Professor Dr. Chua Kek Heng is an accomplished senior professor and Head of the Department of Biomedical Science at the University of Malaya. His research expertise spans a broad range of topics including disease polymorphism, mutation investigation, bacterial virulence factor characterization, and diagnostic kit development. Professor Chua's commitment and hard work have led to over 200 original publications, making significant contributions to science and technology. His research has not only led to novel scientific innovations but has also improved our understanding of human disease and its associations with genetic factors and microorganisms. As a mentor and educator, Professor Chua is dedicated to training and preparing his younger staff, colleagues, and students to excel in biological research, building the next generation of scientific leaders. One of Professor Chua's significant achievements is his contribution to the study of genotyping of diseases, which has resulted in the successful mapping of important disease-predisposing markers for systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn’s disease, and retinopathy in the Malaysian population. These findings have helped predict disease development and allow for early preventive measures. His research has also led to the development of innovative approaches, tests, and kits that allow for more cost-effective, rapid, sensitive, and specific detection and confirmation of human diseases and microbial infections. Professor Chua's efforts have been recognized at the national and international levels, with over 1500 intellectual properties, including national and international patents, trademarks, and copyrights. One of his most successful inventions is the PlasmoNex diagnostic kit for malaria, which was developed in 2011. This kit is the world's first PCR-based malaria detection system that can detect all five different species of Plasmodium (malaria parasites) in a single test. In addition to his research accomplishments, Professor Chua is also an active member of several national committees and panels, evaluating numerous grants and projects, and organizing national and international workshops to train young Malaysian researchers in molecular "bench" skills. He has delivered over a hundred presentations at various seminars, expositions, and conferences and has acted as a reviewer for many ISI (WOS) publications and international grants in his field. Professor Chua has represented the University of Malaya in numerous national and international exhibitions and competitions, receiving over 100 prestigious national and international awards, including the MTSF Science and Technology Award 2022, Biotechnology Asia Award 2005, Best Invention in Biotechnology Award 2006, USA INPEX Grand Prix Award 2008, National Intellectual Property Award 2013, World Halal Excellent Innovation Award 2013, and Top Research Scientist Malaysia 2017. He has also received recognition for his contributions to academic service and teaching, including the Excellent Lecturer Award in 2014 and Best Lecturer for Biomedical Science Teaching 2017. Overall, Professor Chua's tireless dedication to scientific research, mentorship, and innovation has resulted in significant advancements in disease detection and prevention, making him an outstanding scientist and an inspiration to the scientific community.
show more »Miss Yong Xin Jie is a Language Lecturer in the English Department, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and a Bachelor’s degree in TESL from the National University of Malaysia (UKM). At the University of Malaya, she teaches undergraduate courses such as English Proficiency, Effective Oral Communication, Critical Thinking, and the Intensive English Programme (IEP). In addition to her teaching role, she serves as a subcommittee member of the University of Malaya Research Ethics Committee (UMREC) and as the manager of the faculty’s academic journal. Beyond academia, she is passionate about the creative arts and writing.
show more »Prof. Juliana Othman is a scholar in language education and a Professor at the Faculty of Education, University of Malaya. With over 30 years of experience in applied linguistics and teacher education, she has shaped language policies, teacher training, and bilingual education in Malaysia. She has held key leadership roles, including Chair of the Centre for Research in Language Education (CRiLE), Head of the Department of Language & Literacy Education (2015–2018), and Deputy Director of the Centre for the Initiation of Talent and Industrial Training, driving impactful research and curriculum reforms. Recognized globally, she has been awarded prestigious fellowships, including the Fulbright Scholar Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, Asian University Alliance Scholar at Tsinghua University, and Visiting Scholar at the University of Washington. Prof. Juliana plays a vital role in enhancing academic standards as an External Program Assessor and consultant for leading universities and education programs. Her research, supported by the British Council, the Ministry of Education, and Universiti Malaya, focuses on teacher professional development, second language pedagogy, and bilingual education, directly influencing policy and classroom practices. Beyond academia, Prof. Juliana actively contributes to national and international educational advancement. She has served as an External Program Assessor for leading institutions locally and internationally, such as Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa and UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Indonesia, ensuring academic rigor in language education programs. As a consultant and advisor, she has played a key role in shaping curriculum frameworks, including the BED Primary program at the Institute Pendidikan Guru Ilmu Khas and Universiti Utara Malaysia. A prolific author and advocate, she has published extensively on language education and has been instrumental in shaping national and institutional curriculum frameworks. Through her leadership and scholarship, she continues to elevate language education standards and empower educators, making a lasting impact in the field.
show more »RECENT PUBLICATION
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Abdullah, Muhammad Fazrin; Jauhari, Iswadi; Sabri, Mohd Faizul Mohd; Ghazali, Nik Nazri Nik (2025). A Novel Vertical Axis Parallel Turbines System for in-pipe Hydropower Generation: Conceptual Design and Preliminary Experiment. Energy Sources Part a-recovery Utilization and Environmental Effects
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Shaharudin, Mohd Rizaimy; Zailani, Suhaiza; Tan, Keah-Choon; Cross, James; Hotrawaisaya, Chattrarat (2025). Fostering Closed-loop Supply Chain Orientation by Leveraging Strategic Green Capabilities for Circular Economy Performance: Empirical Evidence from Malaysian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Firms. Environment Development and Sustainability
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Wong, Li Ping; Alias, Haridah; Tan, Sik-Loo; Sia, Thiam Eng; Saw, Aik (2025). An Exploration of Death Anxiety of Family Members of Silent Mentor Body Donation Program. Omega-journal of Death and Dying
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Altarturi, Hamza H. M.; Nor, Adibi Rahiman Md; Jaafar, Noor Ismawati; Anuar, Nor Badrul (2025). A Bibliometric and Content Analysis of Technological Advancement Applications in Agricultural E-commerce. Electronic Commerce Research
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Zhao, Yang; Hamidi, Mashitah; Abd Wahab, Haris (2025). Challenges of Palliative Care in Advanced Cancer Patients in The Chinese Mainland: a Qualitative Study. Omega-journal of Death and Dying
TOTAL PUBLICATIONS AS OF DATE 1969
LATEST AWARDED GRANT
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The Impact of Capital Expenditure On Esg Performance in Asean Firms: The Moderating Role of Sustainability Committees
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A Moderated-mediation Model of Parental Intention to Adopt Child Finance Apps: The Roles of Trust and Digital Financial Literacy
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The Rise of The Gig Economy- Perspectives from a Developing Economy (book Project)
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Exploring Biodiversity, Climate Risk and Financial Market Integration: Evidence Across Developed and Emerging Economies
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Rural Youth Perception and Intention to Engage in Agri-entrepreneurshi
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Feasibility Assessment of Direct Air Capture (dac) for Aviation Decarbonization At Kuala Lumpur International Airport (klia) and Any Potential Airports in Malaysia
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Military Brand Identity and Institutional Branding: a Comparison Between The UK and Malaysia
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Aligning Leadership, Values and Outcomes: Examining Healthcare Professionals' Workplace Experiences in Malaysia and Australia
