Finding patterns of variation in biology fascinating, I chose to study genetics and molecular biology in Universiti Malaya, graduating in 2002 with first class honours. Subsequently, I turned to the roots of the study of patterns of variation - statistics, receiving my MSc in statistics from Universiti Malaya in 2005. I completed my PhD in statistics at the National University of Singapore in 2009. Since 2010, I have been with Universiti Malaya. Currently, I am an associate professor at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, and a fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, UK. My research interest broadly covers the area of data science, machine learning, bioinformatics, ecology, and medical statistics. Since 2010, I have worked in over 20 projects as the principal consultant statistician, and conducted numerous workshops on statistics, bioinformatics, and R programming. Presently, I head the UM Centre for Data Analytics, which focuses on establishing collaborative research and engagement between the industry and the academia in Malaysia. I enjoy reading, travelling, nature walks, and more recently, engaging fellow scientists in Twitter space.

Dr. Siti Idayu Hasan is a Senior Lecturer in the Family Health Discipline at the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. After completing her PhD, she embarked on a significant journey as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UMCAS, collaborating with the International Tobacco Control project team in Canada. Her work focused on measuring the psychosocial and behavioral impact of key national-level policies under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). She is a Fellow of Hong Kong WHO Collaborating Centre (Tobacco Control) and Committee Member of Scientific Tobacco Working Group (WHO FCTC Malaysia). Continuing her career, Dr. Siti Idayu became the Impact Project Manager at UMCares. In this role, she led the development and management of frameworks to monitor, evaluate, and enhance the effectiveness of community-oriented projects. Her efforts have been pivotal in ensuring that these initiatives bring about meaningful and sustainable improvements in society. Dr. Siti Idayu’s current research themes include tobacco control, mental health, and impact evaluation. Her work in tobacco control encompasses projects like Smoking Cessation, Organizing, Planning, and Execution (SCOPE), Generational Endgame (GEG), and the International Tobacco Control (ITC) project. She is also deeply involved in mental health research, aiming to address and mitigate mental health issues within the community. Beyond her research, Dr. Siti Idayu consults in the expanding field of public health, with a particular focus on tobacco control and mental health. She enjoys engaging with the community through health promotion activities, such as the Generational Endgame initiative, conducted in various settings (i.e. workplace, school and public) to raise awareness and drive positive behavioral change. Dr. Siti Idayu's commitment to improving public health is unwavering. Her work is not just about research and academia; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. She believes that through collaborative efforts and a deep-seated commitment to health promotion, we can create a healthier, more resilient future for everyone. Her journey inspires others to join in the mission of bettering our communities and making impactful contributions to public health.    

  Dr. Wang I Ta started his piano study at the age of ten and received his formal training in the National Taiwan Normal University (BA) under prof. Lina Yeh, Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University (MM) under prof. Boris Slutsky, and University of Minnesota (DMA) under prof. Alexander Braginsky.     He was the recipient of the Rising Star Award of National Concert Hall in Taiwan 2008, Hutchinson Scholarship (University of Minnesota), and Rosenberg Scholarship (Peabody Conservatory). He was the winner of the Schubert Club Music Competition, the Walnut Hill Concerto Competition, and the Eleanor Bell Watson Competition. Besides his formal education, he also attended and performed in renowned festivals such as TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute (now Piano Texas), International New York Keyboard Festival, and Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory-The International Summer School.   As a soloist, he has collaborated with the KLPAC Orchestra, Camerata Youth Orchestra, UM Symphony Orchestra, Hunan Symphony Orchestra and Longwood Symphony Orchestra, etc. His concerts in Taiwan were sponsored by the National Culture and Arts Foundation from 2008 to 2012.  He is currently the Head of the Music Department and a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Malaya.