Hidayah Pungot is a distinguished academician and researcher in the field of organic and medicinal chemistry. With a strong foundation in synthetic methodologies, total synthesis of natural products, and bioactive compound analysis, she has made significant contributions to the advancement of chemical sciences. Her extensive experience in academia, research, and institutional leadership highlights her dedication to education and scientific exploration. As a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at UiTM, she continues to mentor students, lead high-impact research projects, and contribute to the development of innovative chemical methodologies. Through her expertise in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and analytical techniques, Dr. Noor Hidayah plays a vital role in shaping the future of chemical research and education. Her recognition through various awards and leadership positions further underscores her commitment to academic excellence. With her continued contributions to research and education, she remains a key figure in the field of organic chemistry, inspiring future generations of scientists and researchers.

Publication Top Notes

• Synthesis and diverse biological activities of substituted indole β-carbolines: a review

  • Authors: Siti Zafirah Zulkifli, Noor Hidayah Pungot, Aimi Suhaily Saaidin, Nor Akmalazura Jani, Mohd Fazli Mohammat
  • Year: 2024

• Molecular Docking and ADME Profiles of Hyrtiosulawesine Derivatives Targeting pfLDH: Exploring Potential as Antimalarial Agents

  • Authors: Siti Zafirah Zulkifli, Ahmad Amzar Abdul Aziz, Aimi Suhaily Saaidin, Nurasyikin Hamzah, Noor Hidayah Pungot
  • Year: 2024

• Review on Synthesis of (S)-5-Benzylpyrrolidine-2,4-dione Derivatives with Substitution at C-3 Position by Employing Functional Groups Interconversion

  • Authors: Noor Hidayah Pungot, Munirah Zulkifli, Noraishah Abdullah, Nur Ain Nabilah Ash’ari, Zurina Shaameri
  • Year: 2022

• Solid Phase Extraction Method for the Determination of Atrazine and Cyanazine in Water Samples

  • Author: Noor Hidayah Pungot
  • Year: 2021

• Synthesis of 1-acetyl-3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole from Chalcone

  • Author: Noor Hidayah Pungot
  • Year: 2021

• Phytochemical screening, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of leaf extract of Muntingia calabura

  • Authors: Noor Hidayah Pungot, Atikah Nazaharuddin, N.S.
  • Year: 2020

• Synthesis of 3-methyl-5-nitrobenzyl β, β-diketoester as a derivative of pachydermin, a tetramic acid from Chamonixia pachydermis

  • Authors: Noor Hidayah Pungot, Zurina Shaameri, A.S. Hamzah, Mohd Fazli Mohammat, N. Hussain
  • Year: 2017