Dr. Ho Hui Ling is a Associate Professor in the Department of History at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. She received her Ph.D. from University of Malaya in 2003. Dr. Ho’s specialization is the History of Malaysia from the colonial period to modern period. She has conducted numerous studies on the history of Emergency era and communist movements in Malaya/Malaysia, socioeconomic development in Malaysia, ethnic relations and the development of plural societies in Malaysia, as well as various aspects of the history of Sarawak and Sabah. The findings of her research have been published in the form of books, chapters in books, journal articles and also contained in research reports and conference papers. Dr. Ho was also appointed as a panel of reference experts on secondary and primary school’s History curriculum and textbook by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia/KPM) for 2017-2022 and 2023-2027. She was also involved in reviewing History textbooks for secondary and primary school published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).        

A biophysicist by interest, Dr. Vengadesh Periasamy is based in Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre (LDMRC), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a Senior Lecturer/ Research Fellow. His field of expertise and interest mainly involves DNA electronics, Langmuir-Blodgett (LB), Biophotovoltaics (BPV) and Nanomedicine (Riboflavin, Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Antipathogenic and Anticancer Properties). His current research groups consist of numerous final year projects, interns, research assistants, MSc. and PhD. students comprising of various disciplines and nationality. Resulting research outputs have been published in various high impact factor journal papers, proceedings, patent, book and book chapter. Research covers a comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach whereby underlying fundamentals are thoroughly investigated to enable possible applications by constructing, characterizing and testing prototype sensors/devices. Using LB technique to fabricate pure novel DNA films, we are actively pursuing frontier research into fundamental DNA electronics, which would ultimately enable DNA genomic sequencing for rapid DNA detection and also the fabrication of DNA based environmental sensors. LB method also allows flexibility in designing different types of graphene films either as porous anodes or highly transparent conducting material. These highly customized electrodes will then be utilized to investigate bio-signals or intrinsic cellular noises from antipathogenic/anticancer reactions and other biological pathways of interest. Current research directions are therefore directed towards understanding interfacial properties by deciphering extracted bio-signals to be applied in the fields of nano-bioelectronics, nano-medicine and biomedical technology. Dr. Vengadesh’s interest in BPV is partly as a result of an MOU between University of Malaya and Centre of Research for Electrochemical Science and Technology (CREST), Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge to undertake combined research efforts in algae biotechnology. He and his group is developing LB derived high porosity graphene films for application as an anodic material in BPV platforms. Initial results indicating an increased power output and open potential suggest the possibility of substituting the currently used conventional ITO anodes. The LB method utilized allows for attaining higher electrode surface area and better attachment of biofilms. Coupled with the presence of functional groups, the films fabricated enables easier and effective algae attachment onto the graphene anode surface resulting in superior biocompatibility and hence the improved power output. Dr. Vengadesh visited CREST as a Post-doc/Academic Visitor from 21 January until 20 October 2014 to facilitate the collaborative research further and to establish a roadmap in BPV research between the two research centers.

    Prof. Ir. Dr. Ang Bee Chin is an accomplished researcher and academic with a strong background in Materials Engineering. Her academic journey culminated in her Ph.D from Universiti Malaya in 2011, where she was also a scholarship recipient. Currently holding the prestigious position of Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Malaya, she stands as a beacon of expertise and leadership in her field.  Dr. Ang's professional qualifications include being a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng) since 2014, accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, United Kingdom, and obtaining her Professional Engineer (Ir.) status in 2016 from the Board of Engineers, Malaysia. Her impressive academic and professional journey is complemented by her extensive publication record, comprising over 100 high-impact papers, with the H-index of 28. Her research interests are diverse, spanning from the synthesis and application of nanoparticles to polymer-based nanocomposites, nanotechnology, failure analysis, electrospinning and materials characterization. At present, Dr. Ang is channelling her expertise towards developing innovative solutions, notably focusing on creating polymer based nanofibrous membranes embedded with nanoparticles. These novel materials hold promise for varios applications such as in wastewater treatment, chemiresistitve sensors, passive e-DMA collection and bio-medical applications. Beyond her research pursuits, Dr. Ang plays an active role in academia and professional organization. She has been instrumental in organizing numerous international and national events, including conferences, symposia, seminars and competitions. Her commitment extends to serving as a coach or judge for various national and international events, highlighting her dedication to fostering academic and professional excellence. Dr. Ang’s contribution extends to leadership roles within professional bodies. She serves as an Exco member in the Materials Technical Division (MaTD) under the Institute of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) nd holds a position as a Senate member at Universiti Malaya. Additionally, she is an active member of the Intestate of Materials, Malaysia (IMM).  Her expertise in failure analysis is recognized through her certification as a level 3 failure analysis expert. Dr. Ang's achievement have been acknowledged through awards garnered from numerous international and national exhibitions, underscoring the impact of her research contributions. Furthermore, Dr. Ang's intellectual property portfolio reflects her innovative mindset, with ownership of one (1) international patent, two (2) Malaysia patents and one (1) micro invention. These patent testify to her ability to translate research finding into tangible solution with real-world applications. In summary, Prof. Ir. Dr. Ang Bee Chin exemplifies excellence in academia, research and professional service, embodying the spirit of innovation and leadership in the field of Materials Engineering and Materials science.