Dr. Fung Shin Yee is a biochemist, receiving her degree from the University of Malaya. She actively pursues her interest in natural compounds focusing on medicinal mushrooms. She obtained her PhD in Molecular Medicine in 2008 (University of Malaya) embarking on a joint project with University of Siena, Italy and is a recipient of a fellowship from the Embassy of Italy in Malaysia (2003-2004). Dr. Fung first joined the Department of Molecular Medicine (previously known as the Department of Biochemistry) in 2000.  She leads the Medicinal Mushroom Research Group (MMRG) and has immense interest in Malaysia’s National Treasure, the Tiger Milk mushrooms (Lignosus sp.) amongst other medicinal mushrooms. Her innovative work with Lignosus sp. has won her several prestigious international and local prizes - including the much coveted Prix Du Salon International Des Inventions De Geneva and ITEX Gold awards ; and a number of Malaysian patents. Her interest also includes other prized medicinal mushroom such as the  Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Antrodia camphorata, Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), Sanghwang - to name a few. Her previous involvement with the Venom and Toxin Research Group (VTRG) in the Department of Molecular Medicine that works on snake venom toxinology has granted her a lucrative experience in the field of toxinology and toxicology; and has propelled her current research interest. Her research endeavours utilize a multidisciplinary approach in her methodology with multiple collaborators both local and international. Her work transcended from bench to bedside - a translational research that aims to bring the Malaysian medicinal gem to good use, promoting wellness to humankind. As a person constantly intrigue by the answers provided by nature for the problems faced in human health and social issues, she strongly believe that nature has many hidden secrets, which if one can tap into, will provide many solutions and platform from which to learn from. This has led her to her primary interest in natural compounds with healing properties. Her work has been published in many high impact articles in international journals and books. She is the Founder and CTO of Essenti Nutrien Sdn. Bhd. who specialises and pioneers the ACE Technology, well known for their flagship product, the xLr®. She is a Fellow with Royal Society of Biology (RSB), United Kingdom  and hold various leadership position. She is the Vice President of the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSBMB) which is an adhering body to the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB) and The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB). She has also been elected into the Nomination Committee of the IUBMB. She also currently serves as the Vice President of The Organization for Women in Science (OWIS), part of the Organization for Women in Science of the Developing World (OWSD) - a UNESCO programme unit. She is a Professional Chemist registered with the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (Institut Kimia Malaysia, IKM) and a Professional Technologist registered with Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT).  

Sharmila Jayasingam received her MBA and PhD from the University of Science Malaysia in the field of Management. She is currently an Associate Professor in Leadership and Organizational Behavior at the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Malaya. Prior to joining University of Malaya, she taught courses such as management, leadership, and knowledge management at Universiti Tenaga Nasional and Multimedia University. Her research is interdisciplinary, spanning knowledge management, leadership, and organizational behavior. Her current work explores the influence of social media on leadership effectiveness, as well as issues of happiness and well-being in the workplace. She has secured multiple research grants at both national and institutional levels, including funding from the Asian Institute of Finance (AIF), Permodalan Nasional Berhad, the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (Ministry of Higher Education), and the UM Impact-Oriented Interdisciplinary Research Grant (University of Malaya).  She has written several journal articles which have been published in Journal of Knowledge Management, Current Psychology, Knowledge Management Research and Practice, Industrial Management and Data Systems, International Journal of Human Resources Management, Management Research, Studies in Higher Education, and many other outlets. Beyond academia, she has several years of experience in consultancy projects with agencies such as Malaysian Aviation Group, FELDA, HC Consultancy, and others. She strongly believes that theories from academic research need to be translated into practical solutions for the workplace. Open to Supervision: I am available to supervise research in work psychology and leadership. I especially welcome students interested in using creative methods such as experiments, multi-level studies, and other innovative approaches to explore workplace and leadership issues.

Associate Prof. Dr. Thabet Ahmed Abdallah Abu-Alhaj, Specialized Lecturer And Researcher In Islamic And Qur’anic Studies Education and Academic Experience Ph.D. in Tafsir and Qur’anic Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan — 2009 MA. in Usuluddin, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan — 2003 PA. in Da’wah and Usuluddin, World Islamic Sciences and Education University, Amman, Jordan — 1995 Associate Prof. Dr.  Abu Alhaj has been serving at the University of Malaya since 2012, where he has gained extensive experience in teaching, supervision, curriculum development, and international research collaboration. His contributions have significantly advanced the field of Islamic and Qur’anic Studies within a global academic context. Professional Summary: A distinguished academic specializing in Islamic Studies in general and Qur’anic Studies in particular, proficient in both Arabic and English. He has dedicated his career to advancing the field of scientific research methodology, teaching and supervising research in both languages, and promoting intellectual integration between Islamic and modern sciences. He has authored and published over 86 scholarly works in reputable international journals and academic platforms in Arabic and English. He has supervised more than 50 postgraduate students from over 25 different countries, guiding them to complete their master’s and doctoral theses with excellence. His academic leadership extends beyond teaching and supervision. He serves as an editor for several highly ranked international scientific journals, and as a reviewer for numerous master’s and doctoral theses at both local and international levels. He is also recognized as an international trainer in scientific research and academic writing, and has actively participated in more than 70 international scientific conferences. Scientific Research Interests and Specializations Islamic Studies in general. Qur’anic Studies in particular. Contemporary and Comparative Intellectual Studies. Applied Islamic Studies. Traditional and Contemporary Scientific Research Methodologies. Management and Implementation of Scientific Research Projects Teaching Philosophy and Vision for Academic Development: He firmly believes in the universality and purposefulness of scientific research and the need for its continuous development. His academic philosophy emphasizes linking Islamic Studies with other scientific disciplines to achieve cognitive integration and holistic understanding. He advocates for innovative, non-traditional academic approaches that are closely connected to contemporary realities, aiming to provide practical and objective solutions that serve humanity as a whole. His vision for academic development centers on: Integrating undergraduate education with field-based learning; Connecting postgraduate research with applied and real-world contexts; and Promoting collaborative teamwork and academic excellence within the global research community. Through his academic, supervisory, and editorial contributions, he continues to play an influential role in shaping the future of Islamic and Qur’anic Studies at both the regional and international levels.