DR. MUHAMMAD SAFWAN BIN HARUN

Muhammad Safwan Harun is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Fiqh and Usul, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. Born and raised in Selama, Perak, his academic journey began at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Jalan Menteri, followed by secondary education at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Kerian, Semanggol, before furthering his studies at Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi Gopeng, Perak. His passion for Islamic jurisprudence led him to Universiti Malaya, Nilam Puri, where he completed a two-year foundation program before progressing to a Bachelor's degree in Fiqh and Usul at the Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya. He graduated with distinction in 2016 and later pursued his Doctorate at the same institution, earning his PhD in November 2019. Coming from a humble yet academically driven background, Muhammad Safwan is the third son of Harun bin Mohd Nor and Zainab bt Mohd Nasir. He is also a devoted husband to Nazratun Naimah binti Jahuri and a proud father to Nur Sumayyah, Mohd Shakir, and Muhammad Shatir. As a scholar, his expertise lies in Maqasid al-Shari‘ah—both in its theoretical and applied dimensions—as well as Usul al-Fiqh. Over the years, he has been an active contributor to academic discourse through numerous journal articles, book chapters, and newspaper columns, while also presenting at both national and international conferences. As of March 2025, he has published approximately 103 scholarly works. His research interests span various facets of contemporary fiqh, including worship, ethics, zakat, and mu‘amalat. Beyond research and publication, Muhammad Safwan has played a key role in securing and managing 16 research grants from various funding bodies, including the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI), and the Faculty Research Grant (GPF), among others. His expertise is widely sought after, and he has been actively involved as a consultant in several major projects, including the development of the Shariah Glossary (I-Sign) for the Hearing-Impaired under the Institut Latihan Islam, Bangi, as well as the construction of the Modul Minda Maqasid, initiated by the Maqasid Shariah Division, JAKIM. An advocate for knowledge dissemination, Muhammad Safwan frequently delivers lectures and training sessions on Maqasid al-Shari‘ah, engaging with civil servants, academics, and students at public universities. His dedication to scholarly excellence is further reflected in his international engagements, where he serves as an editorial board member for prestigious publications such as the Journal of Religious, Social, and Cultural Studies and the Khazanah Journal of Islamic Education. Through these roles, he continues to contribute to the advancement of Islamic scholarship at both national and global levels.  

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DR. PRASHANT NARESH SAMBERKAR

Dr Prashant Naresh Samberkar is a qualified Pathologist from Mumbai University. He has more than 23 years experience in the field of Forensic Pathology and was employed in Mumbai and Fiji Islands previously. In his capacity as an Medical Lecturer and Head to Department of Forensic Pathology, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), his daily routine includes conducting autopsies, examining crime scene evidence and witness testimony, collecting medical evidence from cadavers, analysing other evidence like ballistics or toxicology, analyzing blood (serology) and utilizing DNA technology. He works closely with the Malaysian law enforcement agency and is responsible to ascertain the manner's of death - natural, accidental, suicidal, homicidal or murder, to assist in investigation and defend findings in a courtroom.  As a head of department he is trustworthy and entrusted with significant administrative responsibility to manage the department of forensic pathology. He effectively communicates with department co-workers, emergency department, medical records and the hospital administration to ensure proper mortuary and autopsy practices even in high stress environment. Under his direction the department of forensic pathology provides extended periods of services to the hospital and law enforcement agencies to serve the community better. The departments contibution to the law enforecement agency was appreciated and recognized by awarding a certificate and souvenir by the Petaling Jaya District Police Office. He has designed the mortuary and the department of forensic pathology for UMMC (twice) and once for Metropolis Hospital.  Additionally, he is also attached to the private wing of University of Malaya - University Malaya Specialist Centre as a Medico-Legal Consultant to provide opinion on medical malpractice (negligence) cases, insurance matters and opine on criminal matters to lawyers and courts. As an academician he is profoundly occupied in lecturing and training undergraduate and post graduate medical student. He has played a pivotal role in designing the forensic curriculum for the undergraduate medical students in 2008 and again in 2013 for the Department of Forensic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. He organises seminars for in-house and other forensic centres pathology and forensic postgraduate students in Malaysia. Under his guidance and supervision local and internaltional undergraduate and master's students have completed their elective and masters postings and projects. His forensic knowledge is utilized to lecture nursing staff and is also involed in the pre-housemenship programme for the UMMC. He is appointed as a Chief Examiner to conduct the Master's of Pathology (Forensic) examinations held at department of forensic pathology, University of Malaya and also as an external examiner to other Malaysian Universities. As a respected clinician his contribution to Forensic Pathology is recognized in Malaysia and also by his previous employer in Fiji Islands and he was awarded the Excellent Service Certificate for two consecutive terms extending 3 years each.  He is actively involved in Research for the master's forensic pathology curriculum projects. He has recently concluded a BKP Grant for cardiac associated deaths. Currently, he is a coresearcher for and FRGS Grant (in collaboration with Harvard University) and a BKP Grant with University of Malaya. He has conducted various non-funded research for the department of forensic pathology.  He is on the Organ Transplant Committee at the UMMC and recently has joined as a member with the Malaysian Medical Association. He is also a life member with the Indian Medical Association. He has interest in Research, has publications in International Academic Journals and very recently has contributed photographs to the latest edition of Modi's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology (recongnized in the Common Wealth Countries). He has attended and presented oral and poster papers at various local and international conferences, workshops and seminars. During this tenure spanning more than two decades he had the opportunity to execute more than 5000 autopsies, numerous crime scene examinations and court appearances as an expert witness. This has allowed him to acquire a better understanding of the legal systems around the globe and sharpen his skills in providing reliable, impartial and evidence based opinions on numerous criminal cases, medico-legal documents and issues related to Iatrogenic Hospital Deaths leading to litigations.   

