Started his research career in the think tank sector, Dr. Lee Chee Leong (Karl) is attracted to the rise of non-traditional diplomacy in the international order today. Such appeal has taken Dr. Lee into new research horizons that started with his Monash University's doctoral research on the Chinese sub-state diplomacy in China-ASEAN economic cooperation. With constructive supervision by Professor Helen Nesadurai and Associate Professor Kuik Cheng Chwee, Dr. Lee completed his doctoral thesis that unravels how a faraway and least developed sub-state of Guangxi managed to overcome its own hurdles, navigate the complexities within the Chinese state and become the frontline actor in China-ASEAN economic cooperation. Following his doctoral completion, Dr. Lee's research on non-traditional diplomacy has expanded into Taiwan’s quasi-state diplomacy in Southeast Asia. Such quest has led him spending at great length in comprehending the concept of soft power, a concept that finds its relevance to Taiwan, which has no official diplomatic with Southeast Asia but is heavily connected to the region and has to rely on soft power in its engagements with these Southeast Asian nations. Taking Malaysia as the first case study of Taiwan's soft power in the region, Dr. Lee is developing the third intervening variable correlating both Taiwanese soft power resources and outcomes, in his course of providing a dynamical explanation for such phenomenon. For the coming years, his research focus and publications will be on the different areas featuring Taiwan-Malaysia and Taiwan-Southeast Asia cooperation such as digital social innovation (DSI) for climate change, industry-based education/training programmes, smart cities, tourism, digital democracy, agriculture, public health and medicine, ornamental aquaculture and aquascape. To date, Dr. Lee was the recipient of several scholarships and fellowships in Malaysia and overseas: University of Malaya’s Graduate Fellowship (2010-2011); Monash University’s Merit Scholarship (2016-2019); Chinese Government Scholarship (2018-2019); and Taiwan Fellowship (2020). Prior to his appointment as Senior Lecturer at the Institute of China Studies (ICS), he was the Visiting Scholar at Guangxi University for Nationalities (GXUN) (2018-10992019), Taiwan Fellow at National Chengchi University (NCCU) (2020) and Associate Fellow at ICS UM (2016-2019).He welcomes any potential PhD candidate who would like to work on Taiwan-Southeast Asia relations, Taiwan's soft power in Southeast Asia and Taiwan-Malaysia DSI cooperation for climate change. He is also willing to discuss with potential doctoral candidates on proposals related to the Chinese sub-state (provincial) diplomacy toward ASEAN, China's soft power in ASEAN, Southeast Asian sub-state diplomacy, comparative cases of sub-state diplomacy around the world and conceptual innovation of sub-state diplomacy as well as soft power. 

Dr. Aini Ayunni Mohd Raub is a lecturer at University of Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, specializing in nanomaterials in particular, zinc-oxide (ZnO) nanostructures. Her research integrates advanced nanofabrication, crystal structure engineering, and application-driven studies devoted to environmental, energy, and device-level challenges. With over 20 peer-reviewed publications to her name, she has contributed significantly to advancing ZnO-based materials, exploring morphology control (e.g., nanorods, nanocomposites), doping techniques (e.g., Cu-doping), bandgap tuning, and hybridization with graphene/graphene-oxide.  Her work spans applications such as photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, wastewater treatment, microfluidic-integrated photocatalysts, and efforts toward sustainable nanotechnology.  Dr. Aini is committed to bridging fundamental nanoscience with practical environmental and technological solutions, and remains open to interdisciplinary collaborations, academic networking, and future research opportunities in nanomaterials and environmental nanotechnology.

Dr. Arutchelvan Rajamanikam is a distinguished researcher in medical parasitology and microbiology, recognized for his contributions to parasite genomics and bacteria–parasite interactions. Currently serving as Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, he leads cutting-edge research at the intersection of gut microbiota, protozoan parasites, and host-pathogen dynamics. His work is particularly noted for advancing the understanding of Blastocystis sp. biology, where he has helped redefine its pathogenic potential through integrative genomic, transcriptomic, and microbiome-based approaches. Dr. Arutchelvan’s research excellence lies in uncovering the bidirectional relationship between intestinal parasites and bacterial communities, demonstrating how microbial ecosystems influence parasite virulence, drug resistance, and disease outcomes. He employs advanced methodologies including next-generation sequencing, high-throughput drug screening, and computational microbiome analysis, positioning his work at the forefront of translational infectious disease research. His investigations extend to parasite genomics in helminths and protozoa, as well as vector microbiota, with implications for antimicrobial resistance and precision medicine. With over 17 peer-reviewed publications and an H-index of 9, his research has gained international recognition. He has secured competitive funding exceeding MYR 2.1 million as Principal Investigator and collaborator, including prestigious grants from national and international bodies such as the Ministry of Higher Education and UKRI. His collaborative network spans globally renowned institutions, reinforcing the impact and reach of his research. In recognition of his scientific contributions, Dr. Arutchelvan was awarded the Outstanding Researcher in Parasitology by the Venus International Foundation in 2025. He is also an active member of international scientific initiatives, including the European COST Action on Blastocystis under the One Health framework. Beyond research, he contributes as a journal editor, reviewer, and academic leader, shaping the next generation of scientists in parasitology and microbiome research