Originally trained as an algal molecular taxonomist and phylogeneticist, Dr Poong has a diversified research portfolio specializing in gene and metabolites expression studies using omics tools, genetic diversity and population structure of fish and seaweed, algal physiological and biochemical stress response and adaptation to climate changes, and shifts in microbiome using metagenomics.  Dr Poong is the Deputy Developing Country Partner leader for the Malaysian team of GlobalSeaweedSTAR consortium funded by UKRI. Dr Poong plays a key role in developing research proposals to attract local and international funding, managing research grants, organization of international conferences and workshops. She is currently the Assistant President of the International Society for Applied Phycology.