Professor ChM Dr. Joon Ching Juan is a Professor of Catalysis and Nanotechnology at the Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre (NANOCAT), Universiti Malaya (UM), where he also serves as the Head of International Cooperation. He obtained his BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology in 2003 and his PhD in Chemistry in 2007 from the National University of Malaysia.

            He is a globally recognised researcher in nanomaterials and catalysis with a strong focus on the understanding and engineering of nanomaterial systems for environmental sustainability and energy conversion. His work bridges fundamental science and applied innovation, particularly in photocatalysis, biofuels, and advanced functional materials. Currently, he has published more than 250 WoS/ISI-indexed publications (h-index of 57 and over 16,000 citations), demonstrating profound international scientific impact. He supervises more than 42 postgraduate students and is actively involved in developing the next generation of scientists through research mentorship and academic leadership. He also integrates entrepreneurship into research translation by founding Nanochemical@UM, which focuses on the commercialisation of nanomaterials. His innovation-driven research is supported by competitive national, international, and industry grants, including from The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), MOSTI, MOE, Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC), KAREX, industrial partnership, others. He has filed more than eight patents which reflect a firm commitment to technology transfer and real-world application. This combination of academic excellence and translational research makes him a highly sought-after global collaborator across academia, industry, and government sectors.

            His excellence has been recognised through numerous prestigious awards including the Top Research Scientist Malaysia (2024) by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), IKM Gold Medal Award (2024), ranked among the Top 2% Scientists in the World by Stanford University (2020–2025). He was also honoured with the Top Outstanding Young Malaysian (2020) award by Junior Chamber International, the National Academic Award (Promising Academician) by the Ministry of Education (2018), the Malaysia Research Star Award (2017), the National Young Scientist Award by MOSTI (2016), etc. Furthermore, he received the 2012 Monash Pro Vice-Chancellor Award for Teaching for his innovative approach to creating an inspiring classroom environment. He is a Fellow of ASM (FASc), Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), Chartered Chemist (CChem, UK), and others reflecting his high international professional standing.

            In leadership and service, he plays influential roles globally and nationally by serving as President of Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) which oversee most professional bodies in Malaysia, founder of the Malaysian Young Chemists Network (MYCN), President-Elect of Federation of Asian Chemical Societies (FACS). He is a Titular Member of IUPAC in the Chemistry and the Environment Division VI, and an Associate Member CHEMRAWN, IUPAC. Additionally, he served as a former Chair of Frontier Natural World Research Cluster UM Radiation Protection Officer (RPO), Chemical Safety and Security Officer (CSSO), National Technical Committee Member Nanotechnologies (ISO Standard), National committee of Industry Standards Committee on Environmental Management (ISC Z). As an active speaker and advisor to government agencies, he remains a key driver of sustainable scientific innovation and international collaboration.