Nurul Asmaa Akmal is currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at the Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Universiti Malaya, where she specialised in socio-cultural and labour studies with a particular focus on the Malaysian cleaning sector. Her academic trajectory bridges the intersections of social sciences, cultural studies, and contemporary labour realities, positioning her as an emerging scholar in socio-economic and 3D (dirty, dangerous, difficult) work research. Her research interests are diverse yet interconnected, encompassing waste management, Malay cleaners, 3D workers, social labelling, quality of life, and sustainability issues aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). She has published several journal articles and presented research internationally on waste management and the lived experiences of workers in low-skilled and marginalised sectors. In addition to labour studies, Dr. Nurul Asmaa Akmal is actively engaged in the field of Malay language pedagogy, particularly in teaching Malay as a second or foreign language. Her areas of interest include communicative approaches, situational Malay (Malay situational learning), and the integration of cultural context into language acquisition. Her commitment to language education reflects her passion for expanding global appreciation of the Malay language and enhancing the learning experience of foreign students. Her scholarship also extends to Malay socio-cultural studies, including research on adat, traditional practices, and kearifan tempatan (local wisdom). She explores how cultural heritage, belief systems, and community-based knowledge shape identity, resilience, and the continuity of Malay civilisation in both rural and contemporary urban contexts. This includes work related to cultural rituals, community traditions, and intergenerational transmission of values. Furthermore, her academic involvement includes the field of Malay economics and entrepreneurship, where she examines traditional and modern economic practices, entrepreneurial characteristics among Malay communities, and socio-cultural factors influencing business sustainability. Her insights contribute to discussions on economic empowerment, resilience, and the evolving landscape of Malay entrepreneurship in Malaysia’s socio-economic development. Through her wide-ranging scholarly contributions, Dr. Nurul Asmaa Akmal remains committed to advancing knowledge in labour studies, socio-cultural research, language pedagogy, Malay entrepreneurship, and sustainability, while actively engaging in community-oriented initiatives in line with Universiti Malaya’s mission of academic excellence and societal impact.

Dr Huzaina is a senior lecturer in the Department of Language and Literacy Education, Faculty of Education. Her scholastic trajectory exemplifies her unshakable dedication, as she earned her PhD in a prestigious university, Imperial College London in 2016. Dr Huzaina expertise encompasses pivotal areas in second and foreign language pedagogy, advancing academic writing and the core language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), as well as implementing 21st-century learning strategies to promote literacy and effective communication. Her robust foundation in critical thinking and creativity in ESL curriculum underscores her capacity as a researcher and mentor, empowering her students to engage in meaningful exploration and innovation. Dr. Huzaina interdisciplinary approach, fueled by her versatile knowledge, intellectual curiosity, and adaptability, bridges diverse academic fields, enriching the educational research landscape. She is also actively involved in theatre production with her literature students and has produced several remarkable performances.  

Dr Catherine Thamarai Arumugam is currently attached to the Family Health Discipline, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya as a Medical Lecturer with a specialisation in Public Health Medicine. Her past publications speaks of her interest in the research on early childhood development, infectious diseases and her love for poetries. In an unwavering effort of creating a safe media environment for thriving children - she is interested to further explore on the dynamics of technology, toddlers and family relationships.  A medical degree holder from Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia - her journey as a junior doctor started at the Sungai Buloh Hospital which is also the national referral centre for infectious disease. Upon completion of housemanship training, she went on to serve as a Medical Officer in Charge of a maternal child health clinic in the district of Temerloh, Pahang. The responsibility entrusted granted her invaluable experience especially in the domains of maternal child health and disaster preparedness – stirring the passion towards public health. Dr Catherine went back to Temerloh District Health Office with a Doctorate in Public Health from Universiti Malaya - serving as an Epidemiology Officer, heading the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Unit during the COVID19 rampage. Her major tasks revolved around surveillance, outbreak response, training activities and playing the role of liaison officer for the state-level CDC department. From Ministry of Health to Ministry of Higher Education – Dr Catherine has now started her new venture as a medical lecturer, striving to be an advocate for public health issues she is passionate about through her research works and creative writings!