Associate Professor Dr. Zulkarnain Jaafar is the Dean of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science (FSSE) at Universiti Malaya and a Sports Medicine consultant in the Sports Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine. He holds an MD from Universiti Sains Malaysia and a Clinical Master in Sports Medicine from Universiti Malaya. His expertise lies in sports medicine, health musculoskeletal medicine, physical activity and exercise medicine and exercise technology. Dr. Zulkarnain has a strong research focus on improving health, fitness, and quality of life through exercise-based interventions and the application of technology in promoting exercise. He has secured numerous research grants and has an extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals. His work also extends to sports injury rehabilitation and sedentary behavior research, contributing to evidence-based approaches in sports science and medicine. In addition to his academic and research roles, Dr. Zulkarnain serves as a research coordinator, grant reviewer, and academic editor for international journals. He has been actively involved in professional services, including serving as a chief classifier for para-sports events (wheelchair tennis, Sailing), contributing to the development of classification systems for athletes with disabilities. His leadership and contributions have made a significant impact on sports medicine and exercise science.
Professor Stephen P. Bird is a leading researcher in the field of Sport and Exercise Science, with a focus on enhancing Strength & Conditioning, Nutritional Supplementation, Performance Science and rehabilitation. He holds a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology & Nutrition from Charles Sturt University, Australia and has dedicated over a decade to understanding the long-term impacts of exercise to physical performance and health. His extensive research includes the effectiveness of strength and conditioning programs, the effects of nutrition on sports performances, and ways to enhance athletic performance.
As a researcher, Professor Stephen Bird collaborates frequently with top institutions and universities and has contributed to numerous research projects aimed at advancing the field of sports science. His primary focus is investigating the application of scientific principles in the development of tailored training programs that maximize athletic performance while minimizing the risk of injury. Professor Stephen Bird also a prominent speaker at international conferences and has published over 90 articles in prestigious scientific journals.
Professor Stephen Bird is also actively involved in academic circles, conducting seminars and workshops for coaches and sports professionals to share his expertise and promote the latest findings in performance sports science. His research contributions has earned him recognition as a leader in the field of high-performance sports.
With an evidence-based approach, Professor Stephen Bird is committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in sports and fitness, ultimately aiming to improve public well-being by promoting effective exercise and healthy living practices.
Prof. Dr. Imam Syafii, M.Kes is an expert in early-age soccer coaching with extensive experience in both academia and sports organizations. Born in Bangkalan on January 24, 1966, he currently resides in Sidoarjo and serves as a lecturer in the Sports Coaching Education Program at the Faculty of Sports Science and Health, Universitas Negeri Surabaya. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Coaching Education from IKIP Surabaya, a Master’s degree in Public Health Science from Universitas Airlangga, and a Doctorate in Sports Science from Universitas Negeri Surabaya.
Beyond his academic career, Prof. Imam Syafii is the founder and owner of several soccer academies, including Indonesia Soccer Academy, Mataram Soccer Academy, Bangkalan Soccer Academy, and Surabaya Soccer Academy. His dedication to sports development is also reflected in his involvement in various organizations. He served as the Person in Charge (PIC) of the Social Sports School under the Real Madrid Foundation from 2012 to 2016. Additionally, he was a committee member of East Java PSSI from 1996 to 2012, the Central PSSI from 2003 to 2007, and East Java KONI from 2012 to 2016. With a deep passion for soccer and sports education, he continues to contribute to the advancement of youth soccer development in Indonesia.