Dr. Nurhafiza Binti Zainal is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. She holds a Dual PhD in Medical Microbiology from Universiti Malaya and Medicine from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. Additionally, she earned an MRes in Biotechnology from Imperial College London, United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Universiti Malaya. Her areas of expertise include immunology and virology. Dr. Nurhafiza’s research explores the intricate relationship between viruses and the host immune response, particularly the role of host protein expression and genetic factors in shaping disease outcomes. Her work also investigates mechanisms such as cross-reactive immunity and antibody-dependent enhancement to improve vaccine development and antiviral strategies. She has served as both Principal Investigator and Co-Researcher on numerous national-level research grants, including projects under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), MOSTI, and Universiti Malaya internal funding schemes. Dr. Nurhafiza is also the recipient of the prestigious IEIF International Education Innovation Fund – ASEAN Research Collaboration Project, hosted by The University of Adelaide. Her awarded project focuses on the development and evaluation of inactivated vaccines for viral diseases, with potential applications in animal health. In addition to her scientific research, Dr. Nurhafiza is involved in interdisciplinary initiatives such as One Health programs and sustainability-focused projects related to menstrual health and environmental responsibility

Akbar Sarif bin Muhammad is a lecturer at the Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. Born in Bima, Indonesia, on 15 April 1985, he pursued early education in Pelalawan, Riau, before completing his secondary studies at Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor in 2004. He graduated with distinction and obtained his bachelor's degree in Comparative Mazhab and Law from Universitas Darussalam Gontor in 2008. Driven by a strong interest in Islamic legal theory, he continued his postgraduate studies at the Universiti Malaya, completing his Master’s research on the concepts of maslahah and mafsadah in the thought of al-Imam al-Ghazali and al-Imam al-Shatibi. In 2021, he was awarded a PhD for his work on the application of Maqasid al-Shari‘ah in the development of contemporary Islamic law in Indonesia. His academic expertise spans Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh, Maqasid al-Shari‘ah in both theoretical and contemporary applications, manuscript studies, Islamic philanthropy, and Islamic property law. He has authored journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers, all of which contribute to the enrichment of scholarly discourse in Islamic law and its contemporary applications. Akbar has also collaborated on research projects with government and heritage institutions in Malaysia and Indonesia. At the Universiti Malaya, he teaches, supervises postgraduate students, and actively engages in research and academic discourse at national and international levels.

Dr Anuratha RajasegaramSenior Lecturer, Department of Indian Studies, Universiti Malaya Dr Anuratha Rajasegaram is a scholar and a social scientist whose work bridges the disciplines of international relations and governance, Tamil philosophy, and medical humanities with a strong focus on ageing in marginalised communities. She specialises in conflict management, Tamil literature, complementary and alternative medical governance, behavioural changes and humanities. Her research explores the intersection of law and order, medicine, culture, community, social sciences, and the arts to support the restoration and rehabilitation of community well-being. Her interdisciplinary approach aims to deepen the understanding of mental health through cultural and humanistic lenses, contributing to more holistic and community-informed practices. Dr Rajasegaram holds a PhD and a Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) from Universiti Malaya, as well as a BSc from Middlesex University, England. She currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Indian Studies at Universiti Malaya, where she continues to engage in research and teaching that emphasises the human dimensions of health and healing. Previously was engaged as a research consultant at the Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang, Selangor, where she contributed to guiding interdisciplinary research. She is actively involved in research and is currently accepting PhD students for 2025 and 2026.