Conference Speakers

Prof. Zhao Xu (Keynote Speaker)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China

Biography: Prof. Zhao Xu received the B.Eng. degree from Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, in 1996, the M.Eng. degree from the National University of Singapore, Singapore, in 2002, and the Ph.D. degree from The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, in 2006, all in electrical engineering. From 2006 to 2010, he was an Assistant and then an Associate Professor with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark. Since 2010, he has been with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, where he is currently a Professor with the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Leader of Smart Grid Research Area. He is also a foreign Associate Staff of the Centre for Electric Technology, Technical University of Denmark. His research interests include smart grid, renewable energy, and applications of AI and big data analytics. He has extensive research project experiences involving collaborations with academia, industrial, and business sectors. Prof. Xu was the recipient of several awards for research excellence, including the 2017 State Award in Nature Science from MOE, China. He is currently the Chairman of the IEEE Hong Kong Joint Chapter of PES/IELS/IAS/PELS. He has served/is serving as an editor for a number of IEEE Transactions and IET journals.

Prof. Hazlie Mokhlis (Keynote Speaker)

University of Malaysia, Malaysia

Title of speech: Nature Inspired Optimization in Power System Research: Towards Sustainability and Climate Actions

Abstract: Research in power system optimization has evolved from focusing primarily on conventional analysis such as unit commitment, load flow, and economic dispatch to addressing more complex challenges. These challenges include integration of various technologies such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and smart grids into power systems. Additionally, the increasing frequency of extreme and unpredictable weather events necessitates optimization to enhance the resilience of power system networks. Some research efforts have explored nature-inspired optimization techniques such as Genetic Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Evolutionary Programming to achieve optimal planning and operation of power systems. The primary aim of this talk is to discuss the application of these nature-inspired optimization methods in modern power system research. The current challenges facing power systems, particularly those related to renewable energy integration and extreme weather events, will be examined. Potential research areas addressing these challenges through nature-inspired optimization techniques will be highlighted. Finally, examples of research projects utilizing these methods will be presented to illustrate their practical applications.

Biography: Hazlie Mokhlis obtained the Bachelor of Engineering degree and Master of Engineering Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Malaya in 1999 and 2003 respectively. In 2009, he received his PhD degree from the University of Manchester. Currently he is Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Malaya. He is active researcher that has published more than 300 publications in Power and Energy Systems and supervised to completion 40 PhD, and more than 60 Master students. His outstanding research had been recognized in top 2% scientists by Stanford University in 2020 to 2025. He was awarded Top Research Scientist Malaysia by Academic Science Malaysia in 2021 and appointed as Fellow of Academic Science Malaysia in 2024. Besides research, he is active in the development of few Malaysian Standard related to power systems. His research interests focus on improving distribution system performance and resiliency against extreme weather. Prof Hazlie is a Chartered Engineer United Kingdom, Professional Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia, Fellow IET, and Senior member of IEEE. He was Chapter chair for IEEE PES Malaysia session 2020-2022.