Prof Dr Lay Ching Chai | Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education, Employability & Alumni)
Sunway University

Prof. Dr. Chai Lay Ching, a distinguished microbiologist, and Professor, currently holds the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education, Employability & Alumni) at Sunway University. Her research is primarily centered around food safety and microbiological risk assessment, and she has significantly advanced this field, gaining global recognition. Prof. Chai's expertise has led to her appointment to key national and regional committees under both the Ministry of Health and ASEAN, where she serves as a notable food safety expert. The Academy of Sciences Malaysia has entrusted Prof. Chai to lead as the Chairperson of the Young Scientists Network (YSN) for two consecutive terms (2019-2023).The YSN-ASM is a prestigious national young academy comprised of over 200 top young scientists under the age of 45, representing various sectors such as academia, research institutions, and industries in Malaysia. This appointment underscores her unwavering dedication to nurturing and guiding the future talents in academia. Prof. Chai's remarkable achievements include receiving the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award in 2018 for her outstanding academic contributions. She was further honored with the Asian Women Entrepreneurs Leadership Award in 2019,acknowledging her exceptional leadership and influence in the sphere of innovation. In addition to these accolades, she was also recognized as one of the Prestige 40u under 40 Malaysia, Marie Claire Amazing Women 2019 and Young Women Scientist Award 2022 by the Malaysian Invention and Design Society. Prof. Chai's passion for science communication is evident through her frequent appearances on TV programs, in newspapers, and across various media platforms, where she generously shares her knowledge. Her expertise not only extends nationally but also regionally, and her unwavering commitment to advancing responsible research and education continues to shape the future of emerging talents.