Triple Triumph: School of Science Postgraduates win Three Awards at ICMSM 2025

Three PhD students from the School of Science excelled at the International Congress of the Malaysian Society for Microbiology (ICMSM) 2025, taking home three awards in poster and oral presentation categories. ICMSM 2025, held on 12 - 13 November 2025 at Bangi Resort Hotel, was organized by the Malaysian Society of Microbiology and co-hosted by 11 universities, including Monash University Malaysia. The congress brought together researchers, academics, and industry professionals from around the world to share the latest advancements in microbiology.

Dr Adzzie and her PhD students at the International Congress of the Malaysian Society for Microbiology (ICMSM) 2025. From left to right: Ms Wong Ka Heng, Dr Adzzie Shazleen Azman, Ms Chin Siau Wui, Ms Ashley Yip.

First Place - Best Poster Presenter

Ms Ashley Yip clinched first place in the Best Poster Presentation category for her work on “Unravelling the Role of Polyadenylate Binding Protein (PABPC1) in the SARS-CoV-2 Life Cycle.” Her research focuses on targeting conserved host-viral interactions as a strategy for more durable therapeutics, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Third Place - Best Poster Presenter

Ms Wong Ka Heng secured third place in the Best Poster Presentation category for her research, “Pinocembrin vs. Chikungunya: In Silico and In Vitro Evidence from a Plant-Derived Flavonoid”. Her findings highlight promising antiviral potential of natural compounds. Currently on a mobility program at NUS, she continues to broaden her research through mutagenesis research.

Third Place - Best Rapid Oral Presenter

Ms Chin Siau Wui earned third place in the Best Rapid Oral Presentation category for her investigation into the “Antibacterial Potential of Dichamanetin Against Acne-Associated Pathogens.” Her research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which natural products combat acne-causing bacteria using an ex vivo flow model, in collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom.

The three award winners are supervised by Dr Adzzie Shazleen Azman. Their achievements demonstrate the School of Science’s excellence in microbiology and biomedical research, while showcasing the dedication, hard work, and talent of the postgraduate students.