Associate Professor Dr. Chen Yeng is an expert in cancer biomarker discovery, biosensor development, and natural therapeutics, with a multidisciplinary approach that bridges nanotechnology, molecular biology, and biomedicine. Her expertise is particularly evident in her work on innovative diagnostic technologies and personalized therapeutic solutions, targeting both cancer and infectious diseases.  Her research interests span several cutting-edge areas. One of her primary focuses is the identification and characterization of cancer biomarkers, particularly through novel approaches targeting at immunogenic host proteins. This line of research explores how immunogenic proteins’ interventions might modulate cancer risk, representing an innovative intersection of microbiology, proteomics, and oncology.  Dr. Chen is also deeply engaged in developing advanced diagnostic tools, including nanobiosensors with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. These devices, designed to detect critical biomarkers such as those associated with tuberculosis, blood clotting disorders, and oral cancer, are transformative for early disease detection. Her work in biosensors, utilizing materials like gold nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanolayers, has set new standards in diagnostic accuracy and reliability.  Another cornerstone of her research is the study of natural plant extracts for therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment. She investigates the biochemical and pharmacological properties of these extracts, focusing on their mechanisms of action, such as inducing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, and promoting mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells. Her exploration of natural products' roles in modulating microRNAs further highlights her innovative approach to cancer research.  Dr. Chen’s expertise also extends to the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and genoprotective properties of herbal compounds, offering potential preventive and therapeutic solutions for chronic diseases. These studies underline her commitment to sustainable and natural approaches in healthcare.  Her contributions to genomics and proteomics, particularly in large-scale screening for biological markers, further demonstrate her role as a leader in translating complex biological data into meaningful clinical applications. By combining her deep understanding of molecular biology with a focus on real-world impact, Dr. Chen has established herself as a pioneer in her field.  Dr. Chen’s academic influence is demonstrated by her impressive h-index of 28 (ResearchID) and 39 (Scopus), with over 4,500 citations to her name. Her extensive publication record spans high-impact journals, contributing significantly to advancements in dentistry, oncology, and biomedical engineering. She is recognized as a top scientist in Malaysia, ranking among the leading figures in dentistry according to the AD Scientific Index. As a respected peer reviewer for prestigious journals, including Coordination Chemistry Reviews, Periodontal 2000, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, and Cancer Letters, Dr. Chen plays a critical role in maintaining the quality of research within her fields of expertise. Her contributions extend to academic leadership, where she had supervised and graduated over 20 postgraduate students, including 11 PhD candidates, nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders. Her leadership in dental education accreditation has further solidified her impact on academic excellence. She has played pivotal roles in the reaccreditation of dental programs at the University of Malaya and other institutions, ensuring that these programs meet global standards. Through her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Chen has partnered with industry leaders to translate research findings into practical healthcare solutions, such as rapid diagnostic tools and personalized treatments. These collaborations exemplify her ability to bridge scientific discovery with real-world applications. In summary, Dr. Chen’s expertise and research interests reflect a holistic approach to biomedical science, integrating cutting-edge technologies with sustainable practices. Her work not only pushes the boundaries of knowledge in cancer research and diagnostics but also has the potential to transform patient care and public health globally.

Dr Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin is an Associate Professor, consultant psychiatrist and smoking cessation specialist from University Malaya. He is the coordinator of the Nicotine Addiction Research Group of UMCAS and is the primary investigator for the Grand Challenge Grant (GC004-15HTM) investigating gaps in upscaling existing smoking cessation services in Malaysia. The training that his team developed, is one of three pathways to be a certified smoking cessation provider. He is a technical and expert advisor to the Ministry of Health for policy documents including the Tobacco Control National Strategic Plan 2015-2020 document and mQuit Services project which is involved in strengthening the "O" of MPOWER. As part of his interest, he is involved with both local and international organization in tobacco control and cessation and is active in communicating his ideas on tobacco control in social, mass and scientific media in Malaysia and abroad. He tweets at @MyNarcc and can be found at http://www.narcc.um.edu.my

Assoc. Prof. Dr Nor Fadhilah Mohamad is an ophthalmologist sub-specialising in neuro-ophthalmology and has a strong background in clinical practice and education. She completed her fellowship training at Moorfields Eye Hospital and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) in London in 2012, where she gained expertise in managing complex neuro-ophthalmological conditions. Dr. Nor Fadhilah is the Postgraduate Programme Coordinator at the Department of Ophthalmology. In this role, she oversees the training and development of postgraduate students, ensuring that the programme supports academic and clinical excellence. She is also involved in shaping ophthalmology training in Malaysia, contributing to advancing education and professional standards in the field. Her clinical and academic interests include optic neuropathies and improving patient-centred approaches to care. Dr. Nor Fadhilah has shared her work at various conferences, reflecting her dedication to advancing knowledge and improving clinical practices. Committed to mentoring the next generation of ophthalmologists, Dr. Nor Fadhilah focuses on fostering a supportive learning environment for her students and peers, encouraging professional growth and lifelong learning.