Associate Professor Dr. Chen Yeng is an expert in cancer biomarker discovery, biosensor development, and natural therapeutics, with a multidisciplinary approach that bridges nanotechnology, molecular biology, and biomedicine. Her expertise is particularly evident in her work on innovative diagnostic technologies and personalized therapeutic solutions, targeting both cancer and infectious diseases. Her research interests span several cutting-edge areas. One of her primary focuses is the identification and characterization of cancer biomarkers, particularly through novel approaches targeting at immunogenic host proteins. This line of research explores how immunogenic proteins’ interventions might modulate cancer risk, representing an innovative intersection of microbiology, proteomics, and oncology. Dr. Chen is also deeply engaged in developing advanced diagnostic tools, including nanobiosensors with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. These devices, designed to detect critical biomarkers such as those associated with tuberculosis, blood clotting disorders, and oral cancer, are transformative for early disease detection. Her work in biosensors, utilizing materials like gold nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanolayers, has set new standards in diagnostic accuracy and reliability. Another cornerstone of her research is the study of natural plant extracts for therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment. She investigates the biochemical and pharmacological properties of these extracts, focusing on their mechanisms of action, such as inducing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, and promoting mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells. Her exploration of natural products' roles in modulating microRNAs further highlights her innovative approach to cancer research. Dr. Chen’s expertise also extends to the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and genoprotective properties of herbal compounds, offering potential preventive and therapeutic solutions for chronic diseases. These studies underline her commitment to sustainable and natural approaches in healthcare. Her contributions to genomics and proteomics, particularly in large-scale screening for biological markers, further demonstrate her role as a leader in translating complex biological data into meaningful clinical applications. By combining her deep understanding of molecular biology with a focus on real-world impact, Dr. Chen has established herself as a pioneer in her field. Dr. Chen’s academic influence is demonstrated by her impressive h-index of 28 (ResearchID) and 39 (Scopus), with over 4,500 citations to her name. Her extensive publication record spans high-impact journals, contributing significantly to advancements in dentistry, oncology, and biomedical engineering. She is recognized as a top scientist in Malaysia, ranking among the leading figures in dentistry according to the AD Scientific Index. As a respected peer reviewer for prestigious journals, including Coordination Chemistry Reviews, Periodontal 2000, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, and Cancer Letters, Dr. Chen plays a critical role in maintaining the quality of research within her fields of expertise. Her contributions extend to academic leadership, where she had supervised and graduated over 20 postgraduate students, including 11 PhD candidates, nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders. Her leadership in dental education accreditation has further solidified her impact on academic excellence. She has played pivotal roles in the reaccreditation of dental programs at the University of Malaya and other institutions, ensuring that these programs meet global standards. Through her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Chen has partnered with industry leaders to translate research findings into practical healthcare solutions, such as rapid diagnostic tools and personalized treatments. These collaborations exemplify her ability to bridge scientific discovery with real-world applications. In summary, Dr. Chen’s expertise and research interests reflect a holistic approach to biomedical science, integrating cutting-edge technologies with sustainable practices. Her work not only pushes the boundaries of knowledge in cancer research and diagnostics but also has the potential to transform patient care and public health globally.
show more »Professor Dr. Shireene Ratna Vethakkan obtained her MBBS from the University of Malaya, and Masters of Internal Medicine from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She then underwent endocrine training at the University of Malaya Medical Centre and a fellowship at the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne. This was followed by an MD(Doctorate of Medicine-Research) at the University of Melbourne focusing on the evaluation of islet-function and insulin-sensitivity post-islet transplantation in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Her expertise lies in the fields of diabetology and reproductive endocrinology, in particular human islet-transplantation, lipotoxicity and beta-cell function. She is skilled in the evaluation of beta-cell function/insulin sensitivity utilizing computer modelling and the IVGTT, and can also conduct clamp studies. She was Head of the Division of Endocrinology&Diabetes , Department of Medicine, University of Malaya from 2012-2022. She holds several grants and has a passion for clinical research in the field of diabetes in pregnancy and metabolic associated steatotic liver disease. She has published papers in the Bristish Journal of Obstetrics & Endocrinology, Clinical Endocrinology, Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Journal of Clinical Lipidology,Clinical Nutrition,Transplantation, Endocrine Practice, Diabetic Medicine and Journal of Diabetes Investigation. She has also supervised to completion many PhD, Masters of Science, Masters of Medicine students and Endocrine Subspecialty Fellows. Dr. Vethakkan is also an experienced consultant endocrinologist/physician and runs several busy clinics including the combined antenatal endocrine clinic at the University of Malaya Medical Centre.
show more »Ts Dr. Vimala Balakrishnan is a Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaya. She holds a PhD in Ergonomics from Multimedia University and leads interdisciplinary research combining machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics with applications across social media, healthcare, and societal issues such as cyberbullying and misinformation. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, holds multiple patents and copyrights, and has been recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University (2020–2025). To date, she has secured more than RM 4 million in total research grants as both Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator. Her awards include Malaysia Scopus Excellence Research Award (2024) and Fulbright Research Scholar (2018). She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students, supervises PhD and Master students, and delivers lectures and keynotes at international universities.
show more »RECENT PUBLICATION
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Wang, Hongbin; Mansor, Nurulafiqah Nadzirah Binti; Mokhlis, Hazlie Bin; Mashhadi, Arsam (2026). Optimal Size Selection of Combined Diesel Generator/fuel Cell/photovoltaic System Components Using a Multi-objective Strategy and Sea Lion Optimization Algorithm. Iet Renewable Power Generation
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Islam, Ameena; Md Syed, Md Azalanshah (2026). Journalistic Professionalism in a Time of Paradoxes: ntv Online and "alternative Voice" in Bangladesh. Journalism Practice
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Adams, Donnie; Sothinathan, Jayanti S.; Radzi, Norfariza Mohd (2026). Science Mapping The Evolution of Middle Leadership Research, 2002-2023. Educational Management Administration & Leadership
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Ooi, Ai-Yee; Lim, Kian-Ping (2026). Multiple Blockholders and Governance Through Voice: Evidence from Blockholder Board Representation. Applied Economics Letters
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Daghigh, Ali Jalalian; Guo, Lisha (2026). A Socio-cognitive Account of Ideological Manipulation in Chinese Translation of Political Opinion Articles. Journalism Practice
TOTAL PUBLICATIONS AS OF DATE 759
LATEST AWARDED GRANT
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Penerokaan Kesejahteraan Psikologi Dalam Kalangan Remaja Perempuan Di Taman Seri Puteri Kuching, Sarawak
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Kajian Tingkah Laku Politik Belia Di Kawasan Dun Dong, Raub, Pahang
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Safety Protocol for The Reuse, Repurposing, and Disposal of Expired School Laboratory Chemical
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Mitigating Energy Efficiency in Universiti Malaya Campus Performance Assessment, Energy Efficiency and Management for Sustainability of University Campus
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Beyond Green Certification: Operationalising Green Building Index Energy-efficiency Principles Towards Near Zero Energy for Existing Buildings in Universiti Malaya
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Evaluation of Toothbrushing Behaviours and Oral Cleanliness Following a School-based Supervised Toothbrushing Programme Among Preschoolers
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Expression of Pd-1 in Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Lichenoid Lesion
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Development of a Singing-based Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Protocol for Adult Sleep-disordered Breathing
