Mohamad Suffian bin Mohamad Annuar is a leading researcher in bioprocess technology and advanced biomaterials, with a particular focus on medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHA) derived from bacterial fermentation of local renewable resources. These mcl-PHA are prized for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatile properties, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. His research group has pioneered the development of mcl-PHA-based hydrogels, which exhibit exceptional water absorption and mechanical strength, making them suitable for tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery systems. His team has also explored the use of mcl-PHA in creating bone scaffolds that support cell growth and closely mimic natural bone structures. Furthermore, they have advanced the field by developing mcl-PHA nanoparticles, which hold significant potential for targeted drug delivery and biomedical imaging applications. Additionally, their investigations into mcl-PHA-based composites and blends have shown promise for renewable energy and water purification applications. With a research approach that balances fundamental and applied aspects, his research group contributes over 130 publications in reputable scientific journals. He has successfully supervised 19 Ph.D. and 35 Master's projects to completion. His laboratory, known for its multi-disciplinary scientific approach, has secured research funding in excess of MYR 4 million through its own projects and collaborative efforts, and continues to welcome and foster multi-disciplinary scientific collaborations.

Dr. Abubakar Abubakar Usman is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of International and Strategic Studies at Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia, where he specializes in globalization, development, and the politics of Africa and the Middle East. With a multidisciplinary academic background spanning International Relations, Diplomacy, and Islamic Finance, Dr. Usman is a prolific scholar whose work bridges theory and policy. Academic LeadershipDr. Usman currently serves as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, teaching Politics and International Relations of the Middle East. He has also been invited as a Guest Speaker at institutions such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Nile University Nigeria, where he shared expertise on diplomacy, conflict resolution, and strategic studies. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking and real-world applicability, honed through roles as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and as an English instructor for Saudi Schools Kuala Lumpur. Research ContributionsA dedicated researcher, Dr. Usman has held prestigious fellowships, including as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at IIUM’s Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance (IIiBF), where he explored the intersection of Islamic finance and global development. As a Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the Africa Studies Circle at the Asia Middle East Centre for Research and Dialogue (AMEC), he fosters cross-civilizational dialogue and evidence-based policy recommendations. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as South African Journal of International Affairs, Global Society, and Contemporary Islam, and he has contributed chapters to Routledge and Palgrave Macmillan volumes on Islamic finance, African diplomacy, and human rights. Dr. Usman actively engages in peer review for Web of Science-indexed journals, including Security Journal and SN Social Sciences, and is currently developing two book projects: The Political Economy of Africa-Asia Relations (Routledge) and Coups in 21st Century Africa (Palgrave Macmillan). His doctoral thesis on Boko Haram’s media strategies and master’s research on Islamic finance as a development tool reflect his commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. Policy and Public EngagementBeyond academia, Dr. Usman is a sought-after commentator on African geopolitics, contributing to platforms like Africa@LSE, Daily Trust, and The Conversation. His analyses on ECOWAS, military coups, and Nigeria’s foreign policy have shaped public discourse. He has also served as an interpreter and translator for Malaysian government agencies, leveraging fluency in English, Arabic, and Hausa. Education and Honors PhD in International Relations (Globalization & Development), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Master of Diplomacy and Strategic Studies (CGPA: 4.00), UKM Master of Political Science (CGPA: 3.83), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) BA in Arabic/Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria Professional Affiliations Member, International Studies Association (ISA) Associate Member, International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS) For a full list of publications and research projects, visit his Google Scholar or ORCID profiles. Contact:Email: abubakar.usman@um.edu.my | Phone: +60 162417993Address: Department of International and Strategic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya

Dr Wan Afiqah Anis Binti Wan Ahmad   A native of Kelantan, Wan Afiqah Anis binti Wan Ahmad is a doctoral candidate in English Language, specialising in listening skills from an Islamic perspective and is currently awaiting her viva voce examination. She earned her Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and her Bachelor of Education in English as a Second Language from Universiti Selangor. Her scholarly pursuits centre on the intersection of English language acquisition and Islamic studies, with a particular emphasis on the development of listening skills. This focus is reflected in her extensive portfolio of online publications and newspaper articles. She has disseminated her research findings through presentations at both national and international conferences, culminating in several published research papers. She made her first television debut on Selamat Pagi Malaysia (SPM), discussing English language and its challenges to students of Islamic studies. Currently, she serves as a language lecturer at Universiti Malaya Education Centre (UMEC), Bachok, Kelantan.