Dr. Murao is a nationally certified veterinary nurse in Japan and Australia, with 12 years of clinical experience in small animal general and emergency practice. He has 18 years of experience in veterinary nursing education and played a key role in the national certification of veterinary nurses in Japan. In 2008, he became the first veterinary nurse appointed as faculty in a four-year veterinary nursing degree program in Japan and is currently an Associate Professor at Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts. He holds a Ph.D. in animal handling and restraint and has authored textbooks on veterinary nursing and animal handling. He is actively engaged in advancing veterinary nursing education and international collaboration across Asia.

Kimberley Weir is an Australian Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Small Animal Internal Medicine. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2012 with a Bachelor of Applied Science, extended major in Veterinary Technology, and soon after joined Veterinary Specialist Services, where she began her career in specialist nursing.

Kim gained experience across all departments before focusing on internal medicine, an area where she has built considerable expertise. Kim also founded the Gold Coast Animal Blood Bank in 2020, developing it into a thriving and sustainable service.

In 2023, Kim achieved her VTS qualification in Small Animal Internal Medicine, becoming one of only two technicians in Australia to hold this credential. The following year, she was recognised as the VNCA Veterinary Nurse/Technician of the Year for her contributions to the profession and her commitment to advancing standards of care.

Anita is an experienced veterinary nurse and Employee Engagement Officer at Veterinary Specialist Services, a multi-site referral hospital group in Australia where she encourages staff wellbeing, diversity and professional development. She holds advanced qualifications in surgery and emergency / critical care and is a Registered and Accredited Veterinary Nurse. Internationally credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner and Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia. Anita is the President of the AVTAA and founder of N.I.T. Nurses In Training and volunteers on many committees to ensure the progression of the industry.

Dr. Minako is a veterinarian from Japan who is living in Malaysia. She travels between Japan and Malaysia to provide her original field of veterinary grief care  to pets and people.

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Pets have become important in our life today, and the attachment between pets and people is getting stronger. When we need to inform the owner of a disease, strong grief must happen to the owner and us. 

Pets might have anxiety and fear when they see the negative expressions of the medical staff and the owner because pets can't understand any reason. I say it is grief on pets and created my field "veterinary  grief care". It can help the mental health of pets with disease and enriches  their quality of life. And it is not only helping the pet, but also the owner,  veterinarian, and nurse. I'm focusing on training nurses to practice veterinary  grief care in their animal hospital. I will explain veterinary grief care in my lecture which will be necessary in the future.

Dr. Soojung Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Companion Animal Health at Yeonsung University, Korea, and a licensed veterinarian in Korea. She earned her PhD in Veterinary Surgery from the University of Tokyo, Japan. Her primary teaching areas include Introduction to Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, and Emergency and Critical Care Nursing. Dr. Lee’s professional interests focus on animal welfare and shelter activities, research in animal stem cell therapy, clinical skills education, disaster medicine, and the expanding professional roles of veterinary nurses in modern veterinary practice. She actively contributes to educational programs, scholarly activities, and conference initiatives aimed at advancing the professionalism and global role of veterinary nursing.

Melissa is an emergency and critical care veterinary nurse in Western Sydney with over 10 years’ experience. She is passionate about training and education, holding her VTS (ECC), diplomas in ECC and GP, Certificate IV TAE, and proudly practices as an RVN and AVN. She has been published in the AVNJ, lectured nationally, and was awarded the 2024 Louise O’Dwyer VTS Aspiration Award. Melissa volunteers with the VNCA and founded the Veterinary Care Training Academy to support industry growth. She also hosts VetCare Talk Time, exploring the realities—good, bad, and messy—of veterinary life.

Leo Gonzaga is a veterinary technology professional with nearly six years of experience in animal health, wildlife conservation, laboratory diagnostics, hospital operations, and higher education. He has held supervisory and officer-in-charge roles, leading health management programs, systemizing medical and laboratory records, and supporting disease surveillance initiatives. He currently serves as President of the Philippine Veterinary Technologist and Nurses Association (PVTNA), where he leads initiatives on professional development, policy advocacy, and the advancement of veterinary technologists’ roles in animal welfare and public health.

Faith Nicole A. Moncada is an Instructor at the Veterinary Technology Department of Davao del Sur State College, Philippines. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from the University of Southern Mindanao and a Master of Science in Zoology (minor in Veterinary Medicine) from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Her professional interests include veterinary parasitology, veterinary public health, companion animal care, and wildlife. She has clinical experience in veterinary practice and remains involved in limited clinical work and volunteer service with a local animal rescue organization alongside her academic and research roles.

Harnesh Kaur is the SEA Health & Wellbeing Manager at Mars, where she has been for over 3 years, supporting teams across Southeast Asia. She partners with leaders to embed health, wellbeing, and inclusion into the organizational culture, driving impact across diverse markets.

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With over a decade of experience in corporate health, Harnesh has worked closely with senior leaders to design and implement strategies that improve employee wellbeing, mental health, and inclusion. Her career spans clinical, community, and corporate health, giving her a unique ability to bridge evidence-based practice with practical organizational impact.

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Beyond her corporate role, Harnesh is also a certified Sound Healer and Clinical Hypnotherapist, integrating holistic approaches that support resilience, mental health and personal growth.

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Outside of work, she’s a proud mother to Jay and Jesleen, and pet parent to Daisy, who all continue to inspire her to live and lead with empathy, kindness, and purpose.