IMU University convened its 2nd Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) Meeting in April 2026, bringing together distinguished panel of experts from academia, industry, biotechnology, and clinical research. The session focused on advancing research excellence, strengthening industry partnerships, and accelerating IMU’s “Road to 500” global ranking strategy.

IMU University successfully convened its 2nd Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) Meeting at its main campus in Bukit Jalil, on 9 April 2026. The high-level assembly brought together a distinguished panel of experts from academia, industry, biotechnology, and clinical research to provide strategic oversight and steer the university’s research trajectory toward global impact.

The meeting was chaired by Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim bin Sulaiman, FASc, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). The session was further honoured by the presence of Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, FASc, Vice-Chancellor of IMU University, who joined the board in evaluating the university’s progress and future milestones.

A central highlight of the meeting was the “Overview and Road to 500” presentation by Prof Dr Winnie Chee Siew Swee, Director of the Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI).

This initiative underscores IMU University’s commitment to accelerating its global university rankings and fostering a world-class research ecosystem.

The day-long agenda, chaired by Prof Datuk Lokman Hakim Sulaiman as well as supported by Prof Winnie Chee and Prof Dr Phua Kia Kien, was structured around four critical round table discussions led by university leaders, who shared progress updates and future directions aligned with IMU’s “Road to 500” aspirations.

• Accelerating University Ranking: Led by Prof Dr Wong Shew Fung, focusing on strategic metrics and global visibility to enhance IMU’s performance in Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA) and QS rankings.
• Strengthening Research Ecosystem: Facilitated by Prof Ts Dr Mai Chun Wai, aimed at enhancing research infrastructure and innovation strategies through gap analysis and capacity building.
• Postgraduate Students Growth: Chaired by Prof Dr Tan Eng Lai, addressing the expansion and quality of postgraduate talent, particularly via industry-linked pathways.
• Elevating Intellectual Property, Clinical Trials, and Industry Partnership: Led by A/ Prof Dr Teguh Haryo Sasangko, focusing on commercialisation and high-impact industrial collaborations to maximise translations and impact.

The university extended its deepest appreciation to the SAB members who contributed their invaluable expertise during the sessions:

• Prof Datuk Lokman Hakim Sulaiman (IMU University)

Prof Datuk Dr Lokman is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at IMU University and Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Board. He is a public health specialist and former senior leader in Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, with extensive experience in health policy, epidemiology, and health systems strengthening.

• Prof Winnie Chee Siew Swee (IMU University)

Prof Winnie Chee Siew Swee is the Director of the Institute for Research, Development, and Innovation (IRDI) at IMU University. With over 25 years in clinical nutrition, she leads major research into lifestyle interventions for chronic diseases like diabetes and bone health.

• Prof Dr Christopher Scarlett (University of Newcastle, Australia)

Prof Scarlett is Deputy Dean (International) at the School of Science, University of Newcastle. His research focuses on food science, nutrition, and bioactive compounds, with strong experience in international academic collaboration and research leadership.

• Prof Dr Christiani Jeyakumar Henry (National University of Singapore)

Prof Henry is a leading nutrition scientist and consultant at the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health. His work centres on metabolism, glycaemic index, and nutrition-related non-communicable diseases in Asian populations.

• Prof Datuk Wira Dr Raha Abdul Rahim, FASc (National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Malaysia)

Prof Datuk Wira is Chief Executive Officer of the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia. She has extensive expertise in biotechnology development, policy, and national innovation strategies.

• Prof ChM Dr Noorsaadah Abdul Rahman, FASc (University of Malaya)

Prof Dr Noorsaadah is an Honorary Professor at the University of Malaya, with expertise in chemistry, higher education leadership, and science policy. She is also a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.

• Dato’ Dr Neoh Soon Bin (Soon Soon Group of Companies)

Dato’ Dr Neoh is the Managing Director of Soon Soon Group of Companies, bringing extensive experience in industry leadership, business development, and private sector engagement in healthcare-related ventures.

• Dr Akhmal Yusof (Clinical Research Malaysia)

Dr Akhmal is Chief Executive Officer of Clinical Research Malaysia, with expertise in clinical trials, research management, and strengthening Malaysia’s clinical research ecosystem.

• Dr Leong Chee Onn, FASc (AGTC Genomics)

Dr Leong is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AGTC Genomics. He specialises in genomics, precision medicine, and biotechnology innovation, and is a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.

• Mr Lim Kean Ping (Pharm-D Health Science)

Mr Lim is Chief Executive Officer of Pharm-D Health Science, with expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, healthcare innovation, and industry-driven research collaborations.

The SAB members who sent their apologies were:

• Prof Dr Michael Lean (University of Glasgow, United Kingdom)

Prof Lean is a Clinical Senior Professor and Honorary Consultant in Medicine at the University of Glasgow. He is internationally recognised for his research in obesity, diabetes, and clinical nutrition.

• Prof Dr Faisel Khan (University of Dundee, United Kingdom)

Prof Khan is Associate Dean for Student Recruitment and Global Partnership at the University of Dundee. His expertise includes medical education, cardiovascular research, and international academic collaboration.

• Prof Dr Low Wah Yun @ Sarinah Low binti Abdullah, FASc (University of Malaya)

Prof Low is an Honorary Professor in the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Malaya. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia with expertise in public health, behavioural science, and health promotion.

By bridging the gap between academic theory and industrial application, the 2nd SAB Meeting reinforces IMU University’s mission to build an industry-aligned and impact-driven research ecosystem. The insights gathered from this meeting will serve as a blueprint for the university to deliver meaningful health outcomes for society and achieve its ambitious “Road to 500” objectives.

The meeting concluded with a strong affirmation of IMU’s commitment to developing a robust, industry-aligned, and impact-driven research ecosystem.

IMU extends its sincere appreciation to all SAB members for their invaluable insights, continued support, and shared vision in advancing research excellence and innovation at the University.

Written by Dr Lai Pei Kuan