Che Zarrina Sa’ari, who graduated from the University of Malaya (Bachelor's and Master's degrees) and Edinburgh University (PhD), is currently the Professor at the Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, Malaysia, working in the Department of Aqidah and Islamic Thought. She served several times as the Head of the Department of Aqidah and Islamic Thought and as the Deputy Director (Development and Research) at the same Academy, and was the Deputy Dean (Research & Innovation) until March 2025. She was also a visiting scholar at Leiden University (2004) and Edinburgh University (2010). Dr. Che Zarrina’s broad academic and research interests involve Sufism, Islamic Psychospiritual, Islamic Psychotherapy, and Islamic Ethics. She has produced over 450 publications, including books, chapters in books, articles in journals, short articles in mass media, and conference proceedings that were presented nationally and internationally. Dr. Che Zarrina has been invited many times by national as well as international universities to deliver lectures or talks on Islamic Psychospiritual and Psychotherapy. She has also been invited to be a keynote speaker, plenary speaker, or invited speaker in seminars, conferences, and workshops nationally and internationally in her area of expertise. She has presented papers in seminars and conferences and delivered motivational talks as well as religious talks to the public from time to time, and written short articles in magazines and newspapers. Dr. Che Zarrina has produced about 60 master's students and 68 doctorate students in her field. The graduates, national and international, became her successors in the dissemination and enhancement of their expertise and have contributed to the academic world, government, and community, especially in spiritual and mental well-being. In research, she has been awarded more than 130 internal and external research grants, for instance, ERGS, FRGS, MAIS Fatwa Research Grant, IIRG, MRUN, JAKIM Fatwa Research Grant, RACE, USM, JAIS Fatwa Research Grant, GP LPPKN, UMRG Project, and UMRG Programme. The outputs of the research could be seen through the graduation of graduate research assistants, publications, curriculum designs, and reviews for new courses or module improvements. In addition, those outputs have also been utilized to assist government institutions. For example, in developing modules, manuals, guidelines, policies, and fatwas. Furthermore, many of the outputs of Islamic Psychospiritual and Psychotherapy have been applied and carried out publicly by the community and non-governmental associations (NGO). To impart this knowledge to the relevant communities, Dr. Che Zarrina has been invited to facilitate the training of the trainers (ToT) workshops and intervention sessions that are usually organized by the government, such as JAKIM, Malaysian Ministry of Health, Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Intergrasi Nasional, state religious councils and departments, non-governmental organizations, and the public. In the professional field, based on her expertise and involvement with the stakeholders, she has gained their trust and has been appointed to one of JAKIM’s prestigious committees as an Expert Panel for Aqidah (PPA) with terms of reference to respond to current issues of `aqidah and school of thought in society and give an initial view on the issuance of a fatwa for Muzakarah Jawatankuasa Fatwa, Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Hal Ehwal Ugama Islam Malaysia (MKI). She has been involved in various committees and has been appointed as an expert panel, among others in Expert Panel for Programme Standards: Islamic Studies by Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA), Expert Panel of the Field of Aqidah and Sufism, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Top Management Committee for KSKCare Centre JAKIM, and Dini Curriculum Development for Ministry of Education Malaysia. In academic linkage, Dr. Che Zarrina has been involved as an academic advisor for several local universities, journals editor-in-Chief, advisory board member, member of journal editorial boards, postgraduate external examiner, and member of the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES). She is the Editor in Chief for AFKAR: Journal of Aqidah & Islamic Thought, indexed in WoS-ESCI and SCOPUS. She has also been appointed Editor in Chief for Qalbu: International Journal of Sufism published by PERTAMA, the advisory board for the Journal of Islamic Theology Pakistan and the Journal of Islamic Research Turkey, and has become a reviewer for WoS and SCOPUS journals. She also contributes to society through her involvement with several national and international non-government organizations (NGO) such as the Islamic Psychospiritual Association Malaysia (IPSA) as Deputy President, Majlis Dakwah Negara, Persatuan Kaunseling Syarie Malaysia, and the International Association of Islamic Psychology. She has obtained several certificates as a certified practitioner, such as Psychological First Aid, Mental Health Coach, and Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling. Among her significant contributions to the country is her involvement from the beginning in setting up the KSKCare Centre@MTMZA JAKIM which is a community referral center that provides professional and free services to the community.  Since then, she, who leads the Islamic Psychospiritual Team, has always performed training of the trainers (ToT) managed by JAKIM and others for related persons.

