Dr. Mohd Aizat Bin Mohd Zain is a dedicated Senior Lecturer and researcher whose work investigates the molecular and behavioral mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. His long-term goal is to develop a new theory on the pathophysiology of mental disorders, especially schizophrenia, which may help in developing more effective treatments. To achieve this, he is particularly interested in the areas of neurophysiology and psychiatry. Education and Foundational Research Dr. Aizat's academic journey is rooted in the University of Malaya, where he obtained his Bachelor of Biomedical Science (2009). He continued his specialization at the institution, earning his Master of Medical Science (2013) with a dissertation focused on "Gene Expression and Association Analyses of HTR2A and PDLIM5 Genes in Bipolar Disorder." He completed his doctoral studies, achieving a PhD in Medical Science (2019) in the specialized field of behavioural cognitive neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Molecular Biology. His PhD thesis, "Investigation on the Role of PDLIM5 Gene in Cognitive Function Using Mouse Models," paved his expertise in translational neurobiology and the use of sophisticated animal models to study human mental disorders. Research Focus, Impact, and Publications Dr. Aizat's core research investigates how dendritic spine abnormalities contribute to cognitive impairment observed in neuropsychiatric conditions, specifically depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. He employs a multi-faceted approach, specializing in rodents cognitive behavioral testing, animal model development, and molecular profiling to identify brain region-specific changes and potential biomarkers. His contributions to the field are evidenced by several publications and citations in reputable, peer-reviewed Q1 and Q2 journals. He has earned competitive funding, including the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and the Tun Ahmad Sarji Research Endowment Grant (TASREF) to pursue his research interests. Beyond publication, Dr. Aizat is an active member of the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences and regularly engages with the global scientific community. This includes serving as an Invited International Keynote Speaker and Webinar Speaker on the neurobiology of learning and memory, and acting as a scientific judge and external reviewer for international conferences and academic institutions. Professional Experience Currently, Dr. Aizat serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya (since August 2025). His professional career includes significant academic leadership, previously holding roles as a Senior Lecturer and Head of Programme at University College MAIWP (UCMI), and as a Lecturer and Head of Department at Mahsa University. He has also successfully completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Malaya and contributed to vital public health initiatives, including coordinated research on nicotine addiction; breast and colorectal cancers; AIDS among fishermen in northern Malaysia; and investigating health status among coastal communities in Sabah. This highlights his commitment to applying his scientific knowledge to address societal needs and challenges.  

Professor Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin was born in 1972 in a small town, Lenggong, Perak. He received his primary education at SRK Bukit Balai, Lenggong and SRK Anglo Chinese School, Ipoh before going off to MARA Junior Science College Balik Pulau, Penang, for his secondary education. He then continued with foundation study in science at Centre for Foundation Science (Pusat Asasi Sains), University Malaya. Prof Yazid completed his fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), USA in 2009 after obtaining his MBBS in 1997 and Masters of Paediatrics in 2004, both from University Malaya. In 2010 he was awarded as a Certified Paediatric Endocrinologist by the National Specialist Register (Malaysia). Prof. Yazid is a leading authority in Paediatrics, Paediatric Endocrinology, and Diabetes. He serves as Professor of Paediatrics at Universiti Malaya and Senior Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and UM Specialist Centre (UMSC). He also holds the administrative position of Deputy Dean (Undergraduate Studies, 2021-2027) at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, where he plays a key role in medical education, curriculum development, and academic governance at both national and regional levels. Prof. Yazid has demonstrated sustained leadership across major professional organisations in paediatrics and paediatric endocrinology. He previously served as President of the Asia Pacific Paediatric Endocrine Society (2018–2020) and President of the Malaysian Paediatric Association (2017–2019). His other leadership roles include Vice President of the Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society (2022–2024; 2024–2026) and Chairman of the Malaysian Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Group (since 2020). He is currently President of Diabetes Malaysia (2025–2027), where he actively advocates for improved diabetes care, education, access to technology, and evidence-based policy reform nationwide. He also serves as Chair of the Specialty Subcommittee for General Paediatrics (2023–2025; 2025–2027). His contributions to paediatric medicine and endocrinology have been widely recognised. He has received numerous honours, including the Outstanding Asian Paediatrician Award (2024), multiple Universiti Malaya Excellent Service Awards (2015, 2019, 2022, 2023), Excellent Lecturer (Clinical) Award at the University Malaya Excellence Award 2017, and the Kesatria (Ambassador) Award from the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau. In 2025, he was conferred Fellowship of both the Academy of Science Malaysia (FASc) and the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (FAMM). A prolific clinician-scientist, Prof. Yazid has authored over 120 ISI-indexed publications, including two landmark papers in the New England Journal of Medicine. He holds many significant national and international research grants, worth >RM8 million in cumulation. He also acts as Scientific Advisors for many multicentre international research for type 2 diabetes and obesity in children. He has numerous experiences presenting in conferences and workshops locally and abroad. His research focuses on paediatric diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, and child health, with significant impact on clinical practice, professional guidelines, and health policy across Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region.  

Dr. Zainah Ibrahim is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She received her Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering from Middlesex University, UK;  Master Degree in Structural Engineering from Liverpool University, UK, and obtained her Ph.D. in the field of Structural Engineering from Sheffield University, UK. She has over 20 years of teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research interests include structural dynamics, structural health monitoring, nonlinear dynamic system identification, structural vibration and control, repair and strengthening of existing concrete structures, and concrete materials.