Curriculum Vitae
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
-
PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS
-
MOLECULAR MARKER
-
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION
- PGCHE, (HIGHER EDUCATION)University of Nottingham
- PhD Genetics, (Genetik)Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- BSc(Hons) Biology, (Biologi)Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
- Acting Head of Department08 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024 (Department)
- Supervisor05 Dec 2022 - 20 Jan 2023 (Department)
- Programme Coordinator13 Aug 2020 - 30 Sep 2022 (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science)
- Academic Advisor01 Sep 2020 - 01 Sep 2022 (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science)
- Penyelaras Projek Akhir Tahun Bioteknologi01 Sep 2017 - 31 May 2020 (Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science)
MEMBERSHIPS
- YOUNG SCIENTISTS NETWORK-ACADEMY OF SCIENCES MALAYSIA (YSN-ASM), MEMBER2023 to present (National)
- FELLOW, THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACADEMY (UK), MEMBERSince 2016 (International)
- GENETICS SOCIETY OF MALAYSIA, MEMBERSince 2009 (National)
- MALAYSIA BOARD OF TECHNOLOGISTS , MEMBER2021 to 2022 (National)
- UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (US), FELLOW2018 to 2019 (International)
- THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM, OTHERS2013 to 2016 (University)
AWARD AND STEWARDSHIP
- The Loreal-UNESCO For Women in Science 2023L'Oreal, 2023 (International)
- ITEX2023ITEX, 2023 (International)
- EXCELLENCE SERVICE AWARDUniversity of Malaya, 2022 (University)
- CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENT SERVICEUniversity of Malaya, 2021 (University)
- Professional TechnologistMalaysia Board of Technologist, 2021 (National)
- The Belt and Road Initiative Advanced Training Program Modern Agriculture and The FutureShanghai Jiao Tong University, China, 2019 (University)
- Borlaug FellowshipUnited States Department of Agriculture, United States , 2019 (International)
- Higher Education Academy Fellowship (PGCHE)The Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom, 2017 (International)
- National Science FellowshipMinistry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia, 2009 (Government)
PUBLICATIONS
Article in Journal
WoS
-
Azmi, Nurul Syafiqah Noor; Ng, Yin Mei; Masud, Muhammad Mehedi; Cheng, Acga (2024). Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of farmers towards urban agroecology in Malaysia, HELIYON. 10(12). doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33365
-
Cheng, Acga; Sadali, Najiah Mohd; Rejab, Nur Ardiyana; Uludag, Ahmet (2024). Piece and parcel of gymnosperm organellar genomes, PLANTA. 260(1). doi:10.1007/s00425-024-04449-4
-
Sethuraman, Gomathy; Zain, Nurul Amalina Mohd; Osman, Normaniza; Ismail, Mohd Razi; Mispan, Muhamad Shakirin; Hanafiah, Noraikim Mohd; Cheng, Acga (2024). Individual and concurrent effects of heat and drought stress on the growth and yield of two Malaysian rice cultivars, CHILEAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH. 84(5), 709-717. doi:10.4067/S0718-58392024000500709
-
Yee, Chong Shin; Ilham, Zul; Cheng, Acga; Rahim, Muhamad Hafiz Abd; Hajar-Azhari, Siti; Yuswan, Mohd Hafis; Zaini, Nurul Aqilah Mohd; Reale, Anna; Di Renzo, Tiziana; Wan-Mohtar, Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad (2024). Optimisation of fermentation conditions for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-rich soy sauce, HELIYON. 10(13). doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33147
-
Azhar, Natasya Nabilla Hairon; Cheng, Acga; Lee, Siang Yin; Rahman, Nor Mas Mira; Ang, Desmond Teck-Chye (2023). Development of natural rubber with enhanced oxidative degradability, POLYMER BULLETIN. . doi:10.1007/s00289-022-04240-z
-
