Dr Madeline Berma received her PhD from the University of Hull, England. Before that, she received her Master of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, following a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Dr Madeline is an expert on development studies. She leads research, delivers and publishes academic papers on poverty, rural development and indigenous communities and women. Her researches were instrumental in drafting policies on poverty and socio-economic development of rural communities in Malaysia. Dr Madeline is a member of research teams conducting policy-impact studies on Malaysia's Rural Development Policy, Impact of Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM) Housing Programme, Rural Development Poverty in Selected Districts in Sarawak, Urban Poverty in Four Major Towns in Sarawak, Policies on Women Development in Johor, Dayak Education, Dayak Migration Studies to Johor, Socialisation in Sarawak, Women Labour Force Needs for Sarawak Corridor for Renewable Energy (SCORE), Sabah Women's Development Plan, Sabah Inclusive Development Plan, Effectiveness of Malaysia's Hardcore Poverty Eradication Programme, Selangor Industrial, Rural Industries in Malaysia, Orang Asli Development in Tasik Chini, and many others. Dr Madeline engages Government agencies and NGOs to work closely for national development. Her knowledge and experience have led the Government to appoint her as a member of several national-level consultative committees including Women's Advisory and Consultative Council, National Heritage Council and Committee on Education Policy Review. In recognition of her contribution, she was conferred Pingat Ahli Bintang Kenyalang (ABK) Sarawak, Anugerah Kebesaran Wanita dalam Pendidikan di Sarawak, and Tokoh Wanita Sempena Hari Pekerja CUEPACS, 2018.