Azizan Baharuddin received her BSc (Hons) in Biology from the University of Tasmania, Australia in 1978, MSc (Univ. College London) in 1979 and PhD in Philosophy of Science (Science & Islam) from University of Lancaster, United Kingdom in 1989. She specialises in several areas such as environmental ethics, religion and sustainable development, Islam and science, bioethics, interfaith/intercivilisational dialogue. She has published more than 300 books, book chapters, monographs, journal articles and newspaper articles in the above-mentioned fields, including books Harmony between Religion and Science: An Islamic Perspective (2019), Environmental Ethics in Islam (2018), co-editor of Islam and Ecology: A Bestowed Trust (2003) and Environment, Values and the Future of Civilisations (2013). She is active in several governmental and non-governmental organisations connected with her areas of specialisation, as well as being a member of various advisory and consultative committees for various ministries in Malaysia. She was appointed by the Prime Minister as the Chairman of the National Committee for the Promotion of Understanding and Harmony Among Religious Adherents (JKMPKA) (2014–2015); appointed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation as Chairman of the National Bioethics Council (MBEN) (2014-2017). She was appointed by the Director-General of UNESCO as Member of the International Bioethics Committee (IBC) in Paris (2014-2017). Due to her works and contributions in the area of Science & Religion, she received an award from the Centre for Theology & Natural Sciences, USA in 2001. She was also awarded the Federal Territory Maal Hijrah Award in 2016. In 2016, she received the Langkawi Award from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) for her work in environmental education and activism at the national level and abroad. She was a lead member of the drafting team for the Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change (IDCC) endorsed by the UN United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and submitted to the President of the 70th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), New York in 2016. She was appointed by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong as Member of the Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Hal Ehwal Ugama Islam Malaysia (MKI) (2018 – 2021). She is also member of the Board of Advisors for the Legasi Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (LEGASI), appointed member of the Board of Directors of Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (DBP) (2016-2019), Director (Non-Executive) and Shariah Advisory Council of QSR Brands Holdings (M) Berhad (2017-2020), and appointed member of Notes and Coins Advisory Committee (NCAC), Bank Negara Malaysia (2017-2021). Recently, she has been appointed by the YAB Prime Minister as member of the Consultative Panel of the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) (2020 – 2022). She was appointed as Director-General of IKIM (2015 – 31st August 2021). Currently, she is the Chairholder of UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability, Director of Centre for Civilisational Dialogue, Universiti Malaya as well as Member of Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Hal Ehwal Ugama Islam Malaysia (MKI) (2021-2023).

Jillian Ooi started out as an environmental social scientist but shifted to studying marine plants because she is fascinated by the sea. For her Master’s degree in Environmental Management, she explored the effects of disturbances on seaweed communities. She later earned a PhD in Seagrass Biogeography at the University of Western Australia as an Endeavour International Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. Working under the mentorship of Professor Gary Kendrick and the late Dr Kimberly Van Niel, she studied the spatial patterns and ecology of subtidal seagrasslands in the Johor islands. There, she fell irrevocably under the spell of these overlooked yet vital ecosystems. Jillian’s research consists of 3 themes: (1) investigating ecosystem functions of seagrass, particularly their roles as habitats and feeding grounds for fish and megafauna, (2) developing spatial distribution models for seagrass species in Southeast Asia, to provide an understanding of what makes a suitable seagrass habitat, and (3) developing effective restoration methods for seagrass and coral reefs. Her work has contributed to the gazettement of the Kepulauan Lima marine park in Johor (2023), strengthened protection for the Tioman Marine Park in Pahang (2007), and supported the establishment of a dugong sanctuary in Johor (2005 and 2017). Jillian enjoys working with local communities, spearheading and nurturing community-driven seagrass conservation initiatives in the Sungai Johor and Sungai Pulai estuaries. Her efforts focus on empowering local stakeholders through capacity building in seagrass monitoring and mapping. In 2015, Jillian received the Komai Fellowship to study the satoumi approach to seagrass restoration in Japan. In 2022, she was among six global researchers awarded the Pew Marine Fellowship for her work in seagrass restoration and to raise awareness about seagrass in Malaysia through the cultural arts approach. She blended the performing arts with science to create Seruan Setu, a groundbreaking gamelan music concert dedicated to seagrass ecosystems. When she is not underwater watching grass grow, Jillian is the Artistic Director and Music Director of Rhythm in Bronze, an award-winning contemporary gamelan ensemble based in Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1997, Rhythm in Bronze is known for its pioneering efforts in showcasing the Malay gamelan as its main medium of musical expression. Jillian’s music direction and compositions for the gamelan have won awards and/or received nominations at the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, which celebrates outstanding performances in music, dance, theatre and musical theatre in Malaysia. She considers the Sea her main source of musical inspiration. 

Dr. Nadirah Mat Pozian is a feminist public health scholar passionate about advancing gender equity and women’s well-being in Southeast Asia. She explores how gendered structures, social norms, and systemic inequalities shape women’s participation in work, access to health services, and overall life outcomes. Her work turns feminist research into practical solutions that improve policies, workplaces, and community programs. She collaborates with policymakers, NGOs, community groups, and global health stakeholders to design research that is inclusive, participatory, and transformative. She has led multi-country studies, facilitated stakeholder dialogues, and contributed to regional and UN-level policy initiatives on gender-responsive health systems and workplace equity. Nadirah’s research uses qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, surveys, focus groups, and co-design workshops. She focuses on sensitive issues such as gender-based violence, maternal and reproductive health, and workplace inequities, ensuring women’s voices guide policy and practice. Her work bridges research, advocacy, and policy, advancing inclusive, feminist-centred approaches that centre women’s rights, agency, and care in health and social systems. Her publications include Family-Friendly Work Conditions and Well-Being Among Malaysian Women (2024) and Barriers Faced by Australian and New Zealand Women When Sharing Experiences of Family Violence with Primary Healthcare Providers (2023). She is currently writing her first book on family-friendly policies and family planning, focusing on Malaysia and Southeast Asia. She is interested in supervising PhD students in these topics: Gender equality and women’s health Feminist approaches to public health Women’s experiences at work and in workplaces Gender-based violence and access to healthcare Maternal and reproductive health issues Other topics of student interest related to gender, health, and equity (open for discussion) Please feel free to contact her at nadirahmatpozian@um.edu.my