Cheng, Acga; Azhar, Natasya Nabilla Hairon; Abdullah, Rosazlin; Lee, Siang Yin; Ang, Desmond Teck-Chye (2023). Degradation of oxo-biodegradable rubber and its impact on ecosystem services, EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL. 190. doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2023.112026
-
Cheng, Acga; Gajic, Gordana; Doni, Febri (2023). Editorial: Soil biota and climate smart crops, FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE. 14. doi:10.3389/fpls.2023.1250831
-
Yusof, Fairuz Fatini Mohd; Zain, Nurul Amalina Mohd; Osman, Normaniza; Lim, Phaik Eem; Cheng, Acga; Gautam, Ayushi; Guleria, Praveen; Kumar, Vineet; Yaacob, Jamilah Syafawati (2023). Acclimation of Polygonum minus Huds. to Low Light Irradiance and Its Effects on Growth, Leaf Gas Exchange and Antioxidant Defense, JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION. . doi:10.1007/s00344-023-11076-y
-
Azhar, Natasya Nabilla Hairon; Ang, Desmond Teck-Chye; Abdullah, Rosazlin; Harikrishna, Jennifer Ann; Cheng, Acga (2022). Bio-Based Materials Riding the Wave of Sustainability: Common Misconceptions, Opportunities, Challenges and the Way Forward, SUSTAINABILITY. 14(9). doi:10.3390/su14095032
-
Azhar, Natasya Nabilla Hairon; Cheng, Acga; Lee, Siang Yin; Ang, Desmond Teck Chye (2022). Thermal and photo oxidative degradation of natural rubber film in the presence of iron (III) stearate, JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH. 29(11). doi:10.1007/s10965-022-03316-8
-
Cheng, Acga; Harikrishna, Jennifer Ann; Redwood, Charles S.; Lit, Lei Cheng; Nath, Swapan K.; Chua, Kek Heng (2022). Genetics Matters: Voyaging from the Past into the Future of Humanity and Sustainability, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES. 23(7). doi:10.3390/ijms23073976
-
Cheng, Acga; Lim, Wai Yin; Lim, Phaik-Eem; Amri, Affendi Yang; Poong, Sze-Wan; Song, Sze-Looi; Ilham, Zul (2022). Marine Autotroph-Herbivore Synergies: Unravelling the Roles of Macroalgae in Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, BIOLOGY-BASEL. 11(8). doi:10.3390/biology11081209
-
Cheng, Acga; Mohd Hanafiah, Noraikim; Harikrishna, Jennifer Ann; Eem, Lim Phaik; Baisakh, Niranjan; Mispan, Muhamad Shakirin (2022). A Reappraisal of Polyploidy Events in Grasses (Poaceae) in a Rapidly Changing World, BIOLOGY-BASEL. 11(5). doi:10.3390/biology11050636
-
Cheng, Acga; Noor Azmi, Nurul Syafiqah; Ng, Yin Mei; Lesueur, Didier; Yusoff, Sumiani (2022). Appraising Agroecological Urbanism: A Vision for the Future of Sustainable Cities, SUSTAINABILITY. 14(2). doi:10.3390/su14020590
-
Hanafiah, Noraikim Mohd; Cheng, Acga; Lim, Phaik-Eem; Sethuraman, Gomathy; Zain, Nurul Amalina Mohd; Baisakh, Niranjan; Mispan, Muhamad Shakirin (2022). Novel PCR-Based Multiplex Assays for Detecting Major Quality and Biotic Stress in Commercial and Weedy Rice, LIFE-BASEL. 12(10). doi:10.3390/life12101542
-
Loo, Wan Teng; Chua, Kah-Ooi; Mazumdar, Purabi; Cheng, Acga; Osman, Normaniza; Harikrishna, Jennifer Ann (2022). Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis: A Strategy for Mitigating the Impacts of Climate Change on Tropical Legume Crops, PLANTS-BASEL. 11(21). doi:10.3390/plants11212875
-
Kugan, H. M., Rejab, N. A., Sahruzaini, N. A., Harikrishna, J. A., Baisakh, N., & Cheng, A. C. (2021). Circadian Rhythms in Legumes: What Do We Know and What Else Should We Explore? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(9), 15. doi: 10.3390/ijms22094588
-
Sethuraman, G., Zain, N. A. M., Yusoff, S., Ng, Y. M., Baisakh, N., & Cheng, A. (2021). Revamping Ecosystem Services through Agroecology-The Case of Cereals. Agriculture-Basel, 11(3), 14. doi: 10.3390/agriculture11030204
-
Azman, A., Ng, K. K. S., Ng, C. H., Lee, C. T., Tnah, L. H., Zakaria, N. F., . . . Lee, S. L. (2020). Low genetic diversity indicating the threatened status of Rhizophora apiculata (Rhizophoraceae) in Malaysia: declined evolution meets habitat destruction. Scientific reports, 10(1), 12. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-76092-4
