About Sunway Centre for Planetary Health

Professor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood is a medical professional with more than two decades of experience managing crises in health, disasters and conflict settings. She is currently Professor and Executive Director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University in Malaysia. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Clean Air and co-chaired the Climate and Heath steering group. Other board roles include Roche, the Climate Action Accelerator and the Planetary Health Alliance globally, and the Employees Provident Fund in Malaysia. She is also Sustainability Advisor to Air Asia.Her previous appointments included the Special Advisor on Public Health to the Prime Minister of Malaysia during the COVID pandemic. She has held many leadership roles in international organisations including the Chief of the World Humanitarian Summit at the United Nations and Under Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. She was also the founder of MERCY Malaysia, a leading humanitarian organisation from the global south.For her contributions to society, she has received numerous international and national awards including the ASEAN Prize.

Maisarah Faiesall currently serves as the Head of Policy, Strategy, and Advocacy at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health with experience in policy research, government relations and community engagement. In her role, she drives the development of policy and advocacy initiatives that promote the interconnectedness of human and environmental health. Maisarah’s primary focus is on translating scientific knowledge into actionable strategies and policy interventions, alongside building bridges between diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organisations, private sector, and academic institutions.Prior to this, Maisarah was a Research Officer to the Prime Minister of Malaysia’s Special Advisor on Public Health working on public health and disaster risk reduction. She also has experience contributing to publications in various think tanks and civil society organisations in Malaysia, covering topics from gender equality, digital rights, and statelessness. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy, and a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in International Relations with Mandarin.

Maneesha is a recent master's graduate from Johns Hopkins University SAIS, with a concentration in Development, Climate and Sustainability and a bachelor's degree in economics and international Relations from Boston University. She has a range of experience in international development, non-profit and academia roles and is deeply passionate about climate policy and history.

Aina Aaliyah is the Policy, Strategy and Advocacy Executive at the Sunway Center for Planetary Health, where she leads the Global Health Governance as a Public Service (GHGAPS) program. She actively seeks to bridge youth voices to diplomacy, translating grassroots’ insights into policy with a focus on climate resilience and planetary health.Aina is about to graduate from Universiti Malaya with a Bachelor's degree in International and Strategic Studies, minoring in Southeast Asian Studies. She is an alumna of the YSEALI fellowship and small grants program, currently leading Little Green Dots, a rewilding pilot project in Hat Yai, Thailand.Her advocacy is rooted in art-ivism, fossil-free living, and urban rejuvenation—championing green infrastructure, placemaking, and public transportation. Supporting the Centre's engagement with ministries, government agencies, NGOs and CSOs, she makes it a mission to push for inclusive, people-driven strategies and strives to make planetary health accessible and a lived reality to all beyond the Klang Valley.

Dr Fatimah Ahamad currently holds the position of Chief Scientist at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Sunway University, Malaysia. She obtained her PhD in Environmental Science from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and her primary research interest is in air quality. Her experience includes working on projects commissioned by the Department of Environment Malaysia and served as Subject Matter Expert for the concession company, Pakar Scieno Transwater Sdn. Bhd., which currently runs the national Environmental Monitoring Program for the Department of Environment Malaysia. She also runs AQ Expert Solutions, an enterprise committed to facilitating the understanding of environmental data.

Dr Loo is an ornithologist specializing in bioacoustics and soundscapes to understand the natural world. Her research is driven by evolutionary questions, biodiversity conservation, and the interconnectedness between the health of people and the planet, where she believes that every discovery brings people closer to nature and more reason to protect it. Working with local and international teams, she aims to deepen our understanding of tropical soundscapes through collective effort, as seen in her current collaboration with the Rantaian Urban Green Spaces (RUGS), Bioacoustics Equipment and Training (BEAT), and Locally led East Asian Flyway Acoustics (LEAFA) projects. She is also passionate about empowering early-career researchers in planetary health through training and mentoring. Her academic background is in BSc(Hons) Environmental Sciences from University of Nottingham Malaysia (2015), MSc in Bird Conservation from Manchester Metropolitan University (2018), and PhD in Biological Sciences from University of Auckland (2023).

