Originally trained as an algal molecular taxonomist and phylogeneticist, Dr Poong has a diversified research portfolio specializing in gene and metabolites expression studies using omics tools, genetic diversity and population structure of fish and seaweed, algal physiological and biochemical stress response and adaptation to climate changes, and shifts in microbiome using metagenomics. Dr Poong plays a key role in developing research proposals to attract local and international funding, managing research grants, organization of international conferences and workshops. She is an Honorary (Lifetime) Member of the International Society for Applied Phycology since June 2024.

Prof. Ir. Dr. Nahrizul Adib Kadri is an academic, researcher, and community leader at Universiti Malaya (UM), where he has been serving as a Professor since January 2025.   Dr. Adib graduated with a Bachelor in Biomedical Engineering (BBEng) from Universiti Malaya in 2001 and earned his Master in Biomedical Engineering (MBiomedE) from the University of New South Wales, Australia, in 2003. He later completed his PhD in microengineering at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, in 2011.   Research Interests   Dr. Adib’s expertise lies in BioMEMS, microengineering, advanced biomaterials, IoT, and artificial intelligence. His research focuses on developing low-cost, practical devices for cell population characterization and diagnostic applications. He is also actively involved in STEM communication and institutional visibility, combining his technical expertise with an interest in media and communication.   Research Achievements (as of 2024) - Publications: 87 ISI-indexed papers with 2,723 citations (WoS) and 4,464 citations (Google Scholar); H-index of 25 (WoS) and 32 (Google Scholar).  - Research Grants: Secured over RM800,000 in funding since 2015.  - Intellectual Property Rights:    - MIRY: IoT-Based Physiological Signal Monitoring Bracelet (Copyright, 2021).    - SAUNA32: Industrial Design and Trademark (2020).  - International research collaborations with Australia (AI), India (AI), Canada (biomaterials), Belgium (BioMEMS), and the United Kingdom (BioMEMS).   Awards and Recognitions   - The first recipient of the Anugerah Pelajaran DiRaja to serve as a Residential College Principal and Director of UM’s Corporate Communications Centre.  - Recipient of almost RM200,000 from various industries and agencies for community outreach projects.  - Recognized as Malaysia’s second expert in BioMEMS after Prof. Ir. Dr. Fatimah Ibrahim (Google Scholar).   Professional Affiliations and Consultancy   - Chartered Engineer (UK, since 2014) and Professional Engineer (Malaysia, since 2023).  - Advisory panel member for academic programs at UniKL and USIM.  - Executive Board Member of Yayasan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim Malaysia (YATIM, since 2021).  - Consultant for Merdeka Center (2024, RM15,000) and Universiti Tenaga Nasional (2023, RM72,000).   Community Engagement   Dr. Adib is deeply committed to community service, from providing tuition classes for underprivileged children to leading initiatives that feed the homeless. Through collaborations with UM students and NGOs, he has actively engaged with diverse community groups since 2011.   Personal Highlights   A recreational runner, Dr. Adib has completed two ultramarathons, two full marathons, and several half-marathons. Since 2003, he has lived on campus in his roles as a Residential College Fellow and Principal of various residential colleges. He currently serves as the Principal of Ibnu Sina Residential College (KK6), a position he has held since January 2024. Dr. Adib is deeply committed to enhancing Universiti Malaya’s institutional visibility. Since 2015, he has played a pivotal role in securing over 2,000 media appearances for UM, generating an estimated public relations value exceeding RM120 million. In addition, he contributes regularly to media publications, focusing on themes of positive living and mindset.

      Dr Siti Adibah Othman qualified as Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Malaya, Malaysia in 2000. She completed her Clinical Doctorate in Dental Surgery in Orthodontic at the University of Bristol and obtained her Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal College of Surgeon of Edinburgh in 2005. Having obtained the qualifications, she was appointed as Senior Lecturer at Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya from 2006 to 2011 and was appointed as Associate Professor in 2012. She obtained her full Professorship in 2019. She was the Head of Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, the coordinator of the postgraduate orthodontic programme and currently is the Deputy Dean of the Postgraduate. She is actively involved in teaching of the undergraduates, postgraduates, reviewing of the curriculums and also actively treating orthodontic patients at the University of Malaya and at the University Malaya Specialist Centre. Besides that, she is also doing research and has published a few research papers in academic journals. Her areas of interest are orthodontics, clinical research, cleft lip and palate abnormalities and 3D imaging. She is member of World Federation of Orthodontists, Malaysian Association of Orthodontists, Malaysian Dental Association and the life member of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Malaysia. In 2013, she was awarded Membership in Orthodontics Ad Eundem from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and being appointed as an examiner for the Membership of Orthodontics Examination of the Royal College of Surgeons of England for overseas diet.