Dr. Mohd Nur Ashraf bin Mohd Yusoff is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Malaya. He holds Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (2014), Master of Engineering Science (M.Eng.Sc) (2018), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Energy (2024), all from Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. Dr. Ashraf specializes in fuel engineering and tribology, with a primary research focus on sustainable fuel technologies for internal combustion engines. His work explores alternative fuels, biofuel applications, and tribological performance enhancements, contributing to the advancement of clean energy solutions. During his studies, he has actively worked with industry leaders, including the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and DUCOM India, engaging in research on biofuels, fuel tribology, and lubricant performance optimization. His research findings have been published in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and scientific contributions in the field of sustainable energy and transportation. Dr. Ashraf remains dedicated to interdisciplinary research, industry engagement, and the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students, aligning his work with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency in combustion technologies.

Dr. Fung Shin Yee is a biochemist, receiving her degree from the University of Malaya. She actively pursues her interest in natural compounds focusing on medicinal mushrooms. She obtained her PhD in Molecular Medicine in 2008 (University of Malaya) embarking on a joint project with University of Siena, Italy and is a recipient of a fellowship from the Embassy of Italy in Malaysia (2003-2004). Dr. Fung first joined the Department of Molecular Medicine (previously known as the Department of Biochemistry) in 2000.  She leads the Medicinal Mushroom Research Group (MMRG) and has immense interest in Malaysia’s National Treasure, the Tiger Milk mushrooms (Lignosus sp.) amongst other medicinal mushrooms. Her innovative work with Lignosus sp. has won her several prestigious international and local prizes - including the much coveted Prix Du Salon International Des Inventions De Geneva and ITEX Gold awards ; and a number of Malaysian patents. Her interest also includes other prized medicinal mushroom such as the  Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Antrodia camphorata, Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), Sanghwang - to name a few. Her previous involvement with the Venom and Toxin Research Group (VTRG) in the Department of Molecular Medicine that works on snake venom toxinology has granted her a lucrative experience in the field of toxinology and toxicology; and has propelled her current research interest. Her research endeavours utilize a multidisciplinary approach in her methodology with multiple collaborators both local and international. Her work transcended from bench to bedside - a translational research that aims to bring the Malaysian medicinal gem to good use, promoting wellness to humankind. As a person constantly intrigue by the answers provided by nature for the problems faced in human health and social issues, she strongly believe that nature has many hidden secrets, which if one can tap into, will provide many solutions and platform from which to learn from. This has led her to her primary interest in natural compounds with healing properties. Her work has been published in many high impact articles in international journals and books. She is the Founder and CTO of Essenti Nutrien Sdn. Bhd. who specialises and pioneers the ACE Technology, well known for their flagship product, the xLr®. She is a Fellow with Royal Society of Biology (RSB), United Kingdom  and hold various leadership position. She is the Vice President of the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSBMB) which is an adhering body to the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB) and The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB). She has also been elected into the Nomination Committee of the IUBMB. She also currently serves as the Vice President of The Organization for Women in Science (OWIS), part of the Organization for Women in Science of the Developing World (OWSD) - a UNESCO programme unit. She is a Professional Chemist registered with the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (Institut Kimia Malaysia, IKM) and a Professional Technologist registered with Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT).  

Dr. Nadirah Mat Pozian is a feminist public health scholar passionate about advancing gender equity and women’s well-being in Southeast Asia. She explores how gendered structures, social norms, and systemic inequalities shape women’s participation in work, access to health services, and overall life outcomes. Her work turns feminist research into practical solutions that improve policies, workplaces, and community programs. She collaborates with policymakers, NGOs, community groups, and global health stakeholders to design research that is inclusive, participatory, and transformative. She has led multi-country studies, facilitated stakeholder dialogues, and contributed to regional and UN-level policy initiatives on gender-responsive health systems and workplace equity. Nadirah’s research uses qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, surveys, focus groups, and co-design workshops. She focuses on sensitive issues such as gender-based violence, maternal and reproductive health, and workplace inequities, ensuring women’s voices guide policy and practice. Her work bridges research, advocacy, and policy, advancing inclusive, feminist-centred approaches that centre women’s rights, agency, and care in health and social systems. Her publications include Family-Friendly Work Conditions and Well-Being Among Malaysian Women (2024) and Barriers Faced by Australian and New Zealand Women When Sharing Experiences of Family Violence with Primary Healthcare Providers (2023). She is currently writing her first book on family-friendly policies and family planning, focusing on Malaysia and Southeast Asia. She is interested in supervising PhD students in these topics: Gender equality and women’s health Feminist approaches to public health Women’s experiences at work and in workplaces Gender-based violence and access to healthcare Maternal and reproductive health issues Other topics of student interest related to gender, health, and equity (open for discussion) Please feel free to contact her at nadirahmatpozian@um.edu.my