Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ninie Suhana Abdul Manan is a lecturer and researcher at Universiti Malaya, recognised for her expertise in electrochemistry, advanced materials, and ionic liquids. She completed her PhD at Queen's University Belfast, focusing on the electrochemical behaviours of inorganic species—such as sulfur, mercury, and rare-earth elements (Lanthanides)—in ionic liquids. Her strong foundation in electrochemistry drives her research, particularly in redox processes and ion exchange at interfaces, contributing to significant advancements in electroanalytical chemistry. Her research portfolio underscores her contributions to developing state-of-the-art electrochemical sensors for the precise detection and quantification of chemical species. With applications in environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics, Dr. Abdul Manan has excelled in creating non-enzymatic biosensors and innovative electrode surface modifications.  Dr. Abdul Manan is also at the forefront of research on ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DES), celebrated for their non-volatility, tunability, and environmental friendliness. Her work investigates these solvents for applications in electrochemistry, separation technologies, metal recovery, redox flow battery, and enhancing absorbents' efficiency in removing industrial contaminants, promoting sustainable industrial practices and green chemistry solutions. A significant milestone in her career was her 2017 collaboration with Lynas (M) Sdn. Bhd., where she was involved in developing ionic liquid-based methods for extracting heavy rare-earth elements, aiming to reduce acid consumption in the stripping process. She is a key member of the University of Malaya Centre for Ionic Liquids (UMCiL) and the Malaysia Ionic Liquid Research Society (MRILS), where she serves on the committee for 2024. Dr. Abdul Manan played a pivotal role in registering the society under ROS in 2016, where she was the first vice-chairman. Moreover, she actively engages with national and international industries through her work at the Center of Excellence for Rare Earth Elements for Analysis, Technology, and Exploration (CREATE) at Universiti Malaya focusing on midstream activities. Throughout her career, Dr. Abdul Manan has secured more than RM 2 million in research funding as a principal investigator and co-researcher for various projects to show her dedication to research activities. In her department, Dr. Abdul Manan holds various leadership roles, including Chair of the Postgraduate Bureau (2020) and Chair of the Undergraduate Bureau (2024). Her academic career is further distinguished by key responsibilities such as Program Coordinator, MQF Coordinator, Timetable Coordinator, Academic Advisor, and participation in multiple task forces, reflecting her steadfast dedication to academic and institutional development. Since 2013, Dr. Abdul Manan has been actively involved in training Malaysia’s International Chemistry Olympiad team, representing the country as a Scientific Observer (2014 and 2015) and Head Mentor (2018 and 2024). She was a key figure in establishing the Malaysian Association Science Olympiads (MASO), registering it under the Registrar of Societies (ROS), and currently serves as its first treasurer (2023-2024). Dr. Abdul Manan has received numerous awards for her work, including the UM Excellent Service Awards (2014, 2017) and the Certificate of Excellent Service (2023). The Academy of Sciences Malaysia recognized her with a prestigious award, inducting her into the Young Scientist Network (2023-2026), showcasing her leadership and commitment to scientific excellence.

Dr. Jamilah Syafawati Yaacob completed her B.Sc (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & Biotechnology) from University of Melbourne, Australia in 2007, and her M.Sc (Crop Biotechnology) from University of Nottingham (Malaysia campus) in 2009. She received her PhD in Biotechnology from University of Malaya in 2013 and was one of the recipients of the University of Malaya Excellence Awards in 2014 for completing her PhD in less than 4 years. In 2010, during her PhD candidature, she had also won a Gold Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Biosciences & Biotechnology during University of Malaya Innovation and Creativity Expo. After successfully completing her PhD, she then joined the Institute of Biological Sciences at the Faculty of Science, University of Malaya as a Senior Lecturer. Since then, she has taught and coordinated various undergraduate courses such as Biology of Organisms, Genetic Engineering in Animals and Plants, Cell and Tissue Culture and Higher Plant Physiology. At the postgraduate level, she has also helped in teaching Research Methodology, a compulsory course upon entry into postgraduate studies at the department. Since her employment as an Academic, she has served the department and University in various administrative duties, such as the programme coordinator for Bachelor of Science with Education (ISB), BSc in Biotechnology, academic advisor, final year project coordinator and many more. Her current research interest is on manipulation of plant tissue culture system for biotechnological applications, with special emphasis on stress-induced plant secondary metabolites and proteins for medicinal applications and sustainable production of functional food colorants. Her present research works include projects on understanding and manipulating plant’s response towards abiotic stress for over-expression of valuable bioactive compounds, such as in Azadirachta indica (neem). The regulation of proteins involved in the biosynthesis of these bioactive compounds or secondary metabolites are analyzed through proteomics-based approach, to allow for a better understanding of the biosynthesis pathways that has been affected. In addition to that, she is also working on the epigenetics aspect of plant phenotypic plasticity, to understand the epigenetic regulation (with focus on histone modification) in DNA repair and somaclonal variation. In recognition of her work and scientific achievements, she has won several awards such as a Gold Medal at International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition (ITEX) in 2013 and a Bronze Medal at Bioinnovation Awards/BioMalaysia & Bioeconomy Asia Pacific 2013. Other than that, she is also actively participating in the scientific community and the public by taking on various roles as a judge or jury in scientific competitions and innovation programs at national and secondary school levels. These include her role as a judge for Malaysian Agricultural Invention Show (MAgIS) competition organized by Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry in 2016, and judge for science videos and scientific poem recitation competitions organized by Ministry of Education in 2017-2018, among others. Professionally, she was also one of the representatives in the working group for pineapple planting material for preparation of Malaysian Standard (organized by SIRIM Malaysia) in 2018. Outside of work and research, she also loves to join various events that promote sustainability and green environment.

Dr. Moustafa Moufid Kassem is a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaya, specializing in Earthquake Engineering and Structural Resilience. His research interests include seismic fragility and vulnerability assessment, multi-hazard analysis (earthquake–landslide interaction), incremental dynamic analysis, and performance-based design of reinforced concrete structures. He has extensive experience in numerical modeling using advanced computational tools and contributes actively to peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and interdisciplinary research projects focused on resilient infrastructure and community safety.