Penangite Cheah Phaik Yeong conferred professorship by Oxford University

GEORGE TOWN – Malaysian Cheah Phaik Yeong, 46, has been conferred a professorship by Oxford University on Tuesday, according to an appointment letter from vice-chancellor Prof Louise Richardson.

Based in Bangkok, she is the founder and current head of bioethics and engagement at Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (Moru), and is a professor in global health.

She has been an Oxford University associate professor since 2016. Moru is Oxford University’s hub in Bangkok, and is part of the Nuffield Medicine Department.

Phaik Yeong is also the daughter of retired Penang journalist Anna Cheah.

“I am honoured and absolutely delighted to receive the award from Oxford University. I am proud to be a Penangite and a Malaysian. It’s not an easy task, but I will strive to do my best. Global health research is research related to the health of populations in the worldwide context, including those in low-resource settings.

“The priority of global health research is improving health and well-being, as well as equity in health for individuals worldwide.”

Her scope of work is mainly to conduct health research ethically and responsibly with unreserved populations. She had also coordinated a multi-centre clinical trial on chronic prostatitis in the country.

Phaik Yeong said Moru does a lot of research on malaria, tropical diseases, and – in recent times – Covid-19.

When she was growing up in Penang, she had her primary education at Island Girls’ School and secondary education at St George’s Girls’ School.

Phaik Yeong went on to study at Universiti Sains Malaysia, graduating with a pharmacy degree, a Master of Science in bioethics, and a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences.

She is the eldest of three siblings. Her siblings are Cheah Phaik Kin, an associate professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Kampar, and Dr Cheah Phee Kheng, an emergency physician at a hospital in Penang.

Phaik Yeong was in Penang to celebrate Anna’s 74th birthday on October 5.

“We are happy for her. She really works hard, and is very committed to her work. Unfortunately, her father (Cheah Eng Wee) had passed away several years ago. He would have been proud to see Phaik Yeong’s success.

“Phaik Yeong has certainly done Penang proud,” said Anna. – The Vibes, December 10, 2021