Vilashini Somiah is an anthropologist who is a senior lecturer at the Gender Studies Programme at Universiti Malaya. She received her PhD from the National University of Singapore, an MA from Ohio University, an MRes from Universiti Malaya and a BA from the Universiti Malaya. She maintains a keen interest for underrepresented narratives of women, migrants and Borneans living in the interiors. She is the co-editor of “Sabah From the Ground: The 2020 Elections and the Politics of Survival (SIRD/ISEAS, 2021), and her first book, “Irregular Migrants and the Sea at the Borders of Sabah, Malaysia: Pelagic Alliance'' with Palgrave Macmillan (TBC 2022). Outside of academia, she writes ethnographic articles on the local socio-political landscape.

Dr Prashant Naresh Samberkar stands out as a highly esteemed academic and pathologist whose expertise in forensic pathology has profoundly influenced both educational and research landscapes. With an impressive tenure spanning over 28 years, he has made remarkable strides in enhancing the quality of medical education and advancing scientific inquiry. Currently, he is a dedicated Medical Lecturer at the prestigious Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, where he plays an essential role in shaping the knowledge and skills of both undergraduate and postgraduate students. As the Course and Curriculum Coordinator for the UMMP-MBBS and Master of Pathology (Forensic) programs, Dr Samberkar is at the forefront of designing and refining the forensic curriculum. His pioneering efforts in this domain began with the formulation of a comprehensive forensic curriculum for undergraduate medical students in 2008, followed by its meticulous revision in 2013. In addition to curriculum development, he is proactive in organising seminars and training sessions that foster an enriching environment for knowledge exchange among aspiring professionals and established practitioners alike. Dr Samberkar’s passion transcends teaching; he is deeply immersed in research, contributing meaningfully to myriad projects within the realm of forensic pathology. His collaborative spirit shines through in his work on various grants, including a significant FRGS Grant in collaboration with Harvard University. Beyond funded projects, he has taken the initiative to spearhead several non-funded research endeavours, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of forensic science. His extensive publication record in respected international academic journals, alongside his contributions to authoritative textbooks in medical jurisprudence, underscores his dedication to scholarship and education. In addition to his academic roles, Dr Samberkar is recognised as a chief examiner and an external examiner for numerous programs across Malaysia, a testament to the high regard in which he is held within the academic community. His hands-on experience is unrivalled, having conducted numerous autopsies and actively participated in numerous crime scene investigations. This wealth of practical knowledge not only enriches his teaching but also feeds into his research initiatives, creating a dynamic learning environment that benefits students and professionals alike.

Dr. Phang Kean Chang is a distinguished clinical scientist, academician, and bioethicist currently serving as Senior Lecturer at the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. With a multidisciplinary foundation comprising a PhD in Pathology, dual Master’s degrees in Health Research Ethics and Medical Sciences (Pathology), and a BSc in Biohealth Science, Dr. Phang has built an exceptional career at the intersection of molecular medicine, ethics, and leadership in academic research.   He heads the Medical Research Ethics Unit (MREU) at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, where he has led transformational improvements in ethical review systems, spearheaded training programmes for researchers and reviewers, and successfully hosted the 23rd FERCAP International Conference. As Coordinator of UMHealth under the Associate Vice Chancellor's Office, Dr. Phang has also played a key role in institutional strategic health initiatives with the five key health entities in the University. His research spans molecular diagnostics, digital pathology, cancer immunotherapy, and bioethics. He is actively involved in multiple national and international research projects, including private clinical trials and the Wellcome funded Global Health Bioethics Network (GHBN), a collaboration with the University of Oxford. His scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications in pathology, oncology, and bioethics, and he has co-authored national and international policy papers, such as Malaysia’s Decentralised Clinical Trials (DCT) Guidance Document. Dr. Phang is a Chartered Scientist (UK Royal Society of Biology), a Senior Research Fellow with the GHBN, steering committee of Southeast Asia Bioethics Network, and a member of the Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia. He has received multiple recognitions, including the Certificate of Excellent Service (UM, 2025), and fellowships from WHO, NIH (USA), and WCG IRB–New York University Langone Health. Renowned for his commitment to ethical leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Phang continues to influence health policy, research governance, and academic development both nationally and internationally.