Dr. Zainul Akmar Zakaria is Associate Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). He is Associate Chair of the School as well as heading the UTMBactec Research Group where he works on biomass valorization and microbial technology. He has published 2 authored books, 9 Edited Books and 13 Book Chapters. One of his research books was awarded the “National Book Award 2018? under the biochemistry category. He is leading or had led various national research projects with cumulative amounts of over RM1.5 million and has been involved as Lead Researcher in other projects with cumulative amounts of RM3.7 million. He has been a Consultant for LJS Environment Australia, Guest Editor for Special Issues in 3 ISI-indexed journals, Evaluator for various International Research Grants, Visiting Scientist to Argentina and Mexico, and Program Head for the UTM-CONICET, Argentina R&D Program.