Dr. Adibi Md. Nor is a marine biologist and aquaculturist with over 20 years of experience in the fisheries sector. Beginning his career with the Department of Fisheries (DOF), he has dedicated his professional life to advancing sustainable aquaculture and marine science innovation. Currently, he serves as the Head of Biodiversity for Sustainable Economy, Centre of Excellence, and PhD Programme Coordinator at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Throughout his career as a policymaker, scientist, and business development leader with the agri/aquaculture company, he has developed a deep understanding of and a strong background in food security and agri/aquaculture, specialising in addressing the challenges and complexities of the global food system. This breadth of experience has shaped his insights into the flow of using scientific evidence in the policy-making process. To ensure sustainability and share his expertise with society, Dr Adibi has developed the Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE) academic course known as Nasi Lemak and Food Systems at Universiti Malaya. Dr. Adibi’s work focuses on integrating nature-based solutions into aquaculture and coastal resource management, emphasising harmony between economic growth and ecological resilience. His approach promotes the restoration and sustainable use of marine ecosystems — including seaweed cultivation, sustainable aquaculture, and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) — as practical strategies to enhance livelihoods while protecting biodiversity. A strong advocate for community participation, Dr. Adibi works closely with local fishers and coastal communities to build inclusive aquaculture models that empower people through sustainable income generation. His efforts reflect a commitment to creating a biodiversity-driven economy, where ecosystem health underpins long-term economic stability and social equity. At Universiti Malaya, he leads research and policy dialogues that bridge science, sustainability, and development. Through his leadership, the Biodiversity for Sustainable Economy initiative seeks to translate research into action — fostering innovation that addresses the challenges of climate change, food security, and marine conservation. He has published widely on seaweed and fisheries research related to policy, biology, and value chain aspects. He was appointed as a reviewer for the International Journal of Food Science & Technology, the Journal of Aquaculture, Fish, and Fisheries, the Journal of Quality and Quantity, the Journal of Applied Phycology, the Journal of Socioeconomics and Development, and Botanica Marina in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. He was a consultant for international and local seaweed projects from 2019 until 2025 and a scientific advisor and business development planner for the Abalone Aquaculture Company in 2018. Driven by a belief that environmental stewardship and economic progress must go hand in hand, Dr. Adibi continues to inspire collaborative solutions for a sustainable blue economy. His work stands as a testament to the transformative power of biodiversity and nature-based approaches in shaping a resilient and inclusive future. Currently, he is actively pursuing innovation in seaweed cultivation as nature-based solutions (website: https://drcweedaquasolutions.com/). Endearingly, his social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) are called Dr C+Weed, which he started in July 2021 as a forum for conversing with and educating people about seaweed. Dr Adibi intends to make seaweed a superfood to combat global and local food security issues. His publications and research areas can be accessed at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Adibi_Nor Current Research Endeavours: Seaweed Cultivation for Blue Carbon: Advancing Sustainable Decarbonization Efforts. Evaluating Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Implementation Among Malaysian Aquaculturists, Using the Quantitative Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Survey Technique.   Sea Grapes Seaweed Cultivation Offers Avenue Toward Greater Food Security, Healthier Diets, and Better Nutrition in Malaysia. Seaweed Cultivation for Climate Mitigation, Food Security, and Local Community Development in Abandoned Shrimp Ponds in Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah, Malaysia Food Security in Malaysia: The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Paddy and Rice Industry in Malaysia. The Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) Approach Using Land-Based Farming System Between Seaweed and Marine Finfish. Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) on GlobalSeaweedSTAR program: Safeguarding the Future of the Seaweed Industry in Developing Countries.  Influence of Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Gracilaria sp. seaweed on Physiological and Fillet Quality of Tilapia, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS). Developing Regenerative Aquaculture in Southeast Asia. Seaweed Cultivation: A Nature-Based Solution to Climate Change and Food Insecurity. Revitalising the Malaysia Seaweed Industry through the Blue Economy.        

PooBalan received bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Technology Malaysia, Skudai in 1999; Master’s degree (MSc) in Advanced Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bristol, England, UK in 2005 and Ph.D. degree (fluid mechanics & heat transfer) from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK in 2010. He also served as postdoctoral-Research Assistant at the University of Aberdeen in 2010 to work on the research related to nuclear power plant thermal-hydraulic related problems. PooBalan has industry experience as Process and Product Engineer at AIWA Electronic Sdn Bhd, Johor, Malaysia and Venture Electronic Sdn Bhd, Johor, Malaysia from year 2000-2004. PooBalan has received professional engineer certifications of Chartered Engineer (CEng) from the Institution of Mechanical Engineer (IMechE), UK and IR (PEng) from Board of Engineer Malaysia (BEM). PooBalan expertise is within the field of study related to fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermal fluid, pump characteristics & application and heat exchanger. PooBalan is presently working on project related to aeration technology for aquaculture, development of venturi nozzle for mixing of water & air, development of micro-nano bubbles generator, development of compact heat exchanger based on open-type metal foam. PooBalan has a patent and a copyright on micro-bubble generator nozzle and technology for water aeration & mixing. PooBalan is also actively involved with community related project such as knowledge-transfer programs and activities on urban aquaculture farming. A model of an urban aquaculture farming has been developed at Sect 3, Petaling Jaya residential house and at Broga Hill, Semenyih based on effective & suitable aeration technology and Biofloc (healthy microorganisms).

A biophysicist by interest, Dr. Vengadesh Periasamy is based in Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre (LDMRC), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a Senior Lecturer/ Research Fellow. His field of expertise and interest mainly involves DNA electronics, Langmuir-Blodgett (LB), Biophotovoltaics (BPV) and Nanomedicine (Riboflavin, Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Antipathogenic and Anticancer Properties). His current research groups consist of numerous final year projects, interns, research assistants, MSc. and PhD. students comprising of various disciplines and nationality. Resulting research outputs have been published in various high impact factor journal papers, proceedings, patent, book and book chapter. Research covers a comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach whereby underlying fundamentals are thoroughly investigated to enable possible applications by constructing, characterizing and testing prototype sensors/devices. Using LB technique to fabricate pure novel DNA films, we are actively pursuing frontier research into fundamental DNA electronics, which would ultimately enable DNA genomic sequencing for rapid DNA detection and also the fabrication of DNA based environmental sensors. LB method also allows flexibility in designing different types of graphene films either as porous anodes or highly transparent conducting material. These highly customized electrodes will then be utilized to investigate bio-signals or intrinsic cellular noises from antipathogenic/anticancer reactions and other biological pathways of interest. Current research directions are therefore directed towards understanding interfacial properties by deciphering extracted bio-signals to be applied in the fields of nano-bioelectronics, nano-medicine and biomedical technology. Dr. Vengadesh’s interest in BPV is partly as a result of an MOU between University of Malaya and Centre of Research for Electrochemical Science and Technology (CREST), Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge to undertake combined research efforts in algae biotechnology. He and his group is developing LB derived high porosity graphene films for application as an anodic material in BPV platforms. Initial results indicating an increased power output and open potential suggest the possibility of substituting the currently used conventional ITO anodes. The LB method utilized allows for attaining higher electrode surface area and better attachment of biofilms. Coupled with the presence of functional groups, the films fabricated enables easier and effective algae attachment onto the graphene anode surface resulting in superior biocompatibility and hence the improved power output. Dr. Vengadesh visited CREST as a Post-doc/Academic Visitor from 21 January until 20 October 2014 to facilitate the collaborative research further and to establish a roadmap in BPV research between the two research centers.