Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Lai Chin Wei [PhD, BEng(Hons) | PEng, PTech, CEng (UK), MIEM, MIMechE (UK)] is currently a full professor in Nanotechnology & Catalysis Research Centre, "National Higher Institution Centre of Excellent (HiCoE)", University of Malaya. Lai’s main research interests are in the areas of chemically modified/functionalized metal oxide photocatalysts and carbon graphene materials, especially for sustainable development to diverse the inclusive science, technology, and innovation in environmental pollution management and energy storage technology. As a scholar and an indication of the global impact of research work (top 2% scientists in a global list), Lai’s works have been published in more than 275 refereed international top-tier journals with Scopus h-index of 49, 8 patents (granted 3 patents), 100 book chapters, and 100 international proceedings in materials science, physics, chemistry, and renewable energy researches. In all, Lai has reviewed more than 1300 papers in the past few years, mainly for top international journals / conferences and now serving as associate editors, guest editors, topic editors and editorial board members for several prestigious high impact international journals. Lai served as section editor/editor for a book entitled “Encyclopedia of Energy Storage: Capacitors/ Supercapacitors 2022” (Elsevier ISBN: 978-0-12-819730-1), “Encyclopedia of Green Materials: Green Materials for Additive Manufacturing 2024” (Springer ISBN: 978-981-16-4921-9), “Nanotechnology in Cosmeceuticals 2025” (Elsevier ISBN: 978-0-44-330184-1), and "Nanocomposites for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment" (Springer Nature 2025/2026).  The utilization of long-lasting “photocatalysis technology” using nanomaterials to solve global warming and reduce environmental impacts has been the passion for Lai. Lai’s research findings aid in building the fundamentals knowledge and groundbreaking industry collaboration experience with many multinational companies/institutions/NGOs, which help direct research efforts towards critical aspects in nanomaterial development for various innovative advancements. Lai’s research has been funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia, MOHE (FRGS, HIR-MOHE); Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia, MOSTI (E-Science fund, National Nanotechnology Development), internal University funding (University of Malaya Research Grant, Impact-Oriented Interdisciplinary Research Grant, Universiti Malaya Research Excellence Grant, as well as University Malaya Research Fund Assistance), international funding and industry grants (consultation services). Meanwhile, Lai is appointed as national and international peer evaluation panel for Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), Eurostars 3 (ESTARS3)- a joint program between the EUREKA network and the European Commission, Innovation Fund Denmark Applications, Qatar National Research Fund and Dean's Research Fund from The Education University of Hong Kong (Eduhk) since 2020. Indeed, Lai is providing leadership development opportunities that privilege to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering collaboration and driving innovation to impact the world using nanotechnology. Being a reputable researcher, his enthusiasm and dedication towards research work, Lai has won numerous special awards or medal winners in International exposition on research innovation, invention & solution (> 22 gold/silver awards). Through his work nanomaterials and catalysis field, Lai was awarded as JCI TOYP - Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World 2024 (Academic Leadership and Accomplishment), APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE) 2023 National Winner, IAAM Scientist medal 2023, Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Best Young Member Award 2022, JCI TOYM - Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians 2021 (Academic Leadership and Accomplishment), National Young Scientist Award 2019 by The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC), MASS Young Researcher Award 2018 by Malaysian Solid State Science & Technology Society, a finalist of National Young Scientist Award 2018 by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI), University of Malaya Excellence Awards 2015 in the category of outstanding researcher - UM Young Researcher (Sciences Discipline) and USM Persada Kencana Award for Best Thesis (Ph.D. Category Engineering) 2014. Lai’s scholastic achievement and thought leadership are recognized locally and internationally. He has been appointed as the "Adjunct Research Advisor" for Shoolini University, India (2022), "Foreign Expert/Professional" for Shanghai JiaoTong University, China (2022), "Visiting Professor", "Adjunct Professor" for Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia (2024), "Visiting Lecturer" for Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia (2024), "Visiting Professor" for National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan (2024), "Visiting Professor" for King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Thailand (2025), "Adjunct Professor" for Faculty of Science and Data Analytics, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia (2025), "Visiting Professor" for Shanghai JiaoTong University, China (2025) and "Scientific Advisory Committee" for Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, India (2025). Lai is honoured to be listed among the top 2% scientists in a global list since 2020 till up to date (2024) compiled by the prestigious Stanford University, USA and awarded as Top Peer Reviewer in Cross-Field & Materials Science powered by Publons (Top 1% of Reviewers) since 2019. On professional qualifications, Lai successfully registered as a Professional Engineer (PEng) in Material Engineering discipline with the Board of Engineers (BEM) and registered as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Engineering Council, UK as well as registered as a Professional Technologist (PTech) in Nanotechnology discipline with the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT). Meanwhile, Lai is an active member in The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM, MAL), Energy Institute (EI, UK), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE, UK) and Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC, UK). Lai believes that nanotechnology will positively affect the living standards of mankind for a better living environment. Lai is recognised as among the calibre and outstanding young scientists in the country who have the potential of advancing the scientific ecosystem in Malaysia.

I am a passionate academic committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Recognized for my innovative teaching and outstanding service, I have been honored with various awards such as Innovative Horizon Accolade Award, Professional innovator award, Service Excellence Award and the Certificate of Excellent Service. Additionally, I have played a key role in curriculum development, integrating data analytics, AI, and emerging technologies into business and information systems courses. My research contributions include 30 over publications, mostly indexed in WOS/Scopus, with a Scopus citation count of 1,348. I have been involved in nearly 18 research projects, with a total grant funding of approximately RM 900,000. At the university level, I have contributed to various committees, including the UM Research Ethics Committee, curriculum review panels, and academic advisory boards. I have also served as an e-learning coordinator and actively involved in mentoring students. Through international research collaborations, keynote speeches, and visiting scholar roles, I actively contribute to global academic discourse, foster interdisciplinary partnerships, and enhance knowledge exchange across borders.

Dr. Anis Rageh Al-Maleki is a senior lecturer (assistant professor) in the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine at University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia. He received his PhD in Medical Microbiology from UM, and postdoctoral fellowship at Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Malaysia. His research expertise lies in microbiology, immunology, integrated omics, bacterial pathogenesis, biomarker discovery, and genetic engineering for several pathogens and oral microbiota. He has published several research articles and served as Editorial Board Member; Clinical Pathology & Research Journal (CPRJ), Asian Council of Science Editors (ASCE), Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology Journal and Clinical Microbiology Journal, Professional Member; Engineering Research and Publications, Malaysian Society for Microbiology Member, Associate Member, Malaysian Society of Microbiology (MSM), & IFERP Professional Membership. Reviewer in many Journals. Dr. Anis has an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding Research Expertise and high impact publications: Dr. Anis is internationally recognized for his exceptional achievements in omics studies and cancer-related infections. With a robust record of high-impact, peer-reviewed publications, his work is widely cited, demonstrating significant contributions to scientific knowledge and earning global validation. Innovation in Techniques: by employing advanced techniques in next-generation sequencing and integrating various 'omics' approaches, Dr. Anis has modified analysis methods which led to new insights, adopted by researchers, underscoring his leadership in the field. Collaborative Projects: he actively engages in collaborative projects with leading researchers and institutions worldwide, resulting in co-authored publications, joint research grants, and the sharing of knowledge and resources. These collaborations are crucial for advancing scientific discovery on an international scale. Recognition and Awards: his excellence in research has been recognized with numerous awards, affirming his reputation in the scientific community. Appointed as speaker: he has been appointed as a speaker at several prestigious international conferences and serves as an editor for a respected scientific journal. These roles acknowledge his past achievements and potential for future contributions. Supervisor for international students: mentors the next generation of scientists, sharing his expertise and fostering advancements in science. Workshops & training: he conducts workshops, talks, and training sessions globally, indicating his commitment to education and capacity building in the scientific community, enhancing the skills of researchers worldwide.