Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamad, UKM, Malaysia

Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamad is a pioneer in the research of plant taxonomy and conservation biology. His almost 40 years of research on Malaysian flora have led to greater understanding of taxonomy as a field which is essential for the rich biodiversity of the country and environmental conservation.

Professor Latiff has led more than 30 scientific expeditions in various states throughout Malaysia. As a champion of environmental conservation, Professor Latiff says, “It is difficult to put a value on the importance of conservation.”

Throughout his 40 years in research, he has named one new genus of plant, 18 plant species new to science, and added numerous new records to the Flora of Malaysia. His efforts have led to greater understanding of taxonomy as a field which is essential for the rich biodiversity of the country.