-
Hanafiah, Noraikim Mohd; Mispan, Muhamad Shakirin; Lim, Phaik Eem; Baisakh, Niranjan; Cheng, Acga (2020). The 21st Century Agriculture: When Rice Research Draws Attention to Climate Variability and How Weedy Rice and Underutilized Grains Come in Handy, PLANTS-BASEL. 9(3). doi:10.3390/plants9030365
-
Raai, Murthazar Naim; Zain, Nurul Amalina Mohd; Osman, Normaniza; Rejab, Nur Ardiyana; Sahruzaini, Nurul Amylia; Cheng, Acga (2020). Effects of shading on the growth, development and yield of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), CIENCIA RURAL. 50(2). doi:10.1590/0103-8478cr20190570
-
Sahruzaini, Nurul Amylia; Rejab, Nur Ardiyana; Harikrishna, Jennifer Ann; Khairul Ikram, Nur Kusaira; Ismail, Ismanizan; Kugan, Hazel Marie; Cheng, Acga (2020). Pulse Crop Genetics for a Sustainable Future: Where We Are Now and Where We Should Be Heading, FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE. 11. doi:10.3389/fpls.2020.00531
-
Yin, L. W., Eem, L. P., Amri, A. Y., Looi, S. S., & Cheng, A. (2020). Exploring the role of macroalgal traits on the feeding behaviour of a generalist herbivore in Malaysian waters. Botanica Marina, 63(5), 407-417. doi: 10.1515/bot-2020-0029
-
Cheng, Acga; Raai, Murthazar Naim; Zain, Nurul Amalina Mohd; Massawe, Festo; Singh, Ajit; Wan-Mohtar, Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad (2019). In search of alternative proteins: unlocking the potential of underutilized tropical legumes, FOOD SECURITY. 11(6), 1205-1215. doi:10.1007/s12571-019-00977-0
-
Wan-Mohtar, Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad; Klaus, Anita; Cheng, Acga; Salis, Shardana Aiga; Halim-Lim, Sarina Abdul (2019). Total quality index of commercial oyster mushroom Pleurotus sapidus in modified atmosphere packaging, BRITISH FOOD JOURNAL. 121(8), 1871-1883. doi:10.1108/BFJ-06-2018-0408
-
Cheng, Acga (2018). Shaping a sustainable food future by rediscovering long-forgotten ancient grains, PLANT SCIENCE. 269, 136-142. doi:10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.01.018
-
Cheng, Acga; Ismail, Ismanizan; Osman, Mohamad; Hashim, Habibuddin; Zainual, Nur Samahah Mohd (2017). Rapid and targeted introgression of fgr gene through marker-assisted backcrossing in rice (Oryza sativa L.), GENOME. 60(12), 1045-1050. doi:10.1139/gen-2017-0100
-
Cheng, Acga; Mayes, Sean; Dalle, Gemedo; Demissew, Sebsebe; Massawe, Festo (2017). Diversifying crops for food and nutrition security - a case of teff, BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS. 92(1), 188-198. doi:10.1111/brv.12225
-
Massawe, Festo; Mayes, Sean; Cheng, Acga (2016). Crop Diversity: An Unexploited Treasure Trove for Food Security, TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE. 21(5), 365-368. doi:10.1016/j.tplants.2016.02.006
Others
-
Cheng, A.; Massawe, F.; Ismanizan, I.; Mohamad, O. & Habibuddin, H. (2015). High resolution agarose-based system for single-tube genotyping of fgr and Waxy genes in rice: MAGE to displace PAGE?. Plant Omics, 8(4): 348-352.
-
Cheng, A.; Ismanizan, I.; Mohamad, O. & Habibuddin, H. (2014). Mapping of quantitative trait loci for aroma, amylose content and grain elongation traits in rice. Plant Omics, 7(3): 152-157.
-
Cheng, A.; Ismanizan, I.; Mohamad, O. & Habibuddin, H. (2012). Simple and rapid molecular techniques for identification of amylose levels in rice varieties. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 13: 6156-6166.
Chapter in Books
- Cheng, A. et al. (2017). Molecular marker technology for genetic improvement of underutilised crops. In: Abdullah S., Chai-Ling H., Wagstaff C. (eds) Crop Improvement. Springer, Cham.
Article in Proceeding
- Kugan, H.M., Sahruzaini, N.A., Rejab, N.A. & Cheng, A. (2021) Progress in pulse crop genetics for a sustainable food future. The 14th Malaysia International Genetics Congress (MiGC14). ISBN 978-967-16583-4-5 and eISBN 978-967-16583-5-2.
