Monash University Malaysia and Thermo Fisher Scientific sign MoU to advance high-impact research
From left to right: Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, Dr Syafiq Asnawi, Brigadier General Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Arshil Moideen, Imelia Wong, Dan Rosen, and Tony Acciarito.
Held on campus under the theme “From Vision Alignment to Technical Deep Dive”, Monash University Malaysia and Thermo Fisher Scientific have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a new milestone in strengthening research capabilities in proteomics, metabolomics and translational biomedical science.
Central to the collaboration is the Monash University Malaysia Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform (MUM-PMP), a core research facility within the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia. The platform provides advanced instrumentation, technical expertise, analytical services and training to support researchers across the University and external collaborators.
The partnership comes as Monash University Malaysia prepares to welcome its first Orbitrap mass spectrometer, a significant addition to MUM-PMP’s analytical capabilities. The incoming instrument is expected to support deeper profiling of complex biological samples, more confident identification of proteins and metabolites, and improved detection of low-abundance molecules. These capabilities will help researchers investigate disease mechanisms, identify candidate biomarkers and examine potential therapeutic compounds.
Imelia Wong, Country General Manager, Malaysia, Thermo Fisher Scientific, opened the session by outlining the partnership’s scope and its relevance to Malaysia’s growing biotechnology and healthcare sectors. The MoU covers 11 areas of collaboration, including advanced mass spectrometry, cryo-electron microscopy, genomics, laboratory infrastructure and digital laboratory systems. Research priorities include oncology, cardiometabolic disease, venom and toxin research, biodiversity, cardiovascular disease and environmental health.
Imelia Wong during her opening address.
Professor Jacek Jasieniak, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure), Monash University, then delivered an online address explaining that the partnership is intended to move beyond a conventional transactional relationship towards a bilateral approach centred on research excellence and technology development.
Professor Jacek Jasieniak delivering his online address.
Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, Vice President (Research and Development), Monash University Malaysia, followed with an address on the University’s continued investment in research infrastructure and technology platforms. He highlighted the university’s strong performance in the Malaysia Research Assessment and the role of its research platforms in supporting competitive grants, high-quality research and external collaboration.
Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan during his address.
Dr Syafiq Asnawi, Senior Lecturer & Director of MUM-PMP and the High-Impact Research and Education Transformation Department (HIRED), highlighted the importance of combining technology with research expertise. “Our aim is to give researchers the tools and expertise to answer questions that were previously difficult to explore. The incoming Orbitrap will deepen our ability to study complex biological samples, supporting projects ranging from venom and antivenom discovery to cardiovascular biomarkers and cancer research. Through this partnership, we also want to strengthen the training and technical support that help researchers turn their data into meaningful scientific insights,” he said.
Dr Syafiq Asnawi during his session.
Brigadier General Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Arshil Moideen, Head of the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, emphasised the broader value of the investment.
“Strong research infrastructure is essential to our ambition to deliver high-impact research. Strengthening MUM-PMP will benefit researchers across the School, create new opportunities for our postgraduate students and support closer collaboration with clinical and industry partners. This partnership will help our teams connect fundamental discoveries with important questions in health and medicine,” he said.
Following the MoU signing and document exchange, leadership addresses were delivered by Tony Acciarito, President, Asia Pacific & Middle East, Africa, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Dan Rosen, Vice President & General Manager, Southeast Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Tony Acciarito during his leadership address.
Dan Rosen during his address.
A research-sharing session by Dr Syafiq showcased current projects and opportunities for collaboration, connecting the School’s scientific priorities with the capabilities of advanced analytical technologies.
The program continued with technical presentations on next-generation Orbitrap mass spectrometry for proteomics research by Dr Ming Yi Ho, Senior Manager, Applications, CMD SEA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, cryo-electron microscopy for translational biomedicine by Joseph Cherian, Manager, Regional Pharma Sales Development, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and spatial proteomics workflows by Steven Ta, Product Manager - Southeast Asia, Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Group photo of the attendees of the event.
Through the partnership and the incoming Orbitrap, the university is strengthening MUM-PMP’s role in enabling high-impact research, developing scientific expertise and connecting molecular discoveries with opportunities to improve human health.