Dr. Vilashini Somiah is a feminist anthropologist from Sabah, Malaysia, and Senior Lecturer at the Gender Studies Programme at Universiti Malaya. She earned her Ph.D. from the National University of Singapore, an MA from Ohio University, an MRes from Universiti Malaya, and a BA from Universiti Malaya. Her research focuses on underrepresented narratives of women, migrants, and Borneans living in the interiors. She co-edited Revisiting Covid-19 in Malaysia: Plight and Perseverance (UM Press, 2023) and Sabah from the Ground: The 2020 Elections and the Politics of Survival (SIRD/ISEAS, 2021). Her first single-authored book, Irregular Migrants and the Sea at the Borders of Sabah, Malaysia: Pelagic Alliance (Palgrave Macmillan, 2022), won the Universiti Malaya Award for Outstanding Achievement (ACUM) for Best Social Science Book of 2022 and has received international acclaim and reviews. Dr Somiah is currently working on her fourth book which explores the lives and resilience of Bornean women.  In 2024, Dr. Somiah was a Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics, supported by the Henry Luce Foundation and SEANNET. In 2025, she was appointed a Harvard Asia Centre Associate (2025-2026) https://asiacenter.harvard.edu/vilashini-somiah . That same year, she was elected to the Southeast Asia Council at the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) in the United States, a position she will hold until 2028  https://www.asianstudies.org/about/governance/councils/southeast-asia-council-seac/.  Beyond academia, she writes ethnographic articles on Malaysia’s socio-political landscape. To learn more about her work, visit www.vilashinisomiah.com.   Dr. Somiah is NO LONGER accepting PhD students. Please however consider contacting other members of the Gender Studies Programme for potential supervision.     

Dr. Giribabu Nelli is an Associate Professor of Physiology at Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, with expertise in reproductive endocrinology, diabetes, obesity, and natural products. His strong academic background includes a PhD from Sri Venkateswara University, Andhra Pradesh, India) and an M.Sc. from Sri Venkateswara University, India. His prolific research career is marked by over 77 ISI-indexed publications, 5 book chapters, and three patents, demonstrating significant contributions to reproductive biology and pre-clinical research. This impactful work is further evidenced by substantial grant funding secured as both principal and co-investigator, totalling nearly RM 2.5 million. A dedicated mentor, Dr. Nelli has successfully supervised 4 PhD and 7 Masters students to completion, fostering the next generation of researchers. His contributions extend to his leadership roles as Academic Editor for prestigious journals such as PLOS ONE, the International Journal of Endocrinology, Frontiers in Endocrinology, and Frontiers in Physiology and Associate Editor for the European Journal of Medical Research. Dr. Nelli's international recognition is highlighted by numerous invited talks at prominent conferences, showcasing his expertise in personalised medicine for endocrine disorders. His leadership is further exemplified by his role as Co-Chairman of the International Conference on Reproductive Science & Medicine. His research consistently bridges preclinical and translational studies, establishing him as a key figure in personalised drug discovery. His impressive career at Universiti Malaya encompasses various academic and administrative roles, including coordinating elective courses and serving as an academic advisor for MBBS students. His dedication and excellence are recognised through the University Malaya Excellent Service Award (APC) in 2018, 2019, and 2021, and the Excellent Service Certificate (SPC) in 2022. He currently serves as President of the Society of Phytopharmacology and Research.

Dr. Farazila Binti Yusof, or Fara as she is affectionately known was born and raised in the scenic town of Muar, Johor, Dr. Farazila Binti Yusof has carved a distinguished path in the academic and engineering worlds. Known for her profound dedication and expertise, Fara’s journey from a curious village girl in Muar to an influential academic leader is a story of passion, dedication, and perseverance. Dr. Farazila embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s Degree in CAD/M Engineering, followed by a Master of Engineering Science at Universiti Malaya, and culminating in a Doctor of Engineering at Japan. Each step in her educational path fortified her foundation and fueled her commitment to advancing the engineering field. Currently serving as the Executive Director at the Centre of Foundation Studies in Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Dr. Farazila has held several pivotal positions within the university. Prior to her current role, she was the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department from 2021 to 2022 and the Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies at the Faculty of Engineering from 2019 to 2021. Her leadership roles are characterized by visionary guidance and a relentless pursuit of excellence in engineering education and research. Dr. Farazila is a renowned scholar in the fields of welding, joining, and additive manufacturing. Her academic contributions include supervising over 25 PhD candidates and 7 masters students, alongside publishing more than 120 refereed journal articles. Her work not only advances the state of engineering but also mentors the next generation of engineers and researchers. When she is not immersed in her academic and professional endeavors, Dr. Farazila enjoys traveling. Her travels are not just escapes but also another way for her to explore and understand the engineering marvels of the world, blending her personal interests seamlessly with her professional passions. Her vision in the future to become a leading expert in advanced manufacturing technology specifically in additive manufacturing which contributing to efficient, safer and sustainable manufacturing process as well as mentoring the next generation of technology professionals.