Dr. Sonia Kumari is Senior Lecturer at Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Malaya. She holds PhD (Financial Development and Economic Growth, UNIMAS, Malaysia), MEcon (Public Policy, UKM, Malaysia) and BEc (Management Economics, UKM, Malaysia).  Her research expertise includes, Financial Development ; Financial Integration; Financial Inclusion; Sustainable Finance; Climate Finance; and Financial management of small businesses, with main focus on multidisciplinary themes related to emerging and developing economies. Her previous work experience includes: Associate Economist at the Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) ; Visiting Research Fellow at Bocconi University, Milan, Italy; Visiting Research Fellow at Instituto Complutense de Estudios Internacionales (ICEI), Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Lecturer at Help University, Malaysia.  She has taught several courses at Undergraduate level including:  Microfinance and Social Enterprise, Analysis of Development Projects, SME Development, Agriculture Business Management, Agriculture Development, Development Economics and Research Methodology (at University of Malaya); Principles of Business Management, Principles of Macroeconomics and Principles of Microeconomics (at Help University). Postgraduate courses: Sustainable Finance (Universiti Malaya).  She supervised over 50 UG projects including industrial placement projects (at University of Malaya); over 15 Masters Research Projects (at University of Malaya); and 1 Doctoral completion (current PhD supervision = 8).   Produced over 30 publications, including book chapters, articles in internationally refereed journals, policy briefs and reports. She has also reviewed several papers for journals and conferences.  She has led research projects on: "Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth" and "Government Supports And Food Operator's Performance In Klang Valley" (University Grant). She is also a co-researcher for projects such as "Role of Social Enterprise in Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Development in Malaysia" (University Grants); Developing Environmental Reporting Framework for the Small and Medium Enterprises in Malaysia: Using Q-Methodological Approach" (FRGS, Government of Malaysia) and "Catching-up along the Global Value Chain: models, determinants and policy implications in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution" (European Commission Grant). She has research collaborative links in several countries including South Africa, China and Bangladesh.  She is an Associate Editor for Journal of Institutions and Economies.  

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.

Associate Professor Dr. Anwar Suhaimi is a distinguished medical professional and academician with a robust background in rehabilitation medicine. He completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate training at Universiti Malaya. Dr. Suhaimi further honed his expertise in physiatry through advanced training at renowned rehabilitation medicine centers in Australia and Turkey, before returning to serve as a Consultant Rehabilitation Physician at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Universiti Malaya Medical Center. Dr. Suhaimi spearheaded the establishment of Musculoskeletal and Pain Rehabilitation services in Malaysia, and minimally-invasive pain management programs at UMMC. He has significantly advanced teaching and research in these areas, both nationally and internationally. In response to the global pandemic, he led in expanding COVID-19 rehabilitation services and conducting cutting-edge research on the long-term functional recovery of COVID-19 survivors. He has been actively involved in the expansion of Cardiac Rehabilitation services across Malaysia and beyond. Dr. Suhaimi is the first Malaysian physiatrist with Certified Interventional Pain Sonologist (CIPS), recognized by the World Institute of Pain (WIP). His clinical and research interests are extensive, encompassing cardiac telerehabilitation, heart failure rehabilitation, digital health, back and neck pain, chronic pain management and regenerative therapies. Dr. Suhaimi's contributions to the field of rehabilitation medicine are further highlighted by his active participation in various national and international professional organizations, including the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM), the Indonesia Malaysia Regenerative Institute (IMRI) and the Malaysian Association of Rehabilitation Physicians (MARP). In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Suhaimi has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Gold Medal at PECIPTA 2022 and the Faculty of Medicine Excellent Service Award in 2017. He is also a sought-after speaker at international conferences and workshops, where he shares his expertise on chronic pain management, cardiac rehabilitation, and digital health innovations. Dr. Suhaimi's commitment to advancing rehabilitation medicine is further evidenced by his involvement in numerous research projects, including the development of AI-enabled applications for personalized cardiac rehabilitation and the study of long-term effects of COVID-19 on survivors. His work continues to shape the future of rehabilitation medicine, making him a respected leader in his field both in Malaysia and globally.