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.

Dr Mohd Shahnaz Hasan is a Consultant Anaesthesiologist and Critical Care Physician at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre and an Assoc Professor at the Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. He received his MBBS and postgraduate degree in Anaesthesiology from Universiti Malaya and went on to complete his Fellowship in Emergency & Critical Care Ultrasound. Majority of his time is devoted to clinical work, teaching and research. Over the past 10 years, he has maintained active collaborations with international research institutions and researchers, conducting research in areas related to critical care nutrition, nephrology, mechanical ventilation, sedation, and antimicrobials in critically ill patients. He is currently the PI of the following ongoing international clinical trials and research projects: MEGAROX (MRINZ), SPICE IV (Monash), VICTORY trial (Wurzburg), EFFORT-X(Queens), EQUIP-ICU (Oxford), REMAP-CAP (Monash) and FOIL-INFLAME (Malaysia). He is also the institutional lead in the CCAA project (Collaboration for Research, Implementation & Training in Intensive Care in Asia and Africa) which is supported by the Wellcome Trust. His past and ongoing work with the University of Queensland team in antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and optimisation of antibiotic dosing/delivery includes: BLISS, SAFE-ICU, DECISIVE, BLING III & PK/PD, PNEUDOS, and COLLABORATE. Apart from his significant contribution in the research and care of critically ill patients, he is also heavily involved in the provision of perioperative anaesthesia care for major complex spinal surgery, which include more than 2000 cases of complex congenital, neuromuscular and idiopathic scoliosis deformity surgery in young children and adolescents. Dr Shahnaz has received local and international research grants worth more than MYR 2.27 mil. He has more than 100 publications in high impact journals (WOS) with a H-index of 16 and 2200 total citations, of which 20 as first, senior, or corresponding author. About 43% of the co-authored publications are from international collaboration with researchers in other countries or region and 37% of the publications are in the top 25% most cited worldwide.

Dr Catherine Thamarai Arumugam is currently attached to the Family Health Discipline, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya as a Medical Lecturer with a specialisation in Public Health Medicine. Her past publications speaks of her interest in the research on early childhood development, infectious diseases and her love for poetries. In an unwavering effort of creating a safe media environment for thriving children - she is interested to further explore on the dynamics of technology, toddlers and family relationships.  A medical degree holder from Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia - her journey as a junior doctor started at the Sungai Buloh Hospital which is also the national referral centre for infectious disease. Upon completion of housemanship training, she went on to serve as a Medical Officer in Charge of a maternal child health clinic in the district of Temerloh, Pahang. The responsibility entrusted granted her invaluable experience especially in the domains of maternal child health and disaster preparedness – stirring the passion towards public health. Dr Catherine went back to Temerloh District Health Office with a Doctorate in Public Health from Universiti Malaya - serving as an Epidemiology Officer, heading the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Unit during the COVID19 rampage. Her major tasks revolved around surveillance, outbreak response, training activities and playing the role of liaison officer for the state-level CDC department. From Ministry of Health to Ministry of Higher Education – Dr Catherine has now started her new venture as a medical lecturer, striving to be an advocate for public health issues she is passionate about through her research works and creative writings!