Keynote Speaker
Dr. Geshina Ayu Mat Saat
University Sains Malaysia
Assoc Prof. Dr. Geshina Ayu Mat Saat is a poet, writer, researcher, Psychologist and Criminologist. In 2013, she was the recipient of two awards: the Malaysian Women’s Weekly Great Women of Our Time 2013 winner for the Education and Public Service Category, and Most Inspiring Woman of the Year. She was a recipient of Darjah Kebesaran Setia Mahkota Kelantan awarded by Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (His Royal Majesty) Sultan of Kelantan in 2014.
Her expertise in the fields of psychology and criminology has been recognised in the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore via awards and appointments since 2014. In 2016, she was awarded Bitara Kriminologi (rough translation: Uncomparable Criminologist) by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Malaysia. Assoc Prof. Dr. Geshina completed her Matriculation certificate in English Language and Literature, a BHSc in Psychology (honours) and an MSc Industrial and Occupational Psychology (coursework) from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
She has an MSc in Applied Criminology and a PhD in Criminology. In early 2016, she completed a counter-extremism course accredited by the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC). She has produced and published 13 books, over 60 research articles and nearly 300 media-related materials including crime news and newspaper contributions at the national and international levels in the fields of criminology, victimology, penology, profiling, and psychology.
Outside of lecturing and conducting research of national interest, Assoc Prof. Dr. Geshina assists the Malaysia Royal Police, Prison Department of Malaysia and other government agencies, makes documentaries on crimes and criminals, and actively propagates community crime prevention at international and local levels. Assoc Prof. Dr. Geshina is a permanent voluntary committee member of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF). She is a member of various international professional bodies, including the British Society of Criminology, International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders, APA Division 56: Division of Trauma Psychology, and APA Division 19: Military Psychology.
Keynote Abstract
Applying Psychology Profiling in Investigative Sciences
The application of psychology in the investigative sciences is still marginal in Malaysia. This is despite considerable acknowledgements elsewhere concerning its strengths in saving time and costs, and in aiding case management and litigation. Profiling in particular, may narrow the suspect and victim pools, link crimes, and provide investigative leads and strategies. The American Federal Bureau of Investigation uses profiling as an investigative tool, but due to sensationalised media portrayal; globally, the reality and expectations related to psychology profiling are in conflict. Several field-work experiences in Malaysia are discussed to exemplify contradictions between reality and expectations with regards to 1) assessment boundary, 2) investigative relevance, 3) interpretation, and 4) behaviour projection. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal research designs continue to be used in these field works. Specifically, the findings support the need to adhere to principles of psychometric testing and population norming, particularly as profiling interpretation has life-changing consequences for clients and suspects. It is hoped that the knowledge herein aids other people so that they are better prepared and equipped in 1) the pursuant of a career in profiling or 2) applying scientific rigour and adherence to ethical standards in conducting profiling; corresponding to duty of care.
KEYWORDS: Assessment Boundary, Behaviour Projection, Investigative Sciences, Psychology Profiling, Psychometric Testing