PROF. DATUK DR SITI ZAWIAH BINTI OMAR

Muhammad Izzul Syahmi Zulkepli has been a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Shariah and Economics, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, since July 2024. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Shariah (Shariah and Economics) from Universiti Malaya in 2018, followed by a Master's Degree by research at the same institution in 2020, focusing on Islamic banking. He then pursued a PhD at Universiti Malaya, specializing in the application of fintech in Islamic banking operations, and successfully completed it in 2023. Driven by a passion for expanding knowledge, he is dedicated to learning, exploring, and sharing insights in the fields of Islamic economics, Islamic banking, Islamic finance, and Islamic fintech. His academic career has seen significant contributions, including the publication of a book, several book chapters, and numerous articles in highly indexed and other reputable journals. Additionally, he has presented his research at various local and international conferences, further cementing his expertise and thought leadership in his field.

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.