Dr. Vinogiri Krishnan S, PhD (Epidemiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i Mānoa, USA), MSc (Medical Entomology, University Science of Malaysia), BSc (Biology & Management of Vectors and Parasites, University Science of Malaysia). Currently, residing in Malaysia and is the Director of Solving Lab Consultancy. Has more than 15 years of experience in the field of scientific research, attained a globally distinguished scholarship from the USA to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology at the USA, achieved success in all kinds of epidemiological research, vast experiences in clinical trials, longitudinal studies, data analyses, quantitative and qualitative research, public health, mental health, infectious diseases especially HIV, TB & STIs and communicable diseases.

A strong researcher and advocate for mental health and mental well-being. Executed an online platform via ‘Facebook Page’ linked to ‘TikTok’ as well in 2021 which are dedicated solely to spread awareness on mental health, public health and epidemiology besides helping those in need. Platform is called ‘Mental Health and I’.

The Malaysian media, Malaysiakini interviewed her for this effort as well. As an active member of a new NGO, ‘National Coalition for Mental-Wellbeing Working (NCMW)’, she has also been working on various mental health projects and research focusing on mental health literacy, suicide, discrimination/stigma and others for all age groups and professions.

Some of her many remarkable work and achievements would be – lead researcher for ‘International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)’ analysis on migration research in Malaysia, consultancy with Malaysian AIDS Council: “Differentiated HIV Services for Key Population”, information and planning consultant at Western Pacific Regional Office, WHO for COVID-19, consultant for COVID-19 response and management at WHO Country Office Malaysia, was the focal point for lab at WHO Country Office Malaysia, liaising and working with WHO HQ-Geneva, WPRO and IMR & UMMC Malaysia in regard to Unity Studies involving 5 protocols and Solidarity II, lead researcher in the planning and executing qualitative research among vulnerable women in Malaysia regarding sexual and gender-based violence and discrimination especially in regard to freedom of speech, funded by UNTF with EMPOWER (‘Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti, Selangor’) and working on various mental health programs and activities for all age groups and populations nationwide.

Dr. Gerald Marten is an ecologist with fifty years of research experience in a variety of ecosystems around the world. He has lived and worked in the United States and Canada, Mexico and Central America, East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Japan. His innate love of nature, enriched by growing up in Southern California’s Santa Monica Mountains, kindled a scientific passion to explore how nature works. As his work progressed, it focused increasingly on practical ecological problems, and so did his commitment to translating science so people and communities can make good use of it. Author of Human Ecology: Basic Concepts for Sustainable Development (Earthscan Publications, 2001) and Traditional Agriculture in Southeast Asia: A Human Ecology Perspective (Westview Press, 1986), he has published approximately one hundred scientific articles, many of them on practical concerns such as fisheries and forest management, tropical agriculture and land use, alternative energy, ecological mosquito control, and how people can live sustainably on this planet. Four years ago he began the EcoTipping Points project to discover how lessons from environmental success stories can point the way to making a better world for his five grandchildren and all the rest of us.

Dr. Asha Rathina Pandi, PhD (Sociology, University of Hawai’i Manoa, USA), MA (Sociology, University of Hawai’i Manoa, USA), MSc (Urban and Regional Planning, University Technology of Malaysia, BSc (Urban and Regional Planning, University Technology of Malaysia)

Currently residing in Johor Bahru and is a Lecturer at National University of Singapore (NUS). Has more than 20 years of experience in the field of sociology, social movements, urban social change (among marginalized populations), health communication, mixed-methods and populations studies.

Ms. Tamayanty Kurusamy is an accomplished and dedicated Programme Director with 26 years of experience in NGO field. Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, project management, programme implementation within NGO programmes and has a proven track record of leading successful initiatives and achieving measurable outcomes. Strong leadership and communication skills with a commitment to fostering collaboration and driving positive change. Have many years or experience with a leadership role in HIV prevention and treatment programmes, ensuring effective planning,implementation, and evaluation while fostering collaboration and engagement with stakeholders and communities.

Skills involved:
• Strategic Planning
• Resource Management
• Team Leadership
• Partnership and Collaboration
• Programme Implementation
• Quality Assurance
• Data Management and Evaluation
• Advocacy and Policy Development
• Community Engagement
• Public Awareness and Education

Ms. Doreen Mandari, MPH (Public Health, University of Hawai’i Manoa, USA), BA (Public Policy and Management, University of Papua New Guinea)

Currently residing in Papua New Guinea and is the Director of Education Sector at the Department of Prime Minister & National Executive Council, Papua New Guinea. Has more than 15 years of experience in strategic planning and program budgeting for national government agencies in collaboration with donors and development partners, procurement of goods and services using government established systems and procedures, monitoring and evaluation, reporting or providing quarterly and annual reports and policy briefs and coordination implementation of national government policies and decisions for the education sector.