Dr. Adibi Md. Nor is a marine biologist and aquaculturist with over 20 years of experience in the fisheries sector. Beginning his career with the Department of Fisheries (DOF), he has dedicated his professional life to advancing sustainable aquaculture and marine science innovation. Currently, he serves as the Head of Biodiversity for Sustainable Economy, Centre of Excellence, and PhD Programme Coordinator at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Throughout his career as a policymaker, scientist, and business development leader with the agri/aquaculture company, he has developed a deep understanding of and a strong background in food security and agri/aquaculture, specialising in addressing the challenges and complexities of the global food system. This breadth of experience has shaped his insights into the flow of using scientific evidence in the policy-making process. To ensure sustainability and share his expertise with society, Dr Adibi has developed the Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE) academic course known as Nasi Lemak and Food Systems at Universiti Malaya. Dr. Adibi’s work focuses on integrating nature-based solutions into aquaculture and coastal resource management, emphasising harmony between economic growth and ecological resilience. His approach promotes the restoration and sustainable use of marine ecosystems — including seaweed cultivation, sustainable aquaculture, and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) — as practical strategies to enhance livelihoods while protecting biodiversity. A strong advocate for community participation, Dr. Adibi works closely with local fishers and coastal communities to build inclusive aquaculture models that empower people through sustainable income generation. His efforts reflect a commitment to creating a biodiversity-driven economy, where ecosystem health underpins long-term economic stability and social equity. At Universiti Malaya, he leads research and policy dialogues that bridge science, sustainability, and development. Through his leadership, the Biodiversity for Sustainable Economy initiative seeks to translate research into action — fostering innovation that addresses the challenges of climate change, food security, and marine conservation. He has published widely on seaweed and fisheries research related to policy, biology, and value chain aspects. He was appointed as a reviewer for the International Journal of Food Science & Technology, the Journal of Aquaculture, Fish, and Fisheries, the Journal of Quality and Quantity, the Journal of Applied Phycology, the Journal of Socioeconomics and Development, and Botanica Marina in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. He was a consultant for international and local seaweed projects from 2019 until 2025 and a scientific advisor and business development planner for the Abalone Aquaculture Company in 2018. Driven by a belief that environmental stewardship and economic progress must go hand in hand, Dr. Adibi continues to inspire collaborative solutions for a sustainable blue economy. His work stands as a testament to the transformative power of biodiversity and nature-based approaches in shaping a resilient and inclusive future. Currently, he is actively pursuing innovation in seaweed cultivation as nature-based solutions (website: https://drcweedaquasolutions.com/). Endearingly, his social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) are called Dr C+Weed, which he started in July 2021 as a forum for conversing with and educating people about seaweed. Dr Adibi intends to make seaweed a superfood to combat global and local food security issues. His publications and research areas can be accessed at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Adibi_Nor Current Research Endeavours: Seaweed Cultivation for Blue Carbon: Advancing Sustainable Decarbonization Efforts. Evaluating Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Implementation Among Malaysian Aquaculturists, Using the Quantitative Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Survey Technique.   Sea Grapes Seaweed Cultivation Offers Avenue Toward Greater Food Security, Healthier Diets, and Better Nutrition in Malaysia. Seaweed Cultivation for Climate Mitigation, Food Security, and Local Community Development in Abandoned Shrimp Ponds in Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah, Malaysia Food Security in Malaysia: The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Paddy and Rice Industry in Malaysia. The Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Approach Using Land-Based Farming System Between Seaweed and Marine Finfish. Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) on GlobalSeaweedSTAR program: Safeguarding the Future of the Seaweed Industry in Developing Countries.  Influence of Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Gracilaria sp. seaweed on Physiological and Fillet Quality of Tilapia, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS). Developing Regenerative Aquaculture in Southeast Asia. Seaweed Cultivation: A Nature-Based Solution to Climate Change and Food Insecurity. Revitalising the Malaysia Seaweed Industry through the Blue Economy.        

Dr Madiha Baharuddin is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Applied Science with Islamic Studies Programme, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya (UM). She graduated with first class honours in her first degree of Applied Science with Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, majoring in Information Technology. It is not only the first, but one and only bachelor’s degree in Malaysia that offers a double major programme between Islamic Studies and Science. During her PhD studies, she was appointed as a visiting fellow of University of Paris, France under the mentoring and supervision of one distinguished Emeritus Professor Dr Roshi Rashed. She started her academic career in UM after the completion of her PhD from UM in 2015. Her academic interest is primarily to understand the relationship between the development of science/technology and Islam, particularly within the context of its historical backgrounds, Islamic science, and what science and technology may contribute to the Muslim society. She teaches and supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate courses/students that relate Islam, science and technology. She also has been actively engaging with university’s aim and administration since her appointment. She was appointed by the Vice Chancellor of UM as the Coordinator of Applied Science with Islamic Studies Programme for six (6) years. Throughout those years, she has been actively engaging herself in research as Principle Investigator for one of UM Research Grants entited Applied Science With Islamic Studies Programme: A Research On Its Curriculum Design. Her research also includes proposing a better curriculum in order to integrate Islam and science in higher degree institutions.

Mozhgan Samzadeh is currently affiliated with the Department of Building Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya. She holds a PhD in Architecture and Building (Sustainable Design) from Universiti Malaya and a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering (Hons). Her research primarily focuses on advancing sustainability in the built environment through energy-efficient design, carbon reduction strategies, and the application of life cycle assessment in evaluating building performance. Mozhgan’s work extends to green building practices in retrofitting projects, emphasizing the use of benchmarking and rating tools to improve environmental performance and support sustainable development goals. With over a decade of combined academic and professional experience, she integrates practical architectural design expertise with research-driven approaches. Mozhgan is a certified Green Building Index Facilitator (GBIF) and member of the Malaysia Green Building Council (MGBC), committed to promoting sustainable and climate-responsive practices in the built environment.