Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rozalina Zakaria’s research is at the forefront of photonic materials and devices, with a strong focus on the development of optical fiber sensors, nonlinear optical phenomena, and advanced light–matter interactions. Her work explores the integration of plasmonic nanostructures and two-dimensional (2D) materials to enhance optoelectronic performance, particularly for sensing and signal-processing applications. She has made significant advancements in the design of nanostructured materials for enhanced light–matter interaction, especially in applications involving surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and magneto-optical phenomena.She was selected for an Honorable Mention in the Senior Scientist Category of the U.S.–ASEAN Science Prize for Women 2025 and has been recognized globally as a Top 2% Scientist by Stanford University in consecutive years (2024 and 2025) in the sub field of Optoelectronics and Photonics. She has published extensively in high-impact journals. Her key contributions include studies on the nonlinear optical behaviour of plasmonic metallic nanoparticles, optimization of SPR-based fiber sensors and the integration of 2D materials for broadband photonic applications. She has led numerous research projects on plasmon-enhanced photodetectors and ultrafast optical modulators, positioning her as a prominent research leader in Malaysia’s photonics landscape. Beyond her research, Dr. Zakaria actively mentors early-career researchers and contributes to academic leadership through national and international research initiatives.  

I am an anthropologist by training and I am involved in research on community development and engagement. All of my work with the communities have been supporting and creating a structure for them to participate in circular economy by empowering them with skills and knowledge that are relevant for them to establish community-based enterprise or to enhance their knowledge on being an Indigenous entrepreneurs at the rural regions. For this purpose, I adopt participatory community-based action research and ethnographic study, particularly when I conduct social impact assessment before conducting the research and after the implementations of the projects. My primary research focusing on community-driven development project that includes the applications of Indigenous knowledgeas tools for the community livelihood development in the circular economy on community-based cultural and knowledge conservation by engaging the makers, artisans and women to actively participate in the projects. The most successful research and sustainable community engagement has been the development of the Indigenous knowledge of the traditional textile, the Iban pua kumbu that has led to a series of educational polysensory exhibition, the “Textile Tales of the Pua Kumbu since 2015. I am also an art curator, curating cultural exhibitions and based on the HIR (2013-2016), I created a community-based enterprise that promotes the traditional Iban Pua Kumbu internationally.

Siti Fairus Abdul Sani, an Associate Professor at Universiti Malaya (UM), is a dedicated researcher and educator in the field of Radiation and Medical Physics. She has recently honored with the prestigious award Anugerah Saintis Muda Negara 2024 (National Young Scientist Award 2024), recognizing her contributions to science and her research in radiation physics. This esteemed award reflects her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and her hope to inspire future generations of scientists in Malaysia. Siti Fairus earned her PhD from the University of Surrey, UK, in 2015, and since then, she has established an outstanding academic and research record. With 136 publications, an H-index of 21, and over 1,000 citations, she has made significant contributions span teaching, research and community engagement in radiation applications for medicine, industry, and environmental studies. She served as the Deputy Head of UM’s Radiation Protection Services Unit (2016-2017) and holds a Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) certification. Her research has advanced understanding in areas such as EMT, FDFT1, endometrial and amyloidosis metabolite characterization, passive dosimetry, radiation modifier for diagnostic and therapeutic use, natural radioactivity, radiation sterilization, optical methods for radiation damage detection, and Monte Carlo simulations for medical and nuclear reactor applications. She has supervised over 80 students, including 16 PhDs (9 graduated), 4 MScs (3 graduated), and 61 FYP undergraduates, and led the Radiation Laboratory (RLab) at Department of Physics for seven years. Since 2014, she has presented her work at international conferences, including in Prague, Crete, Bologna, Beijing, Mexico, Sydney, India and Indonesia as an invited speaker, oral and poster presentations. In recognition of her academic and research excellence, Siti Fairus was invited to participate in the 2023 Global Young Scientists Summit in Singapore and was nominated by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia for the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. Her interdisciplinary research is supported by multiple grants, including the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), and an RM400,000 research grant from a collaboration with Princess Nourah University in Saudi Arabia. Her career achievements include a range of awards, including Special Award and Gold Award at the MTE2025, Gold Award in AiNEX2025, Silver Award at the NITC2023, Gold Award at the AiNEX2021, Gold Awards at the iMTC2020 4.0, Platinum Award at the InSIDE 2019, and Gold Award at the MTE2016 and ITEX2016. Alongside her research, Siti Fairus actively fosters a love for science among students from kindergarten through high school. She supports STEM education by training teachers and parents and has developed art-integrated STEM modules for secondary schools. She has also served as a judge for science and innovation competitions organized by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. A memorable highlight was being interviewed on Selamat Pagi Malaysia (RTM TV1) in 2025 on the topic “Peranan R&D dalam Bidang STI dalam Membangunkan Malaysia MADANI: Menyoroti Inisiatif Anugerah Saintis Muda Negara di bawah MOSTI.” She was also previously featured on IKIM radio’s Inspirasiku and the Extraordinary Muslims blog in 2016, sharing her inspiring PhD journey. Siti Fairus work supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by advancing safer radiation applications in medicine, while her innovative STEM-based teaching aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, inspiring future scientists. Through research in radiation dosimetry and detector technologies, she contributes to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, enhancing safety in medical and industrial applications. Her focus on radiation’s environmental impact promotes SDG 13: Climate Action by advocating sustainable nuclear practices. Backed by grants and Universiti Malaya, her efforts reflect SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to address global challenges and drive innovation.