DR. ABU HANIFAH HARIS is an Associate Professor in the Department of History, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He received his B.Ed. (History) from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak in 2010, and PhD (fast track) from the Department of History, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur in 2013 with a thesis entitled, "Pengaruh Mesir Terhadap Masyarakat Melayu, 1906-1970” (“The Egyptian Influence on the Malay Society, 1906-1970”). His areas of expertise are the history of the Middle East, and the history of Islam in Malaysia. Among his books is Pengaruh Mesir Terhadap Masyarakat Melayu, 1906-1970: Daripada al-Imam Sehingga Kebangkitan Semula Islam (The Egyptian Influence on the Malay Society: From al-Imam until the Islamic Resurgence, 1906-1970) (Kuala Lumpur: University of Malaya Press, 2019). His articles also have been published in several international and local journals such as British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, Japanese Journal of Political Sciences, Geopolitics Quaterly, al-Shajarah, Kemanusiaan, Kajian Malaysia, and Journal of al-Tamaddun.      

Professor Dr. Chua Kek Heng is an accomplished senior professor and the previous Head of the Department of Biomedical Science at the University of Malaya. His research expertise spans a broad range of topics including disease polymorphism, mutation investigation, bacterial virulence factor characterization, and diagnostic kit development. Professor Chua's commitment and hard work have led to over 200 original publications, making significant contributions to science and technology. His research has not only led to novel scientific innovations but has also improved our understanding of human disease and its associations with genetic factors and microorganisms. As a mentor and educator, Professor Chua is dedicated to training and preparing his younger staff, colleagues, and students to excel in biological research, building the next generation of scientific leaders. One of Professor Chua's significant achievements is his contribution to the study of genotyping of diseases, which has resulted in the successful mapping of important disease-predisposing markers for systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn’s disease, and retinopathy in the Malaysian population. These findings have helped predict disease development and allow for early preventive measures. His research has also led to the development of innovative approaches, tests, and kits that allow for more cost-effective, rapid, sensitive, and specific detection and confirmation of human diseases and microbial infections. Professor Chua's efforts have been recognized at the national and international levels, with over 1500 intellectual properties, including national and international patents, trademarks, and copyrights. One of his most successful inventions is the PlasmoNex diagnostic kit for malaria, which was developed in 2011. This kit is the world's first PCR-based malaria detection system that can detect all five different species of Plasmodium (malaria parasites) in a single test. In addition to his research accomplishments, Professor Chua is also an active member of several national committees and panels, evaluating numerous grants and projects, and organizing national and international workshops to train young Malaysian researchers in molecular "bench" skills. He has delivered over a hundred presentations at various seminars, expositions, and conferences and has acted as a reviewer for many ISI (WOS) publications and international grants in his field. Professor Chua has represented the University of Malaya in numerous national and international exhibitions and competitions, receiving over 100 prestigious national and international awards, including the MTSF Science and Technology Award 2022, Biotechnology Asia Award 2005, Best Invention in Biotechnology Award 2006, USA INPEX Grand Prix Award 2008, National Intellectual Property Award 2013, World Halal Excellent Innovation Award 2013, and Top Research Scientist Malaysia 2017. He has also received recognition for his contributions to academic service and teaching, including the Excellent Lecturer Award in 2014 and Best Lecturer for Biomedical Science Teaching 2017. Overall, Professor Chua's tireless dedication to scientific research, mentorship, and innovation has resulted in significant advancements in disease detection and prevention, making him an outstanding scientist and an inspiration to the scientific community.

Advancing Dietetics | Public Health Nutrition | Bridging Research, Policy & PracticeWith 14+ years of experience spanning clinical dietetics, academia, and food services, I am a passionate advocate for evidence-based nutrition policies and sustainable public health solutions. Currently a Senior Lecturer in Social & Preventive Medicine at Universiti Malaya, my work centers on creating healthy, sustainable eating environments, improving food safety, and addressing adolescent and community nutrition—grounded in my PhD research and field practice.I proudly serve on the Malaysian Dietitians’ Association council and represent Malaysia in the International Affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAAND). My leadership includes spearheading healthy cafeteria initiatives, co-authoring institutional meal guidelines, and co-developing a regional online training module to elevate school canteen standards (SEAMEO RECFON).My research spans: ✔️ Sustainable and Healthy Eating Environment / Food Environement / Planetary Health✔️ Healthcare Foodservice Management / Food Safety and Quality✔️ GI nutrition, including IBS & IBD (in collaboration with leading gastroenterologists)✔️ Food insecurity among low-income & Indigenous populations✔️ Supervision of student-led public health and clinical research I’m committed to shaping the future of nutrition and dietetics through impactful teaching, translational research, and cross-sector collaborations. Let’s connect if you’re passionate about building healthier communities through nutrition innovation, policy, and practice.🌍 Open to collaborations | 💡 Research partnerships | 🤝 Community-driven solutions