Tribute to YSN-ASM Past Chairpersons
The Executive Commitee leads the organization by setting its direction, approving major decisions, ensuring good governance, and representing it in official matters.
Professor Dr. Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman FASc
Founding Chairperson (2012–2015)
As the Founding Chairperson of YSN-ASM, Professor Dr. Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman laid the foundation for a vibrant and impactful network of young scientists in Malaysia. His visionary leadership established the network’s core pillars: science outreach, research excellence, policy engagement, and capacity building—principles that continue to guide YSN-ASM today. An internationally respected chemist, Prof. Basyaruddin is currently Senior Professor of Chemistry at Universiti Putra Malaysia and Chair of the ISTIC-UNESCO Governing Board. He also serves as President of the Malaysian Analytical Sciences Society. His research in catalysis and structural biology has earned him numerous international fellowships, including those from the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Royal Society of Chemistry, International Association of Advanced Materials, and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). A passionate advocate for science communication and STEM outreach, he was named one of the Faces of Science@Malaysia and remains a mentor and champion of scientific diplomacy, sustainability, and professional development.
Professor Dr. Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam
2nd Chairperson (2015–2019)
Professor Dr. Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam elevated YSN-ASM’s visibility on both national and global platforms. He championed research integrity, science communication, and the societal relevance of science. Under his leadership, YSN-ASM expanded its influence through international collaborations and inspired a new generation of young scientists to embrace leadership roles across academia and policy. A Cambridge-trained cancer geneticist, Prof. Abhi currently serves as the Provost of Sunway University. His research focuses on tumour biology and genetic diversity in disease susceptibility and therapeutic response. He has received multiple prestigious awards, including the National Cancer Council Malaysia Cancer Research Award, Merdeka Award Grant, and Study UK Alumni Award. He made history as the first Asian to win the international FameLab Science Communication competition. Prof. Abhi co-authored the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint 2025–2035 and served as the inaugural Chair of the INGSA Asia network. He continues to serve on national and regional policy committees, advancing research ethics and STEM advocacy across Southeast Asia.
Professor Dr. Chai Lay Ching
3rd Chairperson (2019–2023)
Professor Dr. Chai Lay Ching led YSN-ASM through a transformative period of growth and institutional strengthening. Her tenure prioritized science education, gender equity, and youth empowerment—fostering a more inclusive and engaged community of young scientists. She also spearheaded the launch of the Chrysalis Award, a flagship programme that continues to nurture emerging scientific talent across Malaysia. Prof. Chai currently serves as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education, Employability, and Alumni) at Sunway University. A renowned microbiologist, her work in food safety and microbiological risk assessment has received international acclaim. She advises national and ASEAN-level food safety committees and is a key scientific voice in public health governance. Beyond Malaysia, she plays a leading role in regional science diplomacy as Co-Chair of the ASEAN Young Scientists Network and a member of the ASM International Committee. Her accolades include the L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award (2018), the Asian Women Entrepreneurs Leadership Award (2019), and the Young Women Scientist Award (2022), among others.
Professor Dr. Nurfadhlina Mohd Sharef
4th Chairperson (2023–2025)
Professor Dr. Nurfadhlina Mohd Sharef brought a future-oriented agenda to YSN-ASM, emphasizing digital transformation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inclusive scientific leadership. Her tenure has further strengthened YSN-ASM’s contributions to national policy discourse and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while expanding opportunities for young scientists to shape Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem. Prof. Fadhlina is a Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and currently serves as the Chief Digital Officer at UPM. Her research in artificial intelligence, interactive machine learning, digital twin systems, and multi-objective optimization spans applications in education, agriculture, biodiversity, and health. She is a national leader in digital innovation, serving on the National AI and Blockchain Task Force, Technical Committee of Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Standards Malaysia, a member of Technology and Technical Professionals Development Council under Malaysia Board of Technologies (MBOT), and represented young scientists in the National Science Council. She also serves as President of the Information Retrieval and Knowledge Management Association (PECAMP), further driving Malaysia’s digital science agenda locally and globally.
