Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow | Marine Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award
Associate Professor at Sunway University | Malaysia
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow is a distinguished academic and researcher in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences at Sunway University. She has built a strong reputation in the fields of phycology, biotechnology, and biomedical sciences, with her work focusing particularly on the discovery of bioactive compounds from algae and their applications in human health, cosmeceuticals, and disease prevention. Through her research, teaching, and supervision of postgraduate students, she has significantly contributed to advancing scientific knowledge while also cultivating the next generation of scholars and scientists. Her leadership roles, editorial appointments, and invited speaking engagements demonstrate her recognition as an influential voice in her discipline.
Profile
Scopus | Orcid
Education
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow’s academic foundation reflects a progressive trajectory in biotechnology and education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology with distinction from the University of Malaya, where her early work on algal species inspired her long-standing commitment to marine and applied phycology. She continued at the same institution to complete a PhD in Algae Biotechnology, where her doctoral research advanced understanding of algal taxonomy, genetics, and bