Dr Song Sze Looi is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Universiti Malaya. She obtained her PhD in 2013 from the Universiti Malaya in the field of Algal Biotechnology. She later received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Westminster International College. Currently, she is the Coordinator for the Degree Stacking and Mixed Mode programmes. Dr Song has gained expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular phylogenetics, systematics and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) such as NextSeq, MiSeq, HiSeq and Ion Torrent. Her research includes seaweeds, oysters, nematode parasites of public health importance, insects of agricultural importance and microbiomes. She has published more than 50 papers in ISI journals for example Scientific Reports, PLoS ONE, Acta Tropica, Genetica, Phycologia, Journal of Applied Phycology and Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. Her current H-index is 13 in Publons and 14 in Scopus. Dr Song has also established research collaborations with local and international researchers. Aside from academic achievement, she is also active in sports. She won second prize in the Isometrik Challenge organized by UM's Sport Centre in 2021. She has also achieved podium finish in several marathon events such as the Brooks Kuantan Run (Champion in 10 km Women's Open) and Taiping Cross Country Run (Second Runner-up in 7 km Women's Open).

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.

Dr. Lim Wei Kang is a medical lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, and a consultant general paediatrician and paediatric neurologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre and Universiti Malaya Specialist Centre. He graduated from Cardiff University in the United Kingdom and subsequently completed his postgraduate training in general paediatrics at Universiti Malaya. Dr. Lim pursued subspecialty training in paediatric neurology in Malaysia before undertaking a clinical fellowship in paediatric movement disorders and neuromodulation at the Hospital for Sick Children, Canada. His clinical and academic interests centre on paediatric movement disorders, with a particular focus on the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in complex paediatric neurological conditions such as dystonia and epilepsy. He played a key role in establishing Malaysia’s first paediatric deep brain stimulation service, contributing significantly to the development of advanced neuromodulation care for children in the region. Dr. Lim continues to be actively involved in clinical service, teaching, and research, with ongoing efforts to expand access to specialized neurological care for children.