Thank you to YSN-ASM Past Executive Committee
YSN-ASM Steering Committee (2024/2025)
| Chairperson | : | Prof. Ts. Dr Mai Chun Wai |
| Vice-Chairperson | : | Dr Phan Chia Wei |
| Secretary General | : | Assoc Prof Dr Nurbiha A. Shukor |
| Honorary Treasurer | : | Dr Thaigarajan Parumasivam |
| Policy and Governance Strategic Committee (Chairperson) | : | Assoc Prof Dr Anwar P.P. Abdul Majeed |
| Policy and Governance Strategic Committee (Deputy Chairperson) | : | Assoc Prof. Dr Mohamad Faizal Ibrahim |
| Professional Development and Leadership Strategic Committee (Chairperson) | : | Assoc Prof Ts Dr Dayana Farzeeha Ali |
| Professional Development and Leadership Strategic Committee (Deputy Chairperson) | : | Chm Dr Shahrul Nizam Ahmad |
| Science Advocacy Strategic Committee (Chairperson) | : | Dr Amirah Abdul Rahman |
| Science Advocacy Strategic Committee (Deputy Chairperson) | : | Dr Anis Diyana Halim |
| Research Excellence Strategic Committee (Chairperson) | : | Assoc Prof ChM Dr Fatimah Salim |
| Research Excellence Strategic Committee (Deputy Chairperson) | : | Dr Saw Shier Nee |
| Science Integrity Strategic Committee (Chairperson) | : | Assistant Prof Ts Dr Michelle Teo Yee Mun |
|
Science Integrity Strategic Committee (Deputy Chairperson) |
: | Dr Karen Ng Lee Peng |
YSN-ASM Special Committees (2024/2025)
|
Membership Committee (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Aslina Baharum |
|
Social Media Committee (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Chong Lor Huai |
|
DELIMA Programme Committee (Chairperson) |
: |
Chm Dr Shahrul Nizam Ahmad |
|
National Science Challenge Programme Committee (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ir Dr Hoo Choon Lih (Steven) |
|
Chrysalis Programme Committee (Chairperson) |
: |
Ts Dr Wong Sok Kuan |
YSN-ASM Research Interest Groups (2025/2026)
|
Research Interest Group (Water), Head |
: |
Ts. ChM. Dr. Faizuan Abdullah |
|
Research Interest Group (Energy), Head |
: |
Ts. Dr. Mohd Ifwat Ghazali |
|
Research Interest Group (Health), Head |
: |
Dr Annie Chai Wai Yeeng |
|
Research Interest Group (Agriculture), Head |
: |
Ts. ChM. Dr. Khalisanni Khalid |
|
Research Interest Group (Biodiversity), Head |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Suganthi a/p Appalasamy |
|
Research Interest Group (Blue Economy), Head |
: |
Dr Khor Wai Ho |
|
Research Interest Group (Talent Development), Head |
: |
Assoc. Prof Dr. Lee Chia Ping |
|
Research Interest Group (Environment), Head |
: |
Dr. Steven Lim |
|
Research Interest Group (Digitalisation), Head |
: |
Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadzil Bin Abdul Hanid |
|
Research Interest Group (Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction), Head |
: |
Dr Fong Chng Saun |
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2023/2024
|
Chairperson |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Nurfadhlina Mohd Sharef |
|
Vice-Chairperson |
: |
Prof Ir Dr Denny K. S. Ng |
|
Secretary General |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Nurbiha A. Shukor |
|
Honorary Treasurer |
: |
Dr Phan Chia Wei |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Mohamad Faizal Ibrahim |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Muhammad Abd Hadi Bunyamin |
|
Science Outreach (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Lee Sau Har |
|
Science Outreach (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Mailin Misson |
|
Science @ Media (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Fatimah Abdul Razak |
|
Science @ Media (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Jezamine Lim |
|
Science Communication (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Dayana Farzeeha Ali |
|
Science Communication (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Chm Dr Shahrul Nizam Ahmad |
|
Research Synergy (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof ChM Dr Fatimah Salim |
|
Research Synergy (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Sabrinah Adam |
|
Science Education (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Suhaila Sepeai |
|
Science Education (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Amirah Abdul Rahman |
|
Science Integrity (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Mohd Hafiz Arzmi |
|
Science Integrity (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Eugenie Tan Sin Sing |
|
Science Leadership (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Ng Siew Kit |
|
Science Leadership (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Thaigarajan Parumasivam |
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2022/2023
|
Chairperson |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Nurfadhlina Mohd Sharef |
|
Vice-Chairperson |
: |
Prof Ir Dr Denny K. S. Ng |
|
Secretary General (Interim) |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Siti Sarah Othman |
|
Honorary Treasurer |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Siti Sarah Othman |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Siti Hawa Ngalim |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Mohamad Faizal Ibrahim |
|
Science Outreach (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Ahmad Ilyas Rushdan |
|
Science Outreach (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Mohd Faidz Mohamad Shahimin |
|
