Dr. Kok-Keng Tee obtained his PhD in molecular virology and evolutionary biology in 2009 under the mentorship of Professors Adeeba Kamarulzaman (University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur), Yutaka Takebe (National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo), and Oliver G. Pybus (Oxford University, UK). He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University, New York with world renowned virologists Professors Thomas Briese and W. Ian Lipkin prior returning to Kuala Lumpur and established the Pathogen Genetics & Evolution Laboratory at the University of Malaya, conducting evolutionary biology research on medically important human viruses. He is presently an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine in UM and an adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University in Malaysia. His research interest focuses on the genetic and evolutionary characterization of blood-borne (HIV, HCV, HBV, HPgV) and respiratory viruses (RV, MPV, CoV, PIV, EV, RSV, AdV, influenza viruses). With years of experience in pathogen surveillance, genomic technology and microbial diversity, his research team has discovered more than a dozen novel virus strains (or genotypes) circulating in the region. He also developed computational tools for phylodynamic and transmission networks that allow for regular monitoring of the spread of infectious diseases, designing evidence-based strategies for effective disease management, control and prevention. He is also involved in innovating cutting-edge diagnostic assays for rapid viral detection and studying the impact of viral diversity in disease pathogenesis. To date, he has secured nineteen research grants, both internally and externally, with a total of RM7.5 million in funding. Recently, his scientific perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic have been regularly featured in China Press, Sin Chew Jit Poh, Nanyang Press, The Economist and Astro Awani. He has been serving as a contributing member or expert panel for several regional and international societies and research networks, including the WHO-UNAIDS Network for HIV Isolation and Characterisation, Stanford Transmitted Drug Resistance (TDR) Surveillance Working Group, International Network for the Sequencing of Respiratory Viruses (INSPIRE), International AIDS Society (IAS), TREAT Asia HIV network, and the ASEAN Research Network. Dr. Tee has published over 120 research articles in peer-reviewed indexed journals, with an h-index of 30 and over 3,300 citations. He has delivered over ten plenaries and invited lectures and presented over 60 papers in local as well as international conferences. His work has also produced six patents, copyright and utility innovation. He is currently the Section/Academic/Associate Editor for various international journals including PLoS One, ASM Science Journal, Virology Journal, Current HIV Research, and Frontiers in Microbiology. His achievements have been recognized through several national and international awards, including the Top Research Scientists Malaysia (TRSM) by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (2022), American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Country Ambassador (2022), UM Excellence Award (Outstanding Young Researcher) (2017), 10th National Academic Award (nomination) (2016), Daiwa Adrian Prize (2010), UM Excellence Award (Outstanding PhD Student) (2009), 15th CROI Young Investigator Award (2008), and the 57th Meeting of Nobel Laureates in Physiology and Medicine, Lindau (2007). He was elected as Fellow by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET), Malaysian Scientific Association (MSA) and the Ministry of Higher Education in the CEO Faculty Programme 2.0 with the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).

DR. MARINI NURBANUM MOHAMAD is presently a senior lecturer in the Department of Decision Science at the Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya. She obtained her PhD degree from Cranfield University, United Kingdom in the area of global supply chain management, focusing on framework development to improve global sourcing strategy implementation. She has a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration from Universiti Malaya. Throughout her academic career she has developed her research interests in the areas of supply chain management, global sourcing and operations management. She has published and presented her research work in various journals and conferences locally and internationally, including United Kingdom, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Spain. To date, she is also actively involved in consultancy projects with public and private organisations.

Dr. Giribabu Nelli is an Associate Professor of Physiology at Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, with expertise in reproductive endocrinology, diabetes, obesity, and natural products. His strong academic background includes a PhD from Sri Venkateswara University, Andhra Pradesh, India) and an M.Sc. from Sri Venkateswara University, India. His prolific research career is marked by over 77 ISI-indexed publications, 5 book chapters, and three patents, demonstrating significant contributions to reproductive biology and pre-clinical research. This impactful work is further evidenced by substantial grant funding secured as both principal and co-investigator, totalling nearly RM 2.5 million. A dedicated mentor, Dr. Nelli has successfully supervised 4 PhD and 7 Masters students to completion, fostering the next generation of researchers. His contributions extend to his leadership roles as Academic Editor for prestigious journals such as PLOS ONE, the International Journal of Endocrinology, Frontiers in Endocrinology, and Frontiers in Physiology and Associate Editor for the European Journal of Medical Research. Dr. Nelli's international recognition is highlighted by numerous invited talks at prominent conferences, showcasing his expertise in personalised medicine for endocrine disorders. His leadership is further exemplified by his role as Co-Chairman of the International Conference on Reproductive Science & Medicine. His research consistently bridges preclinical and translational studies, establishing him as a key figure in personalised drug discovery. His impressive career at Universiti Malaya encompasses various academic and administrative roles, including coordinating elective courses and serving as an academic advisor for MBBS students. His dedication and excellence are recognised through the University Malaya Excellent Service Award (APC) in 2018, 2019, and 2021, and the Excellent Service Certificate (SPC) in 2022. He currently serves as President of the Society of Phytopharmacology and Research.