Lead UM Neuroscience Research Group (NeuroRG), a group of multi-disciplinary based researchers focusing on the Nervous System. The focus of each research with its approach specifically suited to its nature: a) laboratory based researches; eg, comparative neurobiology of non-mammalian vertebrates nervous system; animal behavioral model for memory; neurohistological characterization  b) non-laboratory based researches; eg, comparison of issues from Islamic and Neuroscience established perspectives on learning and related factors like sleep for normal and autistic children; coping strategies of Muslim parents with autistic children One of the works being conducted by NeuroRG team is on substances/food that are encouraged by Islam; eg, Prophetic substances -- food like Habbatus Sauda (Nigella sativa) and honey.  Specifically, studies are on the effects of consumption on spatial and/or non spatial memory, neurohistology of specific brain structures and neurocytology of the neurons, and their neuroprotective effects.  Also have collaborated researches on the effects of these substances on other physiological systems, e.g. reproductive physiology, wound healing to skin.  Have received grants from government bodies and the University of Malaya for related researches.  Outputs of grants include publications in journals and books, and presentations at local and international scientific meetings.  In addition, have successfully supervised students at both the undergraduate and post-graduate levels (MSc, MPhil, MBiotech, PhD). Teaching include subjects/modules such as Neurobiology, Diseases of the Central Nervous System, Histology, and Animal Use and Care Bioethics.

  Professor Chong Mei Chan, PhD, is an accomplished nursing academic and leader with over 20 years of expertise in gerontology, maternal-child health, and e-learning innovations. Currently a Professor at the University of Malaya (UM), she holds a BSc in Nursing (UM, 1995), MSc in Community Health (UPM, 2005), and PhD in Nursing (Monash University, 2014). Her research addresses critical public health issues, including Time banking for community-dwelling older adults, Chronic disease management, and nursing education adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond academia, she actively engages in community health promotion and has established international collaborations with institutions in Australia, China, Taiwan, Jordan, Iran, UAE, UK, Japan, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. As Head of UM’s Nursing Department (2018–2023), Prof. Chong led transformative initiatives that elevated the program into the QS World Rankings (150–200) and achieved top departmental status in research publications for two consecutive years. Her leadership extends to national policy, having served on the Malaysian Nursing Board, Nursing Council for Higher Education, and the Health White Paper Advisory Council (2022–2023). She also co-authored Malaysia’s strategic roadmap for health workforce development as a member of the Ministry of Health’s Strategic Engagement Group on Health Workforce and Governance. An internationally recognized scholar, Prof. Chong has published 100+ papers (70+ in WoS/ISI journals), authored 6 textbooks, and supervised 66+ postgraduate candidates (40 PhDs graduated). With 2,130+ citations (h-index: 25, Google Scholar), she is a frequent keynote speaker and external examiner for nursing programs across the Asia-Pacific. Her dedication to advancing nursing education is further demonstrated through her mentorship of early-career researchers and ongoing roles in interprofessional healthcare initiatives.  

Premalatha Thiagarajan is currently a senior lecturer and the Deputy Dean (Undergraduate and Student Affairs) at the Faculty of Creative Arts, Universiti Malaya. Trained in the Indian classical dances, Bharata Natyam and Odissi, she has staged numerous dance performances and conducted workshops and lecture-demonstrations in Malaysia and abroad. She is the founder of Premalayaa Performing Arts, a company that specialises in Indian classical dance and music. She is a member of the ICTM Study Group on Ethnochoreology, World Dance Alliance (WDA) and the Dance Studies Association (DSA). Through her numerous research publications, she has pioneered the study on Indian dance in Malaysia. Her current research interest also focuses on dance as therapy and arts and indigenous tourism.