Kookmin University, South Korea

Woongchul Choi is a Professor of Automotive Engineering at Kookmin University. He received his Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) from Seoul National University in 1987 and earned his Master of Science and Ph.D. degree both from the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio in 1989 and 1995 respectively. He started his professional career as a founding member of a small high tech venture company specializing in the development of stereoscopic image based flow field measurement system and successfully carried out many research projects with major automotive OEMs. His research interest includes vision based 3-D velocimetry, modeling of advanced vehicles for energy analysis, system integration of advanced vehicles for proof-of-concept, thermal management of energy storage systems, bidirectional interaction between vehicles and electric power grid, strategic placement and operation of charging infra-structure and eco-friendly smart city energy analysis. He has been heavily involved in the development of undergraduate and graduate curricula (BK21+, CK II) through government projects as a department chair. Also, he has carried out various government sponsored and private sector (Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Hyundai Motors, SK) sponsored projects including the development of battery swappable electric bus as a public transportation system, battery pack thermal management system, strategy development of charging infrastructure and more. Recently, he is actively monitoring the charging behavior of electric vehicle owners in Jeju island, Korea to establish the strategy for smart placement of heavily loaded charging infrastructure called EV Charging Theme Park. Lastly, but not the least, his recent research interest includes characterization of battery cells, diagnostics and performance evaluation of battery cells and modules, development of super-fast charging algorithm with little damage to battery cells, and more on the development of early detection algorithm for faulty cells inside battery modules and packs for safer EV battery pack management.  He writes articles to promote the better understanding of EV, charging infrastructures, battery technologies and future mobilities for energy independent smart cities.

Ngai Weng Chan

Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia

Prof. Ngai Weng Chan is a Professor at the School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang, where he has been a faculty member since 1986 . He holds a PhD in Environmental Hazards Management from Middlesex University (UK) and a Master’s degree in Climatology from the University of Malaya. An expert in hydrology, climatology, water resources management, and flood hazard mitigation, his research primarily addresses integrated water resource management, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. He has contributed significantly to the field, authoring over 29 books and 98 book chapters, alongside more than 100 journal papers . Beyond academia, Prof. Chan is an active consultant and a prominent voice in civil society. He currently serves as the President of Water Watch Penang (WWP) and has held leadership roles in international bodies, including Vice-President of the International Water Resources Association (2013–2015) . His work bridges scientific research and practical community engagement in sustainable environmental management.