Dr. Zulfirdaus Zakaria is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya (UM), specializing in Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Technologies. He holds a PhD in Fuel Cell Engineering from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), conferred in 2018 under the supervision of Prof. Ir. Dr. Siti Kartom Kamarudin, who is the Director of the Fuel Cell Institute, UKM. His doctoral dissertation, titled “Development of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Based on Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) and Graphene Oxide for Micro Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell Application,” laid the foundation for his pioneering research in polymer-based fuel cell membranes. During his postgraduate tenure, Dr. Zulfirdaus demonstrated exceptional academic rigor by converting his Master's program to a PhD, publishing 7 scientific articles in high-impact journals as the first author, which including 4 Q1 and 2 Q2 WoS indexed journals—and earning the “Graduate on Time” award from the Fuel Cell Institute, UKM. Academic and Research Appointments: Prior to his current role at UM, Dr. Zulfirdaus served as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), for two years. His four-year tenure postdoctoral researcher at the Fuel Cell Institute, UKM, and at Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), where he contributed to significant advancements in fuel cell and electrolyzer technologies. Research Focus and Contributions: Dr. Zulfirdaus’s primary research interests encompass the development of polymer electrolyte membranes for both fuel cells and electrolyzers, focusing on: Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) and Anion Exchange Membranes (AEMs) Utilization of synthetic polymers (e.g., Polyvinyl Alcohol) and biopolymers (e.g., Sodium Alginate and Carrageenan) Applications in renewable energy generation and green hydrogen production He has been actively involved in the research, development, and optimization of various fuel cell and electrolyzer systems, including: Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells (DEFCs) Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs) Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (IT-SOFCs) Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Electrolyzers His work extends to the synthesis of advanced materials, such as: Polymer Modifications for enhanced membrane performance Graphene-based Nanomaterials for conductivity improvements Catalyst Development for both fuel cells and electrolyzers Research Grants and Funding: Dr. Zulfirdaus has led and contributed to numerous high-impact research projects, including: Project Leader: Development of Novel Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Fuel Cells. Universiti Malaya Research Excellence Grant 2025 (RM 97,614; 2025-2027)  Project Leader: Biomass to Fuel Cells: Leave to Energy. Universiti Malaya Living Labs 2025 (RM 30,000; 2025-2026) Project Leader: The Effect of Incorporating Epoxidized Natural Rubber on the Performance of Quaternized Polyvinyl Alcohol Membrane in Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells, USM Short-term Grant (RM 39,000; 2023-2025) Researcher: Development of Alkaline AEM Electrolyzer with Novel Nanocomposite Membrane, UKM PAKARUNDING-NanoMalaysia Berhad (RM 539,125; 2022–2023) Postdoctoral Researcher: New Biodegradable Membrane Based on a Hybrid Polymer Carrageenan/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells, DANA MODAL INSAN (UKM) (RM 100,000; 2019–2020) Postdoctoral Researcher: Fabrication and Performance Study of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), 1kW Stack, TNB Seeding Fund (UNITEN) (RM 1,698,100.70; 2018–2020) Intellectual Property and Publications: Dr. Zulfirdaus has registered multiple intellectual properties with MyIPO, including: Carrageenan Biopolymer Membrane for Passive DEFC Applications (LY2022P05229) – First Author Cross-Sectional Properties of 7% MN-Doped ZnO Thin Films (LY2023P00617) – Co-author Strategy on How to Write a Review Paper Module (LY2022E00215) – Co-author He has also authored the book “Membran Hijau Polivinil Alkohol: Aplikasi Sel Fuel Ethanol Langsung” published by Penerbit UKM. With 50 publications in high-impact journals—24 in Q1, 15 in Q2, and 2 in Q3 categories—Dr. Zulfirdaus has established himself as a leading scholar in his field, serving as the first author in 24 of these publications. Awards and Recognition: Top Downloaded Paper (2018-2019) – International Journal of Energy Research (Q1, IF 4.6) Top Downloaded Paper (2022-2023) – Journal of Applied Polymer Science (Q2, IF 2.7) Editorial and Peer Review Activities: Dr. Zulfirdaus actively contributes to the scholarly community as a peer reviewer for prestigious journals such as: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Q1, IF 16.3) International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (Q1, IF 8.1) Applied Energy (Q1, IF 10.1) To date, he has reviewed over 80 high-impact manuscripts across various leading journals in the field of energy research. Invited Speaker and Outreach: As an expert in academic writing, Dr. Zulfirdaus has been invited to deliver talks on “How to Write a High-Impact Review Paper” at multiple Malaysian higher education institutions, including UiTM, UKM, USM, and UniKL. He is open to academic collaborations and can be contacted at zulfirdaus@um.edu.my.  