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PROFESSOR IR. DR. ANG BEE CHIN

    Prof. Ir. Dr. Ang Bee Chin is an accomplished researcher and academic with a strong background in Materials Engineering. Her academic journey culminated in her Ph.D from Universiti Malaya in 2011, where she was also a scholarship recipient. Currently holding the prestigious position of Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Malaya, she stands as a beacon of expertise and leadership in her field.  Dr. Ang's professional qualifications include being a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng) since 2014, accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, United Kingdom, and obtaining her Professional Engineer (Ir.) status in 2016 from the Board of Engineers, Malaysia. Her impressive academic and professional journey is complemented by her extensive publication record, comprising over 100 high-impact papers, with the H-index of 28. Her research interests are diverse, spanning from the synthesis and application of nanoparticles to polymer-based nanocomposites, nanotechnology, failure analysis, electrospinning and materials characterization. At present, Dr. Ang is channelling her expertise towards developing innovative solutions, notably focusing on creating polymer based nanofibrous membranes embedded with nanoparticles. These novel materials hold promise for varios applications such as in wastewater treatment, chemiresistitve sensors, passive e-DMA collection and bio-medical applications. Beyond her research pursuits, Dr. Ang plays an active role in academia and professional organization. She has been instrumental in organizing numerous international and national events, including conferences, symposia, seminars and competitions. Her commitment extends to serving as a coach or judge for various national and international events, highlighting her dedication to fostering academic and professional excellence. Dr. Ang’s contribution extends to leadership roles within professional bodies. She serves as an Exco member in the Materials Technical Division (MaTD) under the Institute of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) nd holds a position as a Senate member at Universiti Malaya. Additionally, she is an active member of the Intestate of Materials, Malaysia (IMM).  Her expertise in failure analysis is recognized through her certification as a level 3 failure analysis expert. Dr. Ang's achievement have been acknowledged through awards garnered from numerous international and national exhibitions, underscoring the impact of her research contributions. Furthermore, Dr. Ang's intellectual property portfolio reflects her innovative mindset, with ownership of one (1) international patent, two (2) Malaysia patents and one (1) micro invention. These patent testify to her ability to translate research finding into tangible solution with real-world applications. In summary, Prof. Ir. Dr. Ang Bee Chin exemplifies excellence in academia, research and professional service, embodying the spirit of innovation and leadership in the field of Materials Engineering and Materials science.   

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