Dr. Woi Pei Meng is an accomplished academic affiliated with Universiti Malaya, specializing in applied electrochemistry. She obtained her Ph.D. in Electrocatalysis in 2011, with a primary focus on developing solid-state electrocatalysts inspired by the FeFe-hydrogenase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for facilitating the reversible conversion of dihydrogen and holds significant technological promise for clean energy applications. Her expertise lies in electrode surface modification using materials like carbon-based polymers, first- and second-row transition metals, and 2D materials. She employs electrochemical techniques such as electropolymerization and electrodeposition to achieve these modifications. Dr. Woi's current research is centered on the development of electrochemical sensors. She has contributed to the creation of non-enzymatic biomedical sensors designed for precise detection of metabolites like glucose, sodium, and chloride in bodily fluids. Additionally, her work includes the development of a self-correcting divalent cation sensor for precision agriculture, enabling the measurement of plant macronutrients at the ppm level. This innovation can aid the agricultural industry in optimizing fertilizer usage. Her cutting-edge research also extends to the field of synthetic photosynthesis, with the aim of developing a solid-state electrocatalyst system inspired by nature. This system has the potential to produce hydrogen and convert greenhouse gases into renewable fuel, offering a promising solution to global energy challenges.

Dr. Suffian Haqiem currently serves at the Department of Shariah and Economics, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya. He earned his bachelor's degree in Shariah and Economics in 2018. In 2024, he obtained his PhD in Islamic Banking from the University of Malaya.

Jillian Ooi started out as an environmental social scientist but shifted to studying marine plants because she is fascinated by the sea. For her Master’s degree in Environmental Management, she explored the effects of disturbances on seaweed communities. She later earned a PhD in Seagrass Biogeography at the University of Western Australia as an Endeavour International Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. Working under the mentorship of Professor Gary Kendrick and the late Dr Kimberly Van Niel, she studied the spatial patterns and ecology of subtidal seagrasslands in the Johor islands. There, she fell irrevocably under the spell of these overlooked yet vital ecosystems. Jillian’s research consists of 3 themes: (1) investigating ecosystem functions of seagrass, particularly their roles as habitats and feeding grounds for fish and megafauna, (2) developing spatial distribution models for seagrass species in Southeast Asia, to provide an understanding of what makes a suitable seagrass habitat, and (3) developing effective restoration methods for seagrass and coral reefs. Her work has contributed to the gazettement of the Kepulauan Lima marine park in Johor (2023), strengthened protection for the Tioman Marine Park in Pahang (2007), and supported the establishment of a dugong sanctuary in Johor (2005 and 2017). Jillian enjoys working with local communities, spearheading and nurturing community-driven seagrass conservation initiatives in the Sungai Johor and Sungai Pulai estuaries. Her efforts focus on empowering local stakeholders through capacity building in seagrass monitoring and mapping. In 2015, Jillian received the Komai Fellowship to study the satoumi approach to seagrass restoration in Japan. In 2022, she was among six global researchers awarded the Pew Marine Fellowship for her work in seagrass restoration and to raise awareness about seagrass in Malaysia through the cultural arts approach. She blended the performing arts with science to create Seruan Setu, a groundbreaking gamelan music concert dedicated to seagrass ecosystems. When she is not underwater watching grass grow, Jillian is the Artistic Director and Music Director of Rhythm in Bronze, an award-winning contemporary gamelan ensemble based in Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1997, Rhythm in Bronze is known for its pioneering efforts in showcasing the Malay gamelan as its main medium of musical expression. Jillian’s music direction and compositions for the gamelan have won awards and/or received nominations at the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, which celebrates outstanding performances in music, dance, theatre and musical theatre in Malaysia. She considers the Sea her main source of musical inspiration.