Assoc Prof Dr Chua Jia Xin Awarded National Young Scientist Award 2025 for Innovative Cancer Research
Assoc Prof Dr Chua Jia Xin has been honored with the National Young Scientist Award (Anugerah Saintis Muda Negara (ASMN)) 2025 in the Medicine category. The award was conferred by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, during a ceremony that took place on November 20, 2025.
Innovative Contributions to Cancer Research
Dr. Chua has a history of innovative contributions to cancer research, having established an anti-glycan monoclonal antibody platform in the United Kingdom. This initiative led to a significant candidate being licensed to a global pharmaceutical company for further clinical development. Currently, her focus is on GlykoGuard, which aims to establish Malaysia’s first therapeutic anti-glycan monoclonal antibody platform. This project seeks to provide affordable therapeutic monoclonal antibodies to local patients and those in low- and middle-income countries in Southeast Asia.
About the ASMN
The ASMN is an annual program organized by MOSTI that recognizes the achievements of young Malaysian scientists under the age of 40 who contribute to research and development within the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem.
Dr. Chua’s Experience and Research Focus
Dr. Chua has amassed over 15 years of experience in translational oncology, operating in both academic and industrial settings in the UK and Malaysia. Her research primarily revolves around cancer immunotherapy, focusing on the development of novel, ultra-specific anti-glycan therapeutic antibodies that aim to target cancer cells while enhancing the immune system’s response to malignancies through a mechanism known as immunogenic cell death.
Key Highlights of Dr. Chua’s Research
- Patented Innovations: Her work has resulted in several internationally licensed patents, including a leading antibody currently in clinical development. Additionally, other antibodies from her platform are under investigation as potential tracers for real-time cancer imaging, which may be applicable in clinical procedures such as fluorescence-guided surgery.
- Accessible Healthcare Solutions: Serving as the Executive Director and CEO of MYmAb Biologics Sdn Bhd, Dr. Chua is committed to developing affordable monoclonal antibody therapies for patients in Malaysia and throughout Southeast Asia.
Award Ceremony Highlights
During the award ceremony, the importance of collaboration within the STI ecosystem was highlighted. Dr. Chua shared her goals with the minister to create a comprehensive monoclonal antibody platform in Malaysia, aimed at strengthening the country’s biotech capabilities and improving access to innovative treatment options for patients.
Acknowledgments and Support
In conjunction with the award, Dr. Chua received a cash prize of RM20,000, a plaque, and eligibility for a research grant of up to RM1 million from MOSTI, which is intended to support impactful projects addressing significant real-world challenges.
Dr. Chua expressed her appreciation for her mentors, family, and colleagues for their support and acknowledged the University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) for nominating her for this accolade. She also recognized the inspiration she gained from collaborating with other distinguished award recipients across various scientific fields.
University Support
UTAR President, Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, extended his congratulations to Dr. Chua, noting her accomplishment in transforming research into practical therapies as essential for scientific advancement.
Recognition of Notable Scientists
Dr. Chua was among five notable scientists acknowledged in 2025, representing a range of categories including Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Engineering.
(Source: UTAR News)