RESEARCH PROJECT
National
- 2024 - 2027, UNIVERSITI MALAYA RESEARCH EXCELLENCE GRANT (UMREG)Development of an Innovative and Cost-Effective Green Infrastructure System for Climate and Community Resilience in Urban Malaysia ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2024 - 2027, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)Elucidating Mycorrhiza-induced Systemic Drought Tolerance In Aerobic Rice For Climate-resilient Agriculture ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2022 - 2024, UM International Collaboration GrantMolecular evolution of plant organellar (plastid and mitochondrial) genomes ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2020 - 2023, RU Geran - Fakulti ProgramFrom Science To Society: Exploring The Potential Of Oxo-biodegradable Rubber And Its Impacts On Soil Functions And Ecosystem Services ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2020 - 2023, Others MOHE - Top 100 (IIRG)-FNWDissecting The Interactions Between Legumes And Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi In Urban Habitat Under Climate Change ( Co-Researcher)
- 2020 - 2023, Others MOHE - Top 100 (IIRG)-FNWFrom Science To Society: Exploring The Potential Of Urban Agroecology In Malaysia ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2019 - 2021, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)Elucidating The Role Of Circadian Clock Genes In The Tropical Legume Winged Bean (psophocarpus Tetragonolobus) ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2017 - 2019, RU OperationMarine Plant-herbivore Synergies: Plant Traits That Predict Consumption Rates And Preferences Of Generalists Herbivores ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2017 - 2019, Bantuan Kecil Penyelidikan (BKP)Growth, physiological, and biochemical responses of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) to different light regimes ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2017 - 2019, Bantuan Kecil Penyelidikan (BKP)Production of exopolysaccharide by Malaysian-cultivated medicinal mushrooms (MCMM) in a repeated-batch fermentation ( Co-Researcher)
Private
- 2022 - 2025, Private FundingExploring The Nutritional Properties Of Spent Mushroom Substrate-based Fodder For Livestock ( Co-Researcher)
- 2023 - 2025, Private FundingExpanding The Molecular Toolbox For Rice (oryza Sativa L.): Strengthening Food Security In The Face Of Climate Change ( Principal Investigator(PI))
- 2024 - 2025, Private FundingDeciphering The Crosstalk Between Aerobic Rice And Soil Microbes Under A Changing Climate ( Principal Investigator(PI))
International
- 2022 - 2024, United States Department of AgricultureMalaysia: Exploitation of Drought Stress Tolerance-Related Genes for Rice Improvement in the Face of Climate Change, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge ( Co-Researcher)
PAPER PRESENTED
INVITED SPEAKER
- Agroecology Meets the City, International Workshop on Development of Food Green Cities for Urban Sustainability, NAM S&T Centre (International) (26 Apr 2022 - 27 Apr 2022)
ORAL PRESENTER
- A Research Paradigm in Rice Genetics, International Conference on Cell Biology and Cellular Processes, Science Net (International) (20 Feb 2024 - 21 Feb 2024)
- Cheng, A. & Rahman, S.A.S.A. (2022). Agriculture in the 21st Century: Where Plant Breeding Meets Agroecology, IPBC2022, Genetics Society of Malaysia (International) (08 Mar 2022 - 09 Mar 2022)
- Cheng, A. (2020). A research paradigm in cereal genetics: En-route to a sustainable future, Climate Change Adaptations in Dryland Agriculture in Semi-Arid Areas, NAM S&T Centre (International) (23 Jul 2020 - 23 Jul 2020)
- Lim, W. Y; Lim, P. E.; Amri, Y. A; Lim, S. C.; Zulkarnai, L. S.; and Cheng, A. (2019). Autotroph-herbivore synergies: Characteristics of macroalgae that predict consumption rates and preferences of generalist herbivores, 3rd South China Sea , Kuala Lumpur (International) (23 Jun 2019 - 28 Jun 2019)
- Cheng, A. (2017). There is far more to underutilised cereals than meets the eye, Global Conference on Plant Science and Molecular Biology, Valencia, Spain (International) (11 Sep 2017 - 13 Sep 2017)
POSTER PRESENTER
- AGROECOLOGY IN THE CITY: THE KEY TO FUTURE URBAN FOOD SUSTAINABILITY, KASA Climate Change E-Colloquium 2021, Ministry Of Environment And Water (National) (28 May 2021 - 28 May 2021)
