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.

Dr. Santheraleka Ramanathan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Universiti Malaya since 2025. She earned her Ph.D. in Nanobiotechnology Engineering in 2020 and gained research experience as a postdoctoral fellow at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia from 2021 to 2023. Dr. Santheraleka's research focuses on biosensors, nanomaterials, and nanodiagnostics, with an emphasis on molecular imprinting for environmental sustainability and biomedical applications. She specializes in synthesizing nanomaterials from environmental waste and integrating them into diagnostic platforms for detecting non-communicable disease biomarkers. Her expertise includes electrode fabrication, sensing platform surface chemistry, and analytical techniques. She actively develops molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensors for environmental monitoring, targeting pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. As a passionate educator, Dr. Santheraleka is dedicated to inspiring lifelong learning by fostering a positive classroom environment and empowering the next generation of learners with wisdom toward knowledge and innovation.

Nor’azim Mohd Yunos is a Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya and a Consultant Intensivist at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). He is the Deputy Director of Clinical Services (Surgical) of UMMC and the President of the Malaysian Society of Intensive Care. He obtained MBBS in 1994 and Master of Anaesthesiology in 2001 from Universiti Malaya. He then proceeded to undergo specialty training in Intensive Care Medicine and in the process, obtained the European Diploma in Intensive Care (EDIC) in 2004. A pursue of research interest in intravenous fluids for the critically ill led to his PhD from Monash University in 2017. His thesis by publications for the PhD earned him the 2017 Mollie Holman Award for best doctorate thesis in Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.   Since starting his academic career with Universiti Malaya in 2001, Nor’azim has served in various academic, research and clinical roles. He was with Monash University Malaysia between 2006 and 2020 and was one of the pioneer staff members of the University's Clinical School Johor Bahru when it was established in 2006. He was the Deputy Head of the Clinical School from 2016 until his return to the Faculty of Medicine Universiti Malaya in early 2020. In the clinical specialty of Intensive Care Medicine, Nor’azim was an Intensive Care Registrar at Alfred Hospital (2002-2003) and a Registrar and Research Fellow at Austin Hospital (2009-2011) in Melbourne and has served as Intensivist in several hospitals in Malaysia, namely Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru and Hospital Sultan Ismail Johor Bahru. Since April 2020, Nor’azim has been with the Intensive Care Unit of the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre.  Nor’azim has highly cited publications in the area of intravenous fluids and electrolytes in the critically ill. These include first-authored publications in leading journals like JAMA, Intensive Care Medicine, and Critical Care Medicine. He has also delivered plenaries and lectures at major international scientific conferences, which include the International Fluid Academy Days, SG-ANZICS Intensive Care Forum, American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week and World Congress of Intensive & Critical Care Medicine. His current collaborative research works include being the site Principal Investigator for Respiratory Infections Research and Outcomes Study, RESPIRO, under the Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response, PREPARE (National Research Foundation, Singapore), site Principal Investigator for Corticosteroid Domain of Randomized, Embedded, Multifactorial, Adaptive, Platform Trial for Community-Acquired Pneumonia, REMAP-CAP, and co-investigator for Evaluation and Recommendation for Infection Control in Malaysia, MY-ERIC (TRGS, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia).  His education portfolio spans applied physiology, acute care teaching, Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) and Patient Safety. He has also been involved as Clinical Simulation facilitator in sessions for MBBS undergraduates, as well as in those held for Anaesthesiology and Critical Care practitioners.