Dr. Hijaz Kamal Hasnan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya. He currently serves as the Leader of the Center of Excellence (CoE) for Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals and the Program Coordinator for the Master of Petroleum Geoscience program. Dr. Hijaz holds dual doctoral degrees from two prestigious institutions: a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the Department of Applied Mathematics, Research School of Physics, Australian National University (ANU), Australia, and a PhD in Petroleum Geoscience from the Department of Geology, Universiti Malaya. His interdisciplinary expertise combines mathematical modeling, geoscience, and advanced digital technologies. His research focuses on digital rock analysis, reservoir characterization, petrophysics, rare earth elements (REE), critical minerals, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), mineral carbonation, and sustainable resource development. With over a decade of experience in X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) and Digital Rock Analysis, he has led numerous research and industry collaborations addressing energy security, critical mineral supply chains, and low-carbon technologies. Through his leadership, research, and academic contributions, Dr. Hijaz actively supports Malaysia’s advancement in critical minerals, energy transition, and sustainable resource management.