Dr Ina Ismiarti Shariffuddin is Professor and Senior Consultant Anaesthesiologist at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. She obtained her MBChB from the University of Dundee, a Master of Anaesthesiology and a Master in Medical Education (Distinction) from Universiti Malaya, Fellowships in paediatric anaesthesia from KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, and certification in paediatric liver transplantation from Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Ina is a strong advocate for perioperative patient blood management, sustainable anaesthesia, and advanced airway management and patient safety.  Her leadership includes presidencies of the Malaysian College, Society, and Paediatric Society of Anaesthesiologists. She is the current President Elect for the Asian Society of Paediatric Anaesthesiologists and a member of the task force appointed by WFSA to develop its inaugural Leadership Module. During COVID-19, she led the Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Department at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre. Her pioneering work in Basic Life Support education earned her the “Ronald Harden  Innovation in Medical Education” and “Rogayah Jaafar Innovation in Health Professions Education” Awards in 2024. She holds two patents and one copyright in Anaesthesia and Critical Care, underscoring her commitment to patient safety and innovation.She currently serves as Chief Editor of the Malaysian Journal of Anaesthesiology.

Dr. Sr Zuraini Md Ali started her career in the Built Environment as an Assistant Architect at Akitek Jururancang (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur.  Her passion in teaching started in 1992 when she joined the School of Architecture and Quantity Surveying, Federal Institute of Technology, Kuala Lumpur. She continued her study in 1994 before joining MARA Institute of Technology, Shah Alam, Selangor in 1996 and was one of the pioneering staff to establish the Department of Building Surveying, Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, UiTM. She then joined University Malaya in 1998, also as one of the pioneering staff in the Department of Building Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya. Zuraini was also involved in conservation works throughout her career since 1998 including Restoration of Istana Balai Besar, Alor Star, Kedah (1999-2001), Restoration of Dewan Tunku Canselor, University Malaya (2002-2004) and Restoration of Taman Sejarah Kusta Negara (Fasa1) Sg Buloh (2012-2014). She also received several recognition and awards in her research and consultancy works including Honorable Mention in National Heritage Awards 2004: Conservation with Adaptive Re-Use of Bargas Zakariah, Badan Warisan Malaysia in 2005. Professionally, Zuraini is a full member of the Royal Institution of Surveyors, Malaysia (MRISM), member of ICOMOS Malaysia  & International, Member of Malaysia Heritage Trust, Malaysia Historical Society, Malaysian Branch of Royal Asiatic Society and a Registered Conservator of Department of National Heritage, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia. Currently, she is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Building Surveying, UM, teaching and coordinating a Building Measurement and Analysis class as well as Conservation Studies.  She was a Course Coordinator (since 2013-2016) and Programme Coordinator (2017)  for UM-LJMU Exchange Programme with Liverpool John Moores University students studying Building Conservation of UNESCO World Heritage cities in Malaysia annually for a month. She was also appointed as Resource Person in the ASEAN Youth Volunteerism Programme (AYVP 2014: The Development of ASEAN Youth Heritage Leaders: Through Volunteerism and Community Engagement) jointly organized by UKM, UM, MoEM, MoTCM,  ASEAN, UNESCO, Melaka & George Town World Heritage Site and the USAID.  She was appointed as Faculty Coordinator for Teaching of Undergraduates Studies, Faculty of Built Environment (1 August 2014-August 2018).  She has graduated several Ph.D. and Master students as well as supervising undergraduate students from aspects of conservation and built environment especially in heritage, history, and practice.  She also published articles in journals and conference proceedings locally and internationally.  Her book title Mubin Sheppard: Pioneering Works in Architectural Conservation in Malaysia won University of Malaya Excellent Award in 2017, The National Book Award 2020-2021(Scholarly Writing Category:Built Environment) and The 14th National Academic Award (Book Publication) in 2022.