The 13th International conference on fisheries and aquaculture (ICFA) 2026 brings together a distinguished lineup of global speakers from academia, policy, and industry. Our speakers share cutting-edge research, practical insights, and innovative solutions that shape the future of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Join the Aquaculture and Fisheries Conference 2026 to engage with thought leaders who inspire dialogue, collaboration, and impactful change at this premier Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference.
Former Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine &
Founding Director of Putra Science Park
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Malaysia
Dr Mohamed Shariff Mohamed Din obtained his doctorate in Aquatic Veterinary Studies from the University of Stirling, Scotland, and served Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for 49 years. During his tenure, he held several senior academic and administrative positions, including Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Founding Director of Putra Science Park. Under his leadership, Putra Science Park was recognised multiple times with the National Intellectual Property Award for Best IP-Managed Institution. Although retired, Dr Shariff continues to contribute academically as a member of the Research Mentorship Committee at the Institute of Bioscience, UPM, and as an Academic Advisor for the Master’s Programme in Circular Aquaculture at the Faculty of Agriculture. He was the Founding President of the Malaysian Fisheries Society, served as President of the Asian Fisheries Society, and was Editor-in-Chief of Asian Fisheries Science, a Scopus-indexed journal. Dr Shariff has acted as a consultant to several international organisations, including FAO, WIPO, IDRC, ACIAR, and INFOFISH. As an inventor, he has filed 11 patents and successfully commercialised FastTarget, a diagnostic kit for the detection of White Spot Syndrome Virus and Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease in shrimp. This innovation earned multiple awards, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Gold Medal. He has also served extensively as an advisor on intellectual property and technology transfer, contributing as a resource person and consultant for WIPO and related agencies across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Dr Shariff played a pivotal role in the relocation of the WorldFish headquarters from the Philippines to Malaysia. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, listed as a Top Research Scientist Malaysia (TRSM), and has published over 200 scientific papers. His research has focused on aquatic animal husbandry, disease control, and therapeutics in aquaculture.
Ph.D , BEng (Hons), MIEAust, CPEng, NER
Professor,
Chemical & Energy Engineering Department,
Deputy Dean of Graduate School,
Curtin University Malaysia
Professor Dr. Sie Yon Lau is a research-active academic in the Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering and currently serves as the Deputy Dean of the Graduate School at Curtin University Malaysia. His research expertise covers bioprocess engineering and chemical process design, with a primary focus on biological wastewater treatment. Since 2013, he has led funded research on POME treatment using enzymatic pathways and later incorporated enzyme–graphene nanocomposite technologies to address a range of pollutants. His recent work extends to microalgae applications in aquaculture and circular economy approaches for sustainable environmental solutions. Professor Lau has supervised more than 10 PhD candidates, and his research team consistently publishes in high-impact Q1/Q2 journals. To date, he has secured over 10 national and industry-funded research grants with a total value exceeding RM1.5 million. Most recently, he has also been involved in a PETRONAS-funded project to develop an IoT-enabled microalgae harvester unit.
Freshwater Fisheries Deputy Director
The Nature Conservancy
USA
Sui Phang is Deputy Directory of Freshwater Fisheries, on the Provide Food and Water Strategy at The Nature Conservancy. His team supports the conservation of freshwater fish and fisheries in eight countries across Latin America and Africa through community-led co-management and recognition of the key role of small-sale fishers as stewards and experts. He also helps advance policy and research at national regional and global scales, including Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals, for effective policy governance and coherence. Sui is also a member of the Inland Fisheries Alliance and InFish network, and an expert in the recently completed IPBES Nexus Assessment.
Deputy Director,
Fisheries Research Institute,
Department of Fisheries Malaysia
Penang, Malaysia
Kua Beng Chu is a fish parasitologist and public servant with 29 years of experience at the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, where she serves as Senior Deputy Director of the Fisheries Research Institute. Throughout her career, she has secured numerous grants, published over 100 papers, and registered seven intellectual properties. Her work has earned several awards, including the 2021 Commonwealth Innovation Award. Beyond her research, she authors children’s science books to foster a passion for aquatic ecosystems in the next generation.