Science @ Media (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Phan Chia Wei |
|
Science @ Media (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Jezamine Lim |
|
Science Communication (Chairperson) |
: |
Ts Dr Jaysuman bin Pusppanathan |
|
Science Communication (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Melissa Beata Martin |
|
Research Synergy (Chairperson) |
: |
Ts Dr Rozzeta Dolah |
|
Research Synergy (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Lee Sau Har |
|
Science Education (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Tan Suat Cheng |
|
Science Education (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Suhaila Sepeai |
|
Science Integrity (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Chau De Ming |
|
Science Integrity (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Kesaven Bhubalan |
|
Science Leadership (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Kew Si Na |
|
Science Leadership (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Vigneswari Sevakumaran |
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2021/2022
|
Chairperson |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Chai Lay Ching |
|
Vice-Chairperson |
: |
Dr Manraj Singh Cheema |
|
Secretary General |
: |
Prof Ir Dr Denny K. S. Ng |
|
Honorary Treasurer |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Siti Sarah Othman |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Chairperson) |
: |
Ts Dr Aslina Baharum |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Siti Hawa Ngalim |
|
Science Outreach (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Sheela Chandren |
|
Science Outreach (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Nor Ain Husein |
|
Science @ Media (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Phan Chia Wei |
|
Science @ Media (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Noor Dayana Abd Halim |
|
Science Communication (Chairperson) |
: |
Ts Dr Jaysuman bin Pusppanathan |
|
Science Communication (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Melissa Beata Martin |
|
Research Synergy (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Heo Chong Chin |
|
Research Synergy (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Ts Dr Rozzela Dolah |
|
Science Education (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Nurfadhlina Mohd Sharef |
|
Science Education (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Tan Suat Cheng |
|
Science Integrity (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Chau De Ming |
|
Science Integrity (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Kesaven Bhubalan |
|
Science Leadership (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Chan Siok Yee |
|
Science Leadership (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Kew Si Na |
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2020/2021
|
Chairperson |
: |
Dr Chai Lay Ching |
|
Vice-Chairperson |
: |
Dr Manraj Singh Cheema |
|
Secretary General |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman |
|
Honorary Treasurer |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Chan Kok Meng |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Heo Chong Chin |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Mohd Bakri Bakar |
|
Science Outreach (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Tan Yee Shin |
|
Science Outreach (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Nor Ain Husein |
|
Science @ Media (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Phan Chia Wei |
|
Science @ Media (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Nursalwa Baharuddin |
|
Science Communication (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Jaysuman bin Pusppanathan |
|
Science Communication (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Felicita Fedelis Jusof |
|
Research Synergy (Chairperson) |
: |
Prof Dr Denny Ng Kok Sum |
|
Research Synergy (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Vanitha Mariappan |
|
Science Education (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Nurbiha A Shukor |
|
Science Education (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Nurfadhlina Mohd Sharef |
|
Science Integrity (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Chau De Ming |
|
Science Integrity (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Kesaven Bhubalan |
|
Science Leadership (Chairperson) |
: |
Prof Ir Dr Sharifah Rafidah Wan Alwi |
|
Science Leadership (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Chan Siok Yee |
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2019/2020
|
Chairperson |
: |
Dr Chai Lay Ching |
|
Vice-Chairperson |
: |
Assoc Prof Ir Dr Rosdiadee Nordin |
|
Secretary General |
: |
Assoc Prof Ts Dr Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman |
|
Honorary Treasurer |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Chan Kok Meng |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Ir Dr Wan Azlina Wan Ab Karim Ghani |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Nor Farahwahidah Abdul Rahman |
|
Science Outreach (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Ho Wai Shin |
|
Science Outreach (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Nor Ain Husein |
|
Science @ Media (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Phan Chia Wei |
|