Noorul Ezyan is an early-career researcher with a background in Ecology and Biodiversity, specialising in urban bird studies. She obtained her PhD from Universiti Malaya, where her research focused on the ecological and behavioural studies of urban birds and understanding human-bird conflicts. She is currently a Research Fellow at Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, where her work centres on research development through a planetary health lens, particularly in areas of urban biodiversity, sustainable tourism, and climate anxiety. Beyond research, she actively facilitates public and community engagement initiatives such as the Ipoh Doughnut Economics project, Planetary Health Playbook, and Climate Courage Workshop. Her future research interests include exploring the interconnections of bird-related diseases and human health, especially in urban environments. She is passionate about integrating teaching, research, and community engagement to ensure that impactful knowledge and research outcomes are effectively translated into action for people and the planet.

Aiza Nadira is a research analyst at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, where she supports projects at the intersection of sustainability, climate and health. With a background in clinical research and master's degree in infectious disease from the University of Glasgow, she brings a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and project design. Aiza’s work spans from data-driven research, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge translation. Passionate about bridging science and policy, she continues to contribute to evidence-based initiatives that promote planetary well-being and sustainable futures.

Hannah is an Education Officer at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, dedicated to developing accessible and engaging learning experiences. She holds an MBBS from the University of Malaya and applies her interdisciplinary expertise across health, data science, and advocacy. Passionate about education and equity, Hannah works to strengthen learning ecosystems and promote informed engagement on planetary health challenges.

Husna is an Executive in Science Communications and Advocacy at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, where she skillfully translates complex science into compelling narratives. She also leads the charge as the dedicated project lead for Ipoh Doughnut Economics, helping the city aim for that sweet spot of social and ecological well-being. Her foundation is solid, with a Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Master of Science in Built Environment, focused on indicators for environmental resilience. Naturally, her current passions revolve around studies on healthy and sustainable cities and, of course, exploring anything and everything "Doughnut"!

Nazia is a qualified professional with a strong background in social work and human rights. She completed her postgraduate studies in Social Work from Jamia Millia Islamia University in India. Additionally, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights and International Humanitarian and Refugee Laws, indicating her specialization in these areas.Previously, she has worked with National Commission for Women, Government of India with special focus on supporting female prisoners, female patients in psychiatric homes, and women in distress. This work likely involved providing assistance, counseling, and advocacy for these marginalized groups.Nazia has contributed significantly to gender sensitisation by conducting training sessions for police personnel in India, demonstrating her commitment to promoting awareness and understanding of gender issues within law enforcement agencies.She has extensive experience working with children who are affected by substance abuse, indicating her expertise in dealing with the complexities and challenges faced by young individuals struggling with addiction.Her professional background also includes collaborations with German and Dutch organizations, where she focused on capacity building and facilitation. Her career has majorly focussed on addressing social issues, advocating for human rights, and supporting vulnerable populations.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Nurul Hamizah Kefli is a dedicated Project Coordinator Officer at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Sunway University, where she plays a central role in advancing the Ipoh Doughnut Economics initiative, an internationally recognised project that earned Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh the 2024 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour. She has led the coordination of workshops, mentoring sessions, and stakeholder engagements that build local capacity and promote regenerative urban development. Hamizah’s leadership spans event execution, stakeholder alignment, and project management, ensuring meaningful outcomes across multidisciplinary teams. Her work reflects a deep commitment to driving sustainable transformation and positioning Ipoh as a model city for inclusive, climate-resilient growth.

