I am a researcher in human genetics specialising in copy number variations (CNVs) and the impacts of such genetic variations in human health. I am equipped with a comprehensive research background which include biotechnology (BSc), human molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, cytogenetics, molecular and cellular biology, bioinformatics, high-performance computing and biostatistics (MSc, PhD). My aim is always to promote wellness and lifestyle solutions through scientifically-driven values and tools in providing personalised disease screenings, therapeutics and preventive strategies, specifically using structural genomic variations (and other genetic variations) as potential therapeutic and screening targets for non-communicable diseases, also known as NCDs (i.e. cancer, obesity, diabetes). As an educator, I always believe in the importance of education to create long-lasting awareness in health.  Specifically, I am interested to investigate differential patterns of structural genomic variations in order to identify the plausible causes, or origins of NCDs in our Malaysian population. I am fascinated by the diversity of our ethnic composition and intrigued to see the genetic patterns of such diverse background. Given the opportunity and the right collaborations, it is hoped that together, we could delineate the genomic architecture of our unique population, which could eventually provide more informative data that are beneficial in our fight against such diseases. My previous work thus far has involved the integration of various bioinformatics components in genetic analytics, and I would like to continue doing so since big data technology is becoming a norm in current and future biological scientific research.

Dr. Mohd Aizat Bin Mohd Zain is a dedicated Senior Lecturer and researcher whose work investigates the molecular and behavioral mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. His long-term goal is to develop a new theory on the pathophysiology of mental disorders, especially schizophrenia, which may help in developing more effective treatments. To achieve this, he is particularly interested in the areas of neurophysiology and psychiatry. Education and Foundational Research Dr. Aizat's academic journey is rooted in the University of Malaya, where he obtained his Bachelor of Biomedical Science (2009). He continued his specialization at the institution, earning his Master of Medical Science (2013) with a dissertation focused on "Gene Expression and Association Analyses of HTR2A and PDLIM5 Genes in Bipolar Disorder." He completed his doctoral studies, achieving a PhD in Medical Science (2019) in the specialized field of behavioural cognitive neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Molecular Biology. His PhD thesis, "Investigation on the Role of PDLIM5 Gene in Cognitive Function Using Mouse Models," paved his expertise in translational neurobiology and the use of sophisticated animal models to study human mental disorders. Research Focus, Impact, and Publications Dr. Aizat's core research investigates how dendritic spine abnormalities contribute to cognitive impairment observed in neuropsychiatric conditions, specifically depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. He employs a multi-faceted approach, specializing in rodents cognitive behavioral testing, animal model development, and molecular profiling to identify brain region-specific changes and potential biomarkers. His contributions to the field are evidenced by several publications and citations in reputable, peer-reviewed Q1 and Q2 journals. He has earned competitive funding, including the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and the Tun Ahmad Sarji Research Endowment Grant (TASREF) to pursue his research interests. Beyond publication, Dr. Aizat is an active member of the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences and regularly engages with the global scientific community. This includes serving as an Invited International Keynote Speaker and Webinar Speaker on the neurobiology of learning and memory, and acting as a scientific judge and external reviewer for international conferences and academic institutions. Professional Experience Currently, Dr. Aizat serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya (since August 2025). His professional career includes significant academic leadership, previously holding roles as a Senior Lecturer and Head of Programme at University College MAIWP (UCMI), and as a Lecturer and Head of Department at Mahsa University. He has also successfully completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Malaya and contributed to vital public health initiatives, including coordinated research on nicotine addiction; breast and colorectal cancers; AIDS among fishermen in northern Malaysia; and investigating health status among coastal communities in Sabah. This highlights his commitment to applying his scientific knowledge to address societal needs and challenges.  

Lee Kean Yew (John Lee Kean Yew) was born in Jinjang New Village, Malaysia, and is of Hakka descent from Huizhou, China. He earned a PhD in Economics and Administration from the Asia-Europe Institute at the University of Malaya. Earlier in his career, he served as the Academic Director of the Centre for Malaysia Chinese Studies, conducting scholarly research on Malaysia’s Chinese community and publishing his findings in books, conference proceedings, and a bilingual journal. He is presently a senior lecturer and a full member of both the Department of Chinese Studies and the Malaysian Chinese Research Centre (MCRC) at the University of Malaya, where his research spans overseas Chinese business, cultural studies, and ethical dimensions of religion in business, as well as contemporary Buddhism. Among his responsibilities is fostering mutual understanding and facilitating collaboration between Malaysian Chinese communities and overseas enterprises. His research interests include entrepreneurial economics, innovation management, Chinese business studies, Asian ethnicity, and development studies. He aims to enhance interactions between Malaysian firms and governments, strengthen ties among Malaysian and international businesses, and contribute to the development of Malaysia’s economic and trade relations with Europe and China. Recently, he joined the International Council of Small Businesses (ICSB) to support the growth and development of small enterprises in Malaysia. He also holds a one-year diploma in Buddhist Studies from the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. Publicly, Lee has published in both English and Chinese. In 2018, he received the Best Thesis Award at the 11th TSC Thesis Awards (Oscar of the Management Academic World). He has been invited to international conferences in Malaysia, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, and many of his papers are indexed in the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases. As Malaysia moves into the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, he co-authored, with colleagues from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT) Malaysia, the work “Ten Years of Achievement: The Belt and Road Initiative’s Contribution to Malaysia’s Economic Growth” (2023). He also authored the English monograph “Chinese Family Businesses in Malaysia : Fostering Tacit Knowledge Innovation” (Routledge, 2025). His research areas remain focused on Chinese family firms, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation management, Buddhist studies, overseas Chinese studies, and China–Malaysia economic development. He continues to pursue scholarly endeavors alongside his ongoing roles at University of Malaya and researchers within the Department of Chinese Studies,  MCRC and Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies (Huayan). He also holds a one-year Buddhist Studies diploma from the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University.