Prof. Varenyam Achal is a distinguished figure in environmental science and engineering, serving as a Tenured Professor and Deputy Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), Shantou. Prior to joining GTIIT, he was professor at East China Normal University, Shanghai. Graduating with a PhD in environmental engineering in 2010, he has dedicated his career to pioneering research in environmental remediation and bio-based building materials, driving sustainability initiatives. Leading numerous projects, including those funded by NSFC, Prof. Achal has contributed extensively to scholarly literature, with over 100 journal articles, two books, and two patents to his name. He is serving as associate editor for journal Frontiers in Marine Sciences and is in editorial board of journals International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation and Environmental Technology. His global recognition is highlighted by his listing among the top 2% of most-cited scientists by Stanford University.
Professor Dr Ahmad Zuhairi Abdullah received his PhD in in chemical engineering in 2004. He was the Deputy Dean (2010-2018) and Dean (2022-2024) at the School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia. He is a registered Professional Technologist at Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT), a Fellow Member of Akademi Sains Malaysia and Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM), and a Life member of the Malaysian Oil Scientists and Technologists’ Association (MOSTA). His research works mostly involve the use of ordered porous catalytic materials in oleochemical reactions, renewable energy, waste treatment, and waste valorization. He has more than 300 refereed publications in journals and book/book chapters mainly as the main author. He is often invited to share his research experience at various international conferences held in Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, The Philippines, and PR China. In addition, he is an evaluator for research proposals from different ministries/agencies locally as well as from several international scientific bodies in the USA, Oman, Qatar, Kazakhstan, and Chile. He is also an expert panel of the Department of Environment Malaysia for the evaluation of Environmental Impact Assessment reports for various proposed commercial projects related to petrochemical complexes, paper mills, metal smelting, chemical, lead-acid battery recycling plants, etc. He is one of the recipients of the Top Research Scientists Malaysia (TRSM) award in 2014. His h-index (Scopus) currently stands at 65 with more than 14,000 citations.
Dr. Razif Harun is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). He earned his PhD from Monash University, Australia, and specializes in microalgae bioprospecting, biochemical engineering, and renewable energy. His research focuses on sustainable technology development, particularly in biofuel production, wastewater treatment, and high value-added bioproducts. With over 100 publications in international peer-reviewed journals, 50 conference papers, 8 book chapters, three copyrights, and two patents, he has made significant contributions to the field. Dr. Harun has secured numerous research grants and consultancy projects from government and private sectors, both locally and internationally, collaborating with institutions, industries, and policymakers to drive sustainable solutions in bioresource utilization. His work continues to advance environmental sustainability and green technology, positioning him as a key figure in the global effort toward renewable energy development.