Misfahulhairah Shariff is a Research Assistant at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, where she supports the Centre’s mission to advance research, education, and action at the intersection of human and planetary well-being. She also serves as a Project Assistant for the Regional Hub for Asia Climate Change and Health (REACH) project, which strengthens regional collaboration and capacity to address the health impacts of climate change. She holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia and brings experience in laboratory research, scientific documentation, and programme coordination from her previous roles at the National Diabetes Institute, MyCRO-UMBI, and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board. Passionate about health and sustainability, she is dedicated to advancing research that promotes healthier people and a more resilient planet. She remains eager to explore diverse areas within planetary health and to continue developing new skills that will enable her to thrive and contribute meaningfully in any environment.

Nor Wahyuni Binti Abdull Rahim is a graduate of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, holding a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication with a major in Publishing. She brings over 11 years of experience in administrative roles, where she has managed both academic and non-academic processes in a private university and documentation with precision and reliability.In addition to her administrative background, Nor Wahyuni has 1 year of experience as a Junior Planner in Branding within the private sector, where she was responsible for data entry and supporting branding initiatives.Her interest in planetary health was sparked by her involvement in Go Green initiatives, particularly those focused on community engagement. She has actively contributed to several planetary health-related events, including PHAM2025, MOHE workshops, and Journalist Training programs. These experiences have enriched her understanding of planetary health and strengthened her commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness.Nor Wahyuni is passionate about creating positive societal impact through environmental and continues to seek opportunities to contribute meaningfully to this field.

Laila Iskandar is the Communications Manager at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Sunway University, where she leads the centre’s communication strategy, media engagement, and content development to amplify its mission of advancing planetary health across the Southeast Asia region. Previously, she served as Senior Executive of Public Relations & Sustainability at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, where she played a key role in media relations, press communications, social media content, and event launches. Earlier in her career, Laila was a Public Relations Specialist at the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, where she was responsible for reporting on the official activities of the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia.Laila holds a Master’s in Mass Communication from the Universiti Teknologi MARA (2020) and a Bachelor’s in Islamic Banking from the International Islamic University Malaysia (2014). Her diverse experience also includes a role at CIMB Bank Group, where she contributed to strategic planning and communications of the Chief Information and Operations Officer’s office. She has lived in several countries, including Ireland and Oman, which has broadened their cultural perspective and inspired a global approach to their professional and personal life.

Hamizah is a Communications Executive at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, where she leads the Centre’s social media strategy and creative storytelling. A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney with a degree in Public Communications, she brings over three years of experience in digital content creation, photography, videography, and campaign management.Passionate about using social media to make complex issues more relatable, Hamizah takes the challenge of spreading planetary health awareness to wider audiences through engaging visuals and impactful narratives. Throughout her time at the Centre, she has supported and led various campaigns—including Planet Saving Meals, Planetary Future Fridays, Planetary Health in Practice, and Generation Green—and played a key role in delivering the successful Planetary Health Annual Summit (PHAM) 2024, the Centre’s largest event to date.

Aina Masturina holds a Bachelor (Hons) in Corporate Communications and a Diploma in Computer Systems and Networking, blending her expertise in digital communication and technology with a strong foundation in strategic messaging. She began her career at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, where she spent three years as a Public Relations and Sustainability Executive. In this role, she managed media relations, digital campaigns, and sustainability initiatives that enhanced the mall’s position as an environmentally responsible and community-oriented destination.Currently serving as a Communications Executive at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Aina continues to expand her passion for purposeful communication. She is driven by a deep commitment to raising awareness on environmental and social issues, and aspires to leverage digital storytelling to inspire collective action towards a healthier, more sustainable planet.

Nadia is a Communications Executive and Graphic Designer at the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, where she leads the creative direction for the organisation’s visual communications and branding initiatives. She plays a key role in shaping how the centre’s messages are presented to the public, ensuring that every design reflects its mission and values.A graduate of Management & Science University, Nadia was awarded the Best Student Award in her major, Graphic Design. With a deep passion for visual storytelling, she transforms complex ideas into impactful visuals that resonate with diverse audiences. Her work focuses on using design as a tool to raise awareness, foster understanding, and inspire collective action towards planetary health and sustainability.