Prof. Dr. King is a distinguished educator and researcher with over 23 years of expertise in microbiology and sustainable agriculture. Renowned for her contributions to regenerative farming, she has received accolades like the Vice Chancellor Fellowship Award for Excellent Teaching in Applied Science. Her impactful research delves into the complex relationships between plant health, soil microbiomes, pests, and diseases, shaping innovative, sustainable agricultural practices. Prof. Dr. King’s global reach includes assignments as a visiting scientist at Brawijaya University in Indonesia, Concordia University in Canada, and Zhejiang University in China, establishing her as an international thought leader. Currently consulting on sustainable practices for a regenerative farm in Tanjung Tualang, Malaysia, she collaborates with industry leaders such as Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association, SOP Berhad, Budi Regenerative Farming Sdn Bhd, Sakura Ferroalloy Sdn Bhd and OCIM Sdn Bhd. Recently appointed to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board’s Program Advisory Committee, Prof. Dr. King continues to influence sustainable agricultural policies, nurturing future agricultural professionals and advancing conservation efforts.

 

Professor John Lau Sie Yon is a dedicated researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Curtin University Malaysia. He currently serves as the Associate Dean of Research and Development within the Faculty of Engineering and Science. Dr. Lau earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, in 2013.

Dr. Lau’s research expertise focuses on sustainable and green technologies, with key areas including microalgae technology for energy and aquaculture, the reutilization of POME biomass for synthesizing nano-biocatalyst composites, and wastewater treatment, particularly POME treatment. He has secured numerous research grants and has an impressive academic portfolio, contributing to over 100 publications, including journal articles, conference proceedings, and book chapters.

 

Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez is currently the Director General of Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). He was appointed as a Fellow of The International Society of Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology (ISBAB) in 2024, Fellow of Academy Science Malaysia in 2016 and Member of National Biosafety Board (2018 – 2026). In July 2021, he was appointed as a Member of the Science Council of Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute (MARDI). He sits on various other Boards; Board of Trustee of Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC, 2019 – July 2023), Board of Trustee of Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO, 2019 - 2025) and Board of Trustee of Institute of Malaysian Plantation and Commodities (IMPAC). Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez was previously the Chairman of Genetic Modification Advisory Committee under the National Biosafety Board (GMAC, 2010 – 2018). In October 2021, Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez was appointed as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia (UPM) for 2 years. He is also very active in various professional societies including as the President of International Society for Oil Palm Breeders (ISOPB), Chairperson for the Asian Section of American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) and Board Member of The International Society of Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology (ISBAB).

Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez was born in Taiping, Perak and obtained his secondary education at Sekolah Menengah King Edward VII, Taiping. He graduated with Bachelor of Science (UKM) in Genetics, Master of Science (UKM) in Molecular Genetics and a PhD (UPM) in Plant Genetic Engineering. He has 35 years of experience in Plant Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Biosafety. He developed world first transgenic oil palm in 1997. His interest is in genetic modification of oil palm, biosafety of living modified organisms and oil palm sustainability.

He has obtained a number of prestigious awards both locally and internationally. He has 18 patents filed and 11 of them have been granted. He has authored and co-authored more than 100 papers in refereed journals and more than 250 conference papers.