I am currently a senior lecturer at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My research interests are in postharvest biotechnology, food security, natural products and stem cell fields.I was a PhD Biotechnology graduate from UM, where I researched on the cytotoxicity and effect of Moringa oleifera leaves on human Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs). My work involved the postharvest preparation of the leaves via drying technology, evaluating their antioxidant properties, and to study its effects on WJ-MSCs (RNA-seq analysis). I can converse in English, Malay and Mandarin (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia), therefore I often guided local students and bridged the language barrier for international students, especially those from China to understand and follow their courses. For my undergraduate studies, I achieved a CGPA of 3.95 and interned at the National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia. Besides my academic pursuits, I am passionate about debating and coaching. I have been a debater since 2015 and represented UM in multiple international tournaments both as a debater and an adjudicator. Currently, I serve as Assistant Coach for UM’s English Debate team, and recently won the Top 10 best Judges award in Asia. My combined expertise in multidisciplinary research, multilingual communication, and competitive debating allows me to bring a unique edge to advancing academia, driving impactful research, and building global academic connections.

PooBalan received bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Technology Malaysia, Skudai in 1999; Master’s degree (MSc) in Advanced Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bristol, England, UK in 2005 and Ph.D. degree (fluid mechanics & heat transfer) from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK in 2010. He also served as postdoctoral-Research Assistant at the University of Aberdeen in 2010 to work on the research related to nuclear power plant thermal-hydraulic related problems. PooBalan has industry experience as Process and Product Engineer at AIWA Electronic Sdn Bhd, Johor, Malaysia and Venture Electronic Sdn Bhd, Johor, Malaysia from year 2000-2004. PooBalan has received professional engineer certifications of Chartered Engineer (CEng) from the Institution of Mechanical Engineer (IMechE), UK and IR (PEng) from Board of Engineer Malaysia (BEM). PooBalan expertise is within the field of study related to fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermal fluid, pump characteristics & application and heat exchanger. PooBalan is presently working on project related to aeration technology for aquaculture, development of venturi nozzle for mixing of water & air, development of micro-nano bubbles generator, development of compact heat exchanger based on open-type metal foam. PooBalan has a patent and a copyright on micro-bubble generator nozzle and technology for water aeration & mixing. PooBalan is also actively involved with community related project such as knowledge-transfer programs and activities on urban aquaculture farming. A model of an urban aquaculture farming has been developed at Sect 3, Petaling Jaya residential house and at Broga Hill, Semenyih based on effective & suitable aeration technology and Biofloc (healthy microorganisms).

Sadia Rahman received her doctoral degree in International Relations from National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan in 2022. She pursued her MA from Presidency University and BA from Calcutta University, India. Before joining Universiti Malaya Rahman worked as an Assistant Professor at Atatürk University, Türkiye in 2023. Presently, she is a lecturer at the Department of International and Strategic Studies, with her research interests primarily focusing on International Relations, Global Governance, Human Rights, China Studies (China's domestic/ethnic policies and foreign policy), Cross-Strait Relations (Regional Security Issues) and South Asia. Her academic achievements include receiving prestigious scholarships such as the MOFA Taiwan fellowship and MOE doctoral scholarship from the ROC government. She obtained a grant from the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy for her project on human rights, further highlighting her dedication to impactful research. In 2021, Rahman was awarded the Outstanding Student Award by the ROC government for her exceptional academic accomplishments. In addition to her academic pursuits, Rahman serves as the Associate Editor of the Asian Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, showcasing her active involvement in the scholarly community. She has also been a participant in the XUAR workshop, a European Union funded (EU) project, including presenting her work at several international academic conferences.