Dr. Hijaz Kamal Hasnan is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, and currently serves as the Leader of the Center of Excellence (CoE) for Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals. He is also the Program Coordinator for the Master of Petroleum Geoscience program, where he plays a key role in curriculum development, industry engagement, and postgraduate training in petroleum geoscience and energy-related disciplines. Dr. Hijaz is a Dual PhD graduate from two distinguished institutions. He obtained 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, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia. His interdisciplinary academic background enables him to integrate advanced mathematical modeling, digital rock physics, and geoscience applications to address complex challenges in the energy and mineral resources sectors. His research expertise spans digital rock analysis, X-ray micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT), petrophysics, reservoir characterization, rare earth elements (REE), critical minerals, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), mineral carbonation, and sustainable resource development. Over the years, he has led and collaborated on numerous research projects involving digital core analysis, CO₂ sequestration in geological materials, enhanced rock weathering, and the development of sustainable technologies for the rare-earth and critical-minerals value chain. As the Leader of the CoE for Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals, Dr. Hijaz actively promotes multidisciplinary research and international collaboration to strengthen sustainable and resilient supply chains for critical minerals. His work brings together stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to advance research in rare earth exploration, processing, waste valorization, carbon mineralization, and strategic resource management. Dr. Hijaz has extensive experience in advanced imaging and digital rock technologies, with more than a decade of research experience in Micro-CT and digital rock physics. He has published widely in international journals and regularly engages with industry partners, government agencies, and international organizations on matters related to petroleum geoscience, critical minerals, and the energy transition. Through his leadership in research, education, and industry engagement, Dr. Hijaz continues to contribute towards the development of sustainable geoscience solutions that support energy security, responsible resource utilization, and the transition to a low-carbon future.