Dr. Nadirah Mat Pozian is a feminist public health scholar passionate about advancing gender equity and women’s well-being in Southeast Asia. She explores how gendered structures, social norms, and systemic inequalities shape women’s participation in work, access to health services, and overall life outcomes. Her work turns feminist research into practical solutions that improve policies, workplaces, and community programs. She collaborates with policymakers, NGOs, community groups, and global health stakeholders to design research that is inclusive, participatory, and transformative. She has led multi-country studies, facilitated stakeholder dialogues, and contributed to regional and UN-level policy initiatives on gender-responsive health systems and workplace equity. Nadirah’s research uses qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, surveys, focus groups, and co-design workshops. She focuses on sensitive issues such as gender-based violence, maternal and reproductive health, and workplace inequities, ensuring women’s voices guide policy and practice. Her work bridges research, advocacy, and policy, advancing inclusive, feminist-centred approaches that centre women’s rights, agency, and care in health and social systems. Her publications include Family-Friendly Work Conditions and Well-Being Among Malaysian Women (2024) and Barriers Faced by Australian and New Zealand Women When Sharing Experiences of Family Violence with Primary Healthcare Providers (2023). She is currently writing her first book on family-friendly policies and family planning, focusing on Malaysia and Southeast Asia. She is interested in supervising PhD students in these topics: Gender equality and women’s health Feminist approaches to public health Women’s experiences at work and in workplaces Gender-based violence and access to healthcare Maternal and reproductive health issues Other topics of student interest related to gender, health, and equity (open for discussion) Please feel free to contact her at nadirahmatpozian@um.edu.my

Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi is a Malaysian legal scholar and professor of law at the University of Malaya, currently holding the Tunku Abdul Rahman Chair as Professor of Constitutional Law. He is also the fourth holder of the Tun Hussein Onn Chair in International Studies at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia effective July 2019 to June 2021. He is an Emeritus Professor of Law at Universiti Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam. He has served Universiti Teknologi MARA in Shah Alam, Selangor in various capacities from 1971 onwards. He served as the Head of the Diploma in Law programme (1979–1984), as Assistant Rector (1996–1999), Assistant Vice-Chancellor (1999–2001) and Legal Advisor (1996–2006, 2010–2017)                                                                                                      He has also served in the faculties of law at the International Islamic University Malaysia, part-time at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and a visiting professor/Honorary Legal Adviser/Holder of the Tun Sambanthan Chair at Universiti Sains Malaysia and adjunct professor at New England University, Australia.  

Associate Professor Dr. Chen Yeng is an expert in cancer biomarker discovery, biosensor development, and natural therapeutics, with a multidisciplinary approach that bridges nanotechnology, molecular biology, and biomedicine. Her expertise is particularly evident in her work on innovative diagnostic technologies and personalized therapeutic solutions, targeting both cancer and infectious diseases. Her research interests span several cutting-edge areas. One of her primary focuses is the identification and characterization of cancer biomarkers, particularly through novel approaches targeting at immunogenic host proteins. This line of research explores how immunogenic proteins’ interventions might modulate cancer risk, representing an innovative intersection of microbiology, proteomics, and oncology. Dr. Chen is also deeply engaged in developing advanced diagnostic tools, including nanobiosensors with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. These devices, designed to detect critical biomarkers such as those associated with tuberculosis, blood clotting disorders, and oral cancer, are transformative for early disease detection. Her work in biosensors, utilizing materials like gold nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanolayers, has set new standards in diagnostic accuracy and reliability. Another cornerstone of her research is the study of natural plant extracts for therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment. She investigates the biochemical and pharmacological properties of these extracts, focusing on their mechanisms of action, such as inducing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, and promoting mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells. Her exploration of natural products' roles in modulating microRNAs further highlights her innovative approach to cancer research. Dr. Chen’s expertise also extends to the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and genoprotective properties of herbal compounds, offering potential preventive and therapeutic solutions for chronic diseases. These studies underline her commitment to sustainable and natural approaches in healthcare. Her contributions to genomics and proteomics, particularly in large-scale screening for biological markers, further demonstrate her role as a leader in translating complex biological data into meaningful clinical applications. By combining her deep understanding of molecular biology with a focus on real-world impact, Dr. Chen has established herself as a pioneer in her field. Dr. Chen’s academic influence is demonstrated by her impressive h-index of 28 (ResearchID) and 39 (Scopus), with over 4,500 citations to her name. Her extensive publication record spans high-impact journals, contributing significantly to advancements in dentistry, oncology, and biomedical engineering. She is recognized as a top scientist in Malaysia, ranking among the leading figures in dentistry according to the AD Scientific Index.As a respected peer reviewer for prestigious journals, including Coordination Chemistry Reviews, Periodontal 2000, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, and Cancer Letters, Dr. Chen plays a critical role in maintaining the quality of research within her fields of expertise. Her contributions extend to academic leadership, where she had supervised and graduated over 20 postgraduate students, including 12 PhD candidates, nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.Her leadership in dental education accreditation has further solidified her impact on academic excellence. She has played pivotal roles in the reaccreditation of dental programs at the University of Malaya and other institutions, ensuring that these programs meet global standards.Through her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Chen has partnered with industry leaders to translate research findings into practical healthcare solutions, such as rapid diagnostic tools and personalized treatments. These collaborations exemplify her ability to bridge scientific discovery with real-world applications.In summary, Dr. Chen’s expertise and research interests reflect a holistic approach to biomedical science, integrating cutting-edge technologies with sustainable practices. Her work not only pushes the boundaries of knowledge in cancer research and diagnostics but also has the potential to transform patient care and public health globally.