Originally trained as an algal molecular taxonomist and phylogeneticist, Dr Poong has a diversified research portfolio specializing in gene and metabolites expression studies using omics tools, genetic diversity and population structure of fish and seaweed, algal physiological and biochemical stress response and adaptation to climate changes, and shifts in microbiome using metagenomics. Dr Poong plays a key role in developing research proposals to attract local and international funding, managing research grants, organization of international conferences and workshops. She is an Honorary (Lifetime) Member of the International Society for Applied Phycology since June 2024.

Dr Azlida obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Malaya (UM) in 2008. After working with the Ministry of Health for over two years, she became a trainee lecturer at the University of Malaya (UM) in 2010. She then earned a Master's in Dental Public Health (DPH) from Queen Mary, University of London, along with a Diploma in Dental Public Health from the Royal College of Surgeons (England) in 2011. She enrolled for a PhD programme at Cardiff University in 2014 and completed it in 2017. Her PhD project won the prestigious Roger Anderson Prize from The British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry. Dr Azlida is now an Associate Professor and a registered dental public health specialist in Malaysia. She teaches and supervises students in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. In the early years of her academic career, she held the position of undergraduate coordinator. From 2020 onward, she assumed the role of Postgraduate Coordinator (Master of Community Oral Health) and is currently spearheading the Doctor of Dental Public Health (DrDPH) programme at the Faculty of Dentistry, UM. Continuing to enhance her credentials, she obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education (with distinction) from the University of South Wales, UK, and was awarded a Fellowship in Dental Education from the Faculty of Dental Trainers, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2023. She possesses a commendable record of publications in ISI/Scopus-indexed journals and has actively participated as a reviewer for numerous publications. Her accomplishments include receiving awards for research, education, and innovation on both national and international platforms. Her research pursuits range from preventive dentistry and oral epidemiology to dental education. In recent years, she has taken a proactive approach by publishing in mass media to share insights about dentistry and promote oral disease prevention with the general public. She is also actively engaged with the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) and has assumed roles as a committee member for the National Oral Health Plan (2021-2030), an expert involved in reviewing the National Fluoride Guideline, and a consultant assessing oral health promotion activities. Additionally, she served as a council member for the Malaysian Association of Dental Public Health Specialists (MADPHS) for the 2022-2024 term.

Scott's empirical research interests center on the regional politics of Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on collective efforts combatting novel security issues. This has primarily been applied to Southeast Asia’s maritime security governance, but has since broadened out to consider the Indo-Pacific. His theoretical basis is on the role of trust in international relations, where he also engages with ideas regarding Communities of Practice. Scott has previously held postdoctoral positions at the Universities of Bristol and Leeds, and teaching positions at the Universities of Birmingham, Reading, and Bath.