Science @ Media (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Nursalwa Baharuddin |
|
Science Communication (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Mohd Sukor Su’ait |
|
Science Communication (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Jaysuman Pusppanathan |
|
International Networking (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Garry Kuan Pei Ern |
|
International Networking (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Siti Sarah Othman |
|
Science Education (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Nurbiha A Shukor |
|
Science Education (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Suhaila Sepeai |
|
Science Integrity (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Chau De Ming |
|
Science Integrity (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Manraj Singh Cheema |
|
Science Leadership (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Lee Hooi Ling |
|
Science Leadership (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Ng Siew Kit |
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2018/2019
|
Chairperson |
: |
Dr Chai Lay Ching |
|
Vice-Chairperson |
: |
Assoc Prof Ir Dr Rosdiadee Nordin |
|
Secretary General |
: |
Dr Mohd Ghows Mohd Azzam |
|
Honorary Treasurer |
: |
Dr M Iqbal Saripan |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Denny Ng Kok Sum |
|
Science Policy & Governance (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Wan Azlina Wan Ab Karim Ghanl |
|
Science Outreach (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Razinah Sharif |
|
Science Outreach (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Phan Chia Wei |
|
Science @ Media (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Yap Wing Fen |
|
Science @ Media (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Nursalwa Baharuddin |
|
Science Communication (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Mohd Sukor Su’ait |
|
Science Communication (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Jaysuman Pusppanathan |
|
International Networking (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Ng Sing Muk |
|
International Networking (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Mohd Bakri Bakar |
|
Science Education (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Chan Kok Ming |
|
Science Education (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Fatin Aliah Phang |
|
Science Integrity (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Chau De Ming |
|
Science Integrity (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Thahira Begum |
|
Science Leadership (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Ng Poh Kiat |
|
Science Leadership (Co-Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Siti Sarah Othman |
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2017/2018
To be updated
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2016/2017
To be updated
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2015/2016
To be updated
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2014/2015
|
Chairperson |
: |
Prof Dr Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman |
|
Vice-Chairperson |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam |
|
Secretary-General |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Liong Min Tze |
|
Treasurer |
: |
Prof Dr Lee Keat Teong |
|
Science Policy (Chairperson) |
: |
Prof Dr Leong Chee Onn |
|
International Network (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Zainovia Lockman |
|
Public Relationship (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Chan Kok Meng |
|
Research Leadership (Chairperson) |
: |
Prof Dr Cheong Sok Ching |
|
Flagship : National Science Challenge (Chairperson) |
: |
Assoc Prof Dr Syahril Abdullah |
|
Flagship : Science Communication (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Normi Mohd Yahaya |
|
Flagship : Science Outreach (Chairperson) |
: |
Dr Tan Kar Ban |
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2013/2014
To be updated
YSN-ASM Executive Committee 2012/2023
| Chairperson | : | Prof Dr Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman |
| Science & Policy | : |
Dr Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam Dr Sharifah Rafidah |
| Science & Society | : |
Dr Normi Mohd Yahya Dr Tan Kar Ban |
| Science & Education | : |
Dr Zainovia Lockman Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Tahir Dr Cheah Pike See |
| Research & Innovation | : |
Dr Leong Chee Onn Dr Mohd. Zul Helmi Rozaini Dr Syahrilnizam Abdullah |
| Mentoring & Peer Coaching | : |
Dr Mimi Haryani bt. Hassim Dr Ahmad Zaharin Aris |
| Networking | : |
Dr Michael Ling King Hwa Dr Mohd. Zainal Abidin Ab. Kadir |
YSN-ASM Proterm Committee
Formed on 19 June 2012
- Dr. Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman
- Dr. Tunku Kamarul Zaman Tunku Zainol Abidin
- Prof. Dr. Cheah Yoke Kqueen
- Prof. Dr. Clemente Michael Wong Vui Ling
- Prof. Dr Norazlina Mohamed
- Prof. Dr Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam
- Dr Azwani Sofia bt Ahmad Khair
- Dr Chan Yoke Fun
- Dr Dasmawati Mohamad
- Dr Ling King Hwa
- Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Tahir
- Dr Normi Mohd Yahaya
Apply Membership Now!
YSN-ASM is dedicated to shaping a better future for Malaysia by empowering young scientists through Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy (STIE).