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.

Ahmad Syafiq Amir Abdullah Zawawi, Ph.D. is a junior linguist with expertise in Theoretical Linguistics, particularly within the Minimalist Syntax. I earned my Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Linguistics from The National University of Malaysia (UKM), focusing on syntactic structures in Malay existential, possessive, and copular constructions. My academic journey also includes a Master of Arts in Malay Language from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and a First-Class Bachelor Degree in Teaching from the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia (IPGM). I am an active researcher and author, with multiple publications in SCOPUS and WOS-indexed journals. My research primarily addresses minimalist syntactic theories, exploring constructs such as verb constraints in the Malay language and Austronesian languages. Additionally, I have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences. Adept in utilizing modern educational technologies and tools, I am proficient in corpus linguistics tools such as Wordsmith and AntConc. My linguistic skills span both Malay and English, complemented by a strong commitment to innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning. I remains passionate about advancing the field of linguistics and contributing to the academic and educational landscape through expertise, leadership, and research contributions.

Intan Marfarrina Omar is a Senior Lecturer in the Educational Management, Planning and PolicyDepartment in the Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya. Currently, she is acting as Head ofDepartment. Intan earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Management field through Fast-TrackProgram and Bachelor Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Universiti TeknologiMalaysia. Intan’s research areas of interest are studying about Leadership, Psychological Leadership,Organizational Behaviour, Creativity and Innovation and also Quantitative Methodology. Heracademic and professional endeavour that include teaching, research, publication and consultation arearound these areas. Throughout her service in Universiti Malaya, she has received Certificate ofExcellent Service. She has been leading a few research with grants including grant allocation underFundamental Research Grant Scheme from Malaysia Ministry of Higher Education to conductresearch about teachers’ mental health and also published in many journals and written a few chaptersin book mainly on educational leadership.