I earned my PhD in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Material Chemistry from Universiti Malaya, and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science (Honours) from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). My research interests center around ionic liquids synthesis and applications, biomass, and drug delivery systems, areas where I aim to explore innovative, sustainable solutions. As a member of the Chemistry Division at the Centre for Foundation in Science, Universiti Malaya, I’m particularly excited about the potential of ionic liquids in both environmental and biomedical applications. I believe these novel compounds could revolutionize various fields, from energy-efficient processes to drug delivery systems, by offering more targeted and efficient therapeutic solutions. My passion for drug delivery systems complements my broader research in ionic liquids and biomass, as it allows me to bridge chemistry with biomedical innovations that can improve healthcare outcomes. I’m deeply motivated to contribute to meaningful advancements that have a real-world impact and to collaborate with like-minded researchers in these exciting areas.

Dr Nortina Shahrizaila graduated from University of Nottingham Medical School in 1997. She completed her neurology training and doctorate degree in the UK before returning to Malaysia in 2009.  She is Professor of Neurology and Consultant Neurologist at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. She has subspecialty clinical and research interests in the field of neuromuscular disorders, including motor neurone disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (MND/ALS) and inflammatory neuropathies. She leads the multidisciplinary MND/ALS clinic at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre. She has served as Secretary of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (2022-2024) and is currently the President of the Pan-Asian Consortium for Treatment and Research in ALS (PACTALS)

Dr Sheena Kaur graduated with a doctoral degree in Applied Linguistics from Lancaster University, U.K. An alumnus of Universiti Malaya (U.M.), Malaysia's leading university, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature), Diploma in Education (TESL) and Master of English as a Second Language (M.ESL).  She is an Associate Professor at the Department of English Language, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, U.M. She was formerly Head of Strategic Global Alliances Division at the International Relations Centre (IRC), Universiti Malaya from 15 March 2023 to 15 March 2024. She has also held several other administrative positions in her career at the university, most recently as the Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies (1 Sept 2020 - 1st Sept 2022) at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, U.M., the Deputy Director of the International Relations Office, U.M. (1st August 2017-31st July 2019), the Head of the Language Unit (17 th Nov 2014-31st July 2016), Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, where she was involved in curriculum planning and design of various English courses for local and international undergraduates. From 2010-2012, she was the Head of the Multimedia Planning Unit at the faculty and was a member of the university's e-learning committee. She is also currently involved in several task force committees under the university's Transformation Plan. Sheena has taught several courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research interests include applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, corpus linguistics, and digital humanities. She is a reviewer for several journals including Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice and Policy; Pertanika (UPM); Journal of Modern Languages (UM), Gema Online Journal of Language Studies (UKM) and SEARCH (Taylor's College).  She is actively involved in community work, and was the coordinator for the faculty's Community Engagement course during its inception, as well as being a member of the university's advisory board for the course. She led the faculty's first community project for the Community Engagement course with the Semai community at Pos Pantos, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, involving first year undergraduates.  Sheena has recently been awarded the US-ASEAN Fulbright Award for 2024/2025 where she is hosted by Prof Vasti Torres, at Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, USA. Her research project on women leadership in higher education compares the challenges of women leaders in higher academic contexts in the US and Malaysia.