ChM Dr Joon Ching Juan is Professor of Catalysis and Nanotechnology at Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre (NANOCAT), Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. Currently, he has been appointed as Chair of Frontier Natural World Research Cluster at Universiti Malaya and Head of International Co-operation relation at NANOCAT. He obtained his BSc (Hons) Chemical Technology (2003) and PhD in Chemistry (2007) degrees from the National University of Malaysia, Malaysia.             He has been actively involved in various research activities especially in the area of nanomaterial and catalysis. Most of his research activities are focused on understanding the and manipulating nano-structure to be applied in environmental and energy. Up to date, he has managed to publish more than 200 WoS publications with an h-index of 47 (10,348 citations). With his expertise and experience, he has received about RM 9,500,000 (ca. USD 2,000,000) grants from national, industry and international organizations such as The World Academy of Science Grant (TWAS, UNESCO), E-science fund (MOSTI), and industry grants. As a strong believer in research driven innovation, he has filed eight patents to be used in industries.             He is also the recipient of several prestigious awards and recognition including 2% Top Scientist in the World by Sandford University (2022-2020), Ten Outstanding Young Malaysian (2020) by Junior Chamber International,  Future Academician Award by Ministry of Education (2018), Malaysia Research Star Award by Ministry of Education (2017), National Young Scientist Award by Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (2016), outstanding paper award by Elsevier (2018), Pro Vice Chancellor Award in Teaching, Monash (2012), and just few to mention. Besides being engaged in teaching and research, he also serves as Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC, UK), Chartered Chemist (CSci, UK), Chartered Scientist (CSci, UK), Member of Malaysia Institute of Chemistry (IKM), and others.             In term leadership and administration, he is elected as the President of Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) which oversee all professional bodies, Treasurer of Federation of Asian Chemistry Society (FACS), National Representative/Associate member of IUPAC in Chemistry and the Environment Division, Associate Member of IUPAC in Chemical Research Applied to World Needs (CHEMRAWN), council member and honorary secretary of Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (IKM). In addition, he also appointed as radiation protection officer (RPO), chemical safety and security officer training (CSSO), deputy quality manager (DQM), National Focus Group Member Globally Harmonized System (GHS), National technical committee member of Nanotechnologies (ISO Standard), National committee Member, Industry Standards Committee on Environmental Management (ISC Z). He has conducted various courses, talks, keynote, and plenary lecture on chemical safety and security, green synthesis laboratory, water pollution, photocatalysis wastewater treatment, biofuel, bioenergy, etc. With his experience and expertise, he has also been appointed as consultant and advisor to many governments’ bodies and industries.

Dr. Siti Patonah binti Mohamad is a senior lecturer at the Applied Science with Islamic Studies Programme, Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya. She holds a PhD (Humanities (Religion)) from Universiti Malaya and has a Master of Islamic Studies (MIs) from the same institution. She also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science with Islamic Studies (Biohealth) with Honors from Universiti Malaya. Dr. Siti Patonah's research interests primarily focus on neurodivergent individuals, specifically persons with autism (PWA), and the mental health of PWA's caretakers. Her research integrates Islamic principles and practices to better understand and support this marginalized group. For example, she studies the Quranic reading style of PWA and works on developing a biopsychosocialspiritual model of coping for Muslim parents of PWA to help them handle their stress. She is also interested in multidisciplinary research, particularly in areas such as Islam and Science, as well as Islamic psychology. Dr. Siti Patonah has contributed to the field by publishing several articles related to her studies and has received awards in seminars and conferences she has attended. In addition to her research activities, she is actively involved in teaching both foundation and degree-level students, sharing her expertise and knowledge in her areas of study. Dr. Siti Patonah's work demonstrates a commitment to bridging the gap between Islamic principles and scientific research to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families.