Prof Dr Vikineswary started her academic career after completing her PhD in the Institute of Postgraduate Studies in 1989 as a lecturer.  She ventured into search, discovery and utilisation of indigenous microorganisms including actinomycetes and phototrophic bacteria for feed, feed or fine chemicals. Her research activities diversified and while studying the potential of mushrooms and in particular the white - rot fungi in environmental biotechnology, she had the opportunity to work with mushroom farmers.  Together with the growers, the Mushroom Research Association of Malaysia was founded in 2000 and as the founding  president she has highlighted the importance of mushrooms and the industry in Malaysia.  She is well known for the research conducted which includes systematic and bioactivity of marine actinomycetes, mushroom biology and their bioactive metabolites, phototrophic bacteria for bioremediation and as a live feed enhancer. She has  successfully trained 50 Masters and 20 PhD students and a number are currently pursuing their postgraduate studies under her supervision. Her research activities are sponsored by national and international grants including industrial funding.  Prof.  Vikineswary has won several awards for her research findings both in Malaysia and at International Exhibition.  She has collaboration with overseas scientists through CICHE, JSPS and EU programmes. She has published 265 papers in peer reviewed journals, proceedings, bulletins, chapters in books  and  books.  In recognition of her contribution in microbiology and active participation as member of the Malaysian Society for Microbiology she was elected as the first woman President of the Society in 2001. In 2014 she was nominated as one of the Top Research Scientist Malaysia by Academy Science Malaysia. In 2015 she was nominated as a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.

I am a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geology at the University of Malaya, Malaysia. I obtained my Ph.D. in Biogeochemistry from the University of Cambridge in 2018, focusing on calcium carbonate mineral formation. My current research focuses on microbial processes, elemental cycling, and geochemical interactions in marine and terrestrial environments. I am particularly interested in understanding how sediment mineralogy and microbial activity influence global biogeochemical cycles. Over the years, I have published 22 peer-reviewed articles, including a Best Paper Award at IC-DLI Deep Life 2022 and the won the Excellent Service award in 2023. In addition to my research, I have had the opportunity to contribute to international journals as a reviewer and serve on multiple funded projects, both as a principal investigator and collaborator. These experiences have enriched my perspective on tackling complex environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. I am passionate about fostering research excellence, mentoring students, and contributing to solutions for global environmental issues. Through collaboration and continuous learning, I hope to advance my understanding in geosciences while supporting sustainable development. 🎓 Calling New Graduates — Master’s & PhD Opportunities (Universiti Malaya, Dept. of Geology) I’m welcoming motivated graduates to join my research group in March 2026 or October 2026 (earlier start is possible—message me to discuss). Supervision available at Master’s and PhD levels across these themes: Research Areas (tropical & coastal focus): • Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) & Carbon Capture (CCUS) (basalt/dunite/limestone kinetics, PHREEQC modelling + microorganism) • Aqueous Geochemistry of CaCO₃ (alkalinity–pH dynamics; calcite/aragonite/vaterite polymorphs + sulfate reducing bacteria) • Acid Sulfate Soils / Marine Clays (Malacca Straits) — Fe–S–C coupling, metals & arsenic mobility • Surface & Groundwater Quality (estuary–aquifer interactions, redox processes, seawater intrusion) • Iron-mediated Carbon Burial in tropical peat–mangrove–marine continua • Rare Earth Elements (REE) — eco-leaching, lixiviant selection, separation chemistry • Microplastics along Peninsular Malaysia coasts (lithology/ecosystem contrasts, FTIR/SEM) • Biogeochemistry of Coastal Environments (DOC, nutrients, trace metals, isotopes) What you’ll gain: • Fieldwork in Malaysian peat–mangrove–coastal systems (incl. Malacca Straits) • Lab experience (ICP-OES/ICP-MS, IC, UV-VIS spectrophotometer, XRD/SEM, FTIR/Raman, AVS/CRS, carbonate system analysis) • Quantitative modelling (CO₂SYS, PHREEQC / reactive-transport) Opportunities to work with reputed universities in China, UK, US, Canada and around the world. Funding: These projects are not funded but, some data are already available for a couple of projects, and some simple laboratory analysis are covered. Scholarship applications are strongly encouraged (recommended); self-funded students are welcome if keen to continue studies at the Department of Geology, Universiti Malaya. Eligibility: • Bachelor’s/Master’s in Geology, Geochemistry, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related fields • Highly persevere, strong motivation and passion for research, good writing skills, good learning attitude, and readiness for field + lab work Intakes: • March 2026 or October 2026 • Immediate start can be arranged — contact me to discuss How to express interest (quick checklist and email me the following documents): CV Academic transcript(s) 1–2 paragraph statement: your preferred topic + why it fits you My email address: chinyik@um.edu.my If interested, PM me at +6017-8990685 (WhatsApp) to chat about details. 🌍 Embark on a scientific journey where your curiosity shapes knowledge, and your contribution becomes truly irreplaceable.

Dr. Ainul Asyraf bin Lokman, a native of Alor Star, Kedah, commenced his early education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Puchong Utama 2 (SKPU2) and Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Putra Perdana (SKTPP), before proceeding to his secondary education at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Datuk Syed Ahmad (SMKDSA). His tertiary education began with an offer to undertake foundational studies in Islamic Studies at the University of Malaya, Nilam Puri, Kelantan. He subsequently completed a Bachelor's Degree in Usuluddin, with a minor in Islamic History and Civilization, graduating with distinction. In recognition of his academic performance, he was awarded a SLAI scholarship by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to pursue doctoral studies directly. He thereby earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the field of Humanities, specializing in Middle East Studies. Dr. Ainul’s extensive academic research interests encompass Islamicjerusalem Studies, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, the Palestinian Issue, Conflict Resolution, Islamic History, and Islamic Civilization. He currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer in the Department of Islamic History, Civilization & Education at the Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.