- Tan, W. Y.; Yeong, H. Y.; Song, S. L.; Cheng, A.; and Phang, S. M. (2019) Isolation and molecular characterization of selected Malaysian thraustochytrids., 3rd South China Sea , Kuala Lumpur (International) (24 Jun 2019 - 28 Jun 2019)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
- Agroecology meets the city: Wholesomeness from urban farm to fork, Food Science Conference 2022, Scientific Meditech (International) (01 Jul 2022 - 02 Jul 2022)
OTHERS
- The Potential of Underutilized Legumes as Alternative Proteins to Soybean and Meat, 23rd, BSGC 2018 (International) (17 Dec 2018 - 20 Dec 2018)
ACADEMIC/PROF. SERVICES
Evaluation
- (2023) Internal Examiner for Master Dissertation Examination, University, (Internal Examiner)
- (2020) Thesis & Viva Voce (PhD Candidate) , (Internal Examiner)
Contribution to external organisation
- (2018) Social Committee Member for the 3rd South China Sea (SCS) Conference, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES)
- (2017) Social Committee Member for the 8th Asian Pacific Phycological Forum (APPF 2017), Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES)
- (2017) Scientific Committee Member for the 3rd International Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology 2018, International Institute of Knowledge Management
- (2015) Secretariat for the 2nd International Conference on Crop Improvement, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Contribution to event
- (2022) Symposium, International, (Event Organiser)
- (2021) The Climate is Rapidly Changing, So Should You: Why Food Diversification Matters, University, (Panelist/Moderator)
SUPERVISION
Postgraduate Student
PhD/ Doctoral
-
(2024) ELUCIDATING MYCORRHIZA-INDUCED SYSTEMIC DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN AEROBIC RICE FOR CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE, LAU JING YI
-
(2024) ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES OF URBAN AGROECOLOGY IN THE MALAYSIAN CONTEXT, NURUL SYAFIQAH NOOR AZMI
-
(2024) DEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATIVE AND COST-EFFECTIVE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM FOR CLIMATE AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN URBAN MALAYSIA, IMRAN BIN IDRIS
-
(2024) MICROPROPAGATION, SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS AND GENETIC FIDELITY ASSESSMENT OF PEPPER (Piper Nigrum L.), KHO PEI EE
-
(2020) GROWTH AND BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES OF MALAYSIAN RICE SUBJECTED TO CLIMATE CHANGE UNDER POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION, Gomathy A/P Sethuraman
-
(2020) DEVELOPMENT OF OXO- BIODEGRADABLE RUBBERS AND EXPLORATION OF ITS POTENTIAL IMPACT TO ECOSYSTEM SERVICES, NATASYA NABILLA BINTI HAIRON AZHAR
-
(2020) DEVELOPMENT OF MOLECULAR TOOLBOXES FOR SIMULTANEOUS ANALYSES OF MULTIPLE KEY TRAITS IN CULTIVATED AND WEEDY RICE (Oryza sativa L.), NORAIKIM BINTI MOHD HANAFIAH
Master
-
(2020) Identification and characterization of circadian clock genes ELF4 and LUX in tropical legume winged bean, Hazel Marie Kugan
-
(2019) IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CIRCADIAN CLOCK GENE IN WINGED BEAN (PSOPHOCARPUS TETRAGONOLOBUS), NURUL AMYLIA BINTI SAHRUZAINI
-
(2018) POPULATION GENETICS OF Rhizophora apiculata (BAKAU MINYAK) USING MOLECULAR MARKERS, AMELIA BINTI AZMAN
-
(2017) MARINE PLANT-HERBIVORE SYNERGIES: PLANT TRAITS THAT PREDICT THE CONSUMPTION RATES AND PREFERENCES OF GENERALIST HERBIVORES, LIM WAI YIN
-
(2017) GROWTH, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF WINGED BEAN (PHOSPHOCARPUS TETRAGONOLOBUS) TO DIFFERENT LIGHT REGIMES, MURTHAZAR NAIM BIN RAAI
TEACHING
Master
- (2022) SQI7011 - Future Food Sustainability
- (2022) SQG7012 - Molecular Techniques in Crop Protection
- (2021) SQI7011 - Future Food Sustainability
- (2019) SQG7012 - Molecular Techniques in Crop Protection
Bachelor
- (2023) SIO3015 - Current Topics in Biotechnology
- (2023) SIO2015 - Plant Biotechnology
- (2023) SIO2011 - Plant Breeding
- (2022) SIO3015 - Current Topics in Biotechnology
- (2022) SIO2011 - Plant Breeding
- (2021) SIO3015 - Current Topics in Biotechnology
- (2021) SIO2011 - Plant Breeding
- (2020) SIO3015 - Current Topics in Biotechnology
- (2020) SIO2011 - Plant Breeding
- (2020) SIO3005 - Research Project in Biotechnology
- (2020) SIO3015 - Current Topics in Biotechnology
- (2020) SIX1002 - Ethics and Safety
- (2019) SIO2011 - Plant Breeding
- (2018) SIO2008 - Basic Bioinformatics
PATENT/IPR
- A method of producing oxo-biodegradable natural rubberPATENT