Dr. Farazila Binti Yusof, or Fara as she is affectionately known was born and raised in the scenic town of Muar, Johor, Dr. Farazila Binti Yusof has carved a distinguished path in the academic and engineering worlds. Known for her profound dedication and expertise, Fara’s journey from a curious village girl in Muar to an influential academic leader is a story of passion, dedication, and perseverance. Dr. Farazila embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s Degree in CAD/M Engineering, followed by a Master of Engineering Science at Universiti Malaya, and culminating in a Doctor of Engineering at Japan. Each step in her educational path fortified her foundation and fueled her commitment to advancing the engineering field. Currently serving as the Executive Director at the Centre of Foundation Studies in Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Dr. Farazila has held several pivotal positions within the university. Prior to her current role, she was the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department from 2021 to 2022 and the Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies at the Faculty of Engineering from 2019 to 2021. Her leadership roles are characterized by visionary guidance and a relentless pursuit of excellence in engineering education and research. Dr. Farazila is a renowned scholar in the fields of welding, joining, and additive manufacturing. Her academic contributions include supervising over 25 PhD candidates and 7 masters students, alongside publishing more than 120 refereed journal articles. Her work not only advances the state of engineering but also mentors the next generation of engineers and researchers. When she is not immersed in her academic and professional endeavors, Dr. Farazila enjoys traveling. Her travels are not just escapes but also another way for her to explore and understand the engineering marvels of the world, blending her personal interests seamlessly with her professional passions. Her vision in the future to become a leading expert in advanced manufacturing technology specifically in additive manufacturing which contributing to efficient, safer and sustainable manufacturing process as well as mentoring the next generation of technology professionals.

I am a Professor and Deputy Dean of Research & Innovation at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya. I am a registered Professional Engineer (PEng) with the Board of Engineers Malaysia and an ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer (ACPE). I previously served as the President of the Malaysian Thermoelectric Society and held administrative positions including Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering (2016-2019). I also serve as a program examiner for the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC), Malaysia, contributing to the quality assurance of engineering education in the country. My research focuses on energy materials, electronics packaging (solder alloys) and MEMS. I have published over 200 ISI-indexed journal articles, 2 books, and 10 book chapters. My work has garnered over 5,200 citations with an h-index of 37. I hold 7 patents related to my research areas. I have been invited to deliver 8 keynote talks at international conferences and 15 invited talks at local and international conferences. I have secured research grants totaling RM13.7 million and led projects worth RM1.7 million. I have served as an examiner for 31 PhD theses (17 international) and 26 Master's theses (1 international). My expertise is also recognized through my appointment as a reviewer for more than 35 journals and my role as an evaluator for national and international research funding applications. I have supervised more than 35 postgraduate students (specifically 21 PhD, 18 Master's completed, and 9 ongoing). 

Hashem Salarzadeh Jenatabadi is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya. He holds Postdoc, PhD degrees in Applied Statistics, from University of Malaya, and Master, Bachelor degrees in Mathematical Statistics areas from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. His expertise involves application of Statistical and Mathematical modeling in Engineering, Management, Public health, Chemistry, and Economics.