Biomass Processing for Sustainable Circular Economy

Dr. Hafiza Shukor is a senior lecturer specializing in the areas of fermentation technology (biofuel and biomass treatment) in the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP). She received her PhD from the Faculty of Engineering and Build Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) under the field of Chemical and Process Engineering, and she obtained her Bachelor's Degree and MSc in Chemical Engineering from the School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). She was awarded one of the Young Scientist Awards in UniMAP, as her research contributions include publications in indexed journals, international conference proceedings, and books. Her excitement in research can be translated by her receiving several research exhibition awards and grants from the university and government. Her current specialization is in biomass treatment technology, bioconversion of biomass to biofuels (biobutanol, bioethanol, and biohydrogen) and wastewater treatment using biomaterials (biological treatment).

Dr. Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar is a Senior Lecturer in the Bioprocess Technology Division at the School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). He also serves as the Deputy Director of the Centre for Innovation and Consultation and is the Head of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #15: Life on Land under the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) at USM. He obtained his Bachelor of Engineering in Bioprocess Engineering from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) and later earned both his MSc and PhD from the School of Chemical Engineering, USM. His primary research interests lie in bioprocess technology and waste bioconversion, with a focus on biological treatment technologies, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for waste treatment, energy recovery, and biofertilizer production. His work is deeply aligned with the principles of the biocircular economy and zero-waste initiatives, aiming to advance sustainable solutions for waste management and resource recovery.

Dr. Abu Zahrim Yaser is an Associate Professor in the Chemical Engineering Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), where he also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. He is the founder of the Kundasang Compost Living Lab and obtained his PhD from Swansea University, UK. Dr. Zahrim’s research primarily focuses on waste processing technology, and he has been leading multiple projects since 2006. To date, he has published 17 books and over 130 publications. He has also served as a visiting scientist at the University of Hull (UK) and is a Professional Engineer (Ir.) registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia. Dr. Zahrim is a recipient of the National Book Award (2023).