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 300 refereed international top-tier journals with Scopus h-index of 53, 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 2025" (Springer ISBN: 978-981-95-1368-0).  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 currently holds multiple positions as “product advisor” and “scientific technical consultant” for > 8 multinational companies since 2021. Lai’s research has been funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia, MOHE, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia, MOSTI, internal University funding, international funding and industry grants. In total, Dr. Lai has secured research funding exceeding RM 7.5 million. As a testament to his mentorship and leadership in research, he has successfully supervised 16 PhD and 20 MSc graduates to completion. 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). Recently, Lai was recognized on the 2025 Asian Scientist 100 list by Asian Scientist Magazine (Singapore) for his outstanding contributions to photocatalysis and sustainable development. 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 (2022-25), "Foreign Expert/Professional" for Shanghai JiaoTong University, China (2022-23), "Visiting Professor", "Adjunct Professor" for Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia (2024-25), "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 (2025-26), "Foreign Expert/Professional" for Southwest Forestry University, China (2025-30), "Visiting Professor" for The University Of Sydney, Australia (2025), "Adjunct Professor" for University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, India (2025-27), "Visiting Top Professor" for Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia (2025-26)  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 (2025) 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). In overall, Dr. Lai believes that nanotechnology will hold great potential for solving real-world challenges and positively affect the living standards of mankind for a better living environment. Dr. Lai is recognized as among the calibre and outstanding young scientists in the country who have the potential of advancing the scientific ecosystem in Malaysia. Dr. Lai's vision and direction in academic career are addressing global challenges with advanced nanomaterials design and development for a sustainable future.  

Muhd Sufillah bin Mohd Soyong ialah seorang penyarah bahasa di Jabatan Bahasa Arab dan Bahasa-bahasa Timur Tengah di Fakulti Bahasa dan Linguistik, Universiti Malaya. Anak jati negeri Serendah Sekebun Bunga ini berasal dari daerah Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu. Tanggal 24 Disember 1984 menjadi detik sejarah kelahiran beliau di Hospital Besar Kota Bharu yang diberi nama Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II. Beliau dilahirkan dalam sebuah keluarga yang sederhana dan dibesarkan oleh seorang ayah yang telah berhijrah kepada agama fitrah ini. Mohd Soyong bin Abdullah ataupun nama sebelum memeluk agama yang mulia ini adalah Soo Sow Yong adalah seorang muallaf berbangsa Cina yang telah dilahirkan pada 24 Januari 1947 oleh ibunda yang berasal dari Tanah Besar China. Setelah hidup dan membesar dalam masyarakat Melayu di Kampung Tanjung Gadung, Negeri Sembilan, beliau telah mendalami Islam dan memilih untuk melalui jalan kebenaran ini lalu membuat keputusan untuk berhijrah ke negeri Serambi Mekah. Disana beliau telah tertarik dengan anak gadis Kampung Kedai Piah, Ketereh lalu memutuskan untuk hidup bersama sang gadis dinegeri ini. Hasil perkongsian hidup bersama Siti Fatemah binti Abdullah, beliau dikurniakan 6 cahaya mata, seorang srikandi sulung dan 5 orang pahlawan. Muhd Sufillah adalah anak yang keempat yang berkongsi sifat tanah bersama kakanda sulung. Beliau telah mendapat pendidikan awal sekolah rendah di Sekolah Kebangsaan Kubang Kerian 1, Kota Bharu, Kelantan bermula dari darjah satu sehingga darjah enam. Walaupun bintangnya tidak terlalu menyerlah disekolah ini, tetapi beliau terpilih untuk menjadi pengawas ketika berada didarjah enam. Beliau pernah mewakili sekolah dalam permainan badminton dan mendapat pingat Perak peringkat MSSK negeri Kelantan. pernah jupa terpilih sekali untuk mewakili Kelantan tetapi tewas dipusingan awal menentang negeri pahang ketika itu. Beliau aktif dalam sukan-sukan lain dan pernah mewakili sekolah dalam sukan bola tampar, hoki dan galah panjang juga. Melangkah ke alam remaja, ayahanda tercinta telah memilih untuk memberi pendidikan agama dan bahasa Arab untuk semua anak-anak beliau lalu dihantar untuk meneruskan pelajaran sekolah menengah di SMA(A) Ma'ahad Muhammadi lilbanin, Kota Bharu. Salah sebuah sekolah menengah agama Arab yang terkemuka dinegeri bertuah ini. Maka bermulalah episod baru dalam hidup beliau bermula dengan peringkat peralihan, naik ke tingkatan 1 hinggalah ujian yang paling berat menimpa hidup di tingkatan 2 pada tarikh penuh duka 19 Februari 1999 apabila ayahanda tercinta dijemput mengadap YANG MAHA KUASA selepas diuji dengan penyakit strok buat kali kedua setelah mengalaminya kali pertama pada 1993. Walaupun terpaksa menghadapi ujian hidup yang amat berat ini, ujian PMRU iaitu Penilaian Menengah Rendah Ugama juga perlu dihadapi pada tahun yang sama. Berkat ayahanda dan Bonda yang senantiasa mendoakan insan yang kerdil ini, beliau telah berjaya memperolehi 9A dan 1B. Tidak pernah terdetik dalam hati Bonda tercinta untuk melepaskan anakanda daripada belaian kasih sayang beliau, tetapi takdir tertulis dan anakanda beliau ditawarkan untuk melanjutkan pengajian peringkat sekolah menengah rendah di Kuwait bersama seorang lagi rakan, Mohd Lotfi bin Nor Azmi. Teman dan sahabat yang banyak melalui suka duka bersama kerana terpaksa berjauhan dari keluarga tercinta diusia hingusan lagi. Dihujung bulan September 2000, anak muda ini bersama teman seperjuangan menjejak kaki dibumi Kuwait yang penuh tuah dan berkat untuk meneruskan pembelajaran setahun di peringkat sekolah menengah rendah dan 4 tahun di peringkat menengah tinggi hinggalah tergolong dalam 5 teratas pada tahun akhir peperiksaan Rabi' Thanawi yang sama taraf dengan A level. Sekolah yang senantiasa dalam kenangan ini adalah Ma'ahad Dinie Lilbanin, Qortuba. Rentetan itu, beliau ditawarkan pula biasiswa penuh untuk melanjutkan pelajaran diperingkat sarjana muda di Kuwait Universiti.Disini, beliau memilih Faculty of Arts; Fakulti Sastera dalam bidang sintaksis bahasa Arab. Walaupunhati beliau cenderong kepada Shariah tetapi kerana mengetahui kekurangan diri lalu beliau memilih bidang bahasa Arab sebagai major dan Shari'ah sebagai minor. Pada tahun 2012 beliau berjaya menggenggam segulung ijazah dalam bidang bahasa Arab daripada Universiti Kuwait bahkan telah memperolehi segenggam sijil yang lebih bernilai dan bersejarah dalam hidup beliau setahun sebelum itu pada tarikh keramat, 31 Ogos 2011. Pada tarikh tersebut, beliau mendapat sijil nikah dan bergelar suami kepada Azati binti Ab Aziz.  Dipenghujung tahun 2012 beliau pulang ke tanah air dan telah mengambil sijil IELTS untuk tujuan pekerjaan sebagai nilai tambah dan membuka peluang untuk melanjutkan pelajaran di masa hadapan. Sebelum tahun 2012 melabuhkan tirainya, beliau mendapat tawaran untuk menjadi Guru Bahasa di Akademi Pengajian islam Universiti Malaya cawangan Nilam Puri diperingkat asasi. Beliau berada dibawah Dekan Fakulti Bahasa dan Linguistik tetapi ditempatkan dibawah APIUM, Nilam Puri bermula 2 Januari 2013 sehingga Feb 2017. Setelah itu beliau dipanggil kembali untuk berkhidmat di Fakulti Bahasa dan Linguistik bagi membantu jabatan yang dikasihi, Jabatan Bahasa Arab dan Bahasa-bahasa Timur Tengah kerana ramai staf sedia ada sudah mula bersara. Perkhidmatan beliau di jabatan ini bermula pada bulan Februari 2017 sehinggalah ke hari ini. Perjuangan bersama jabatan ini akan diteruskan sehingga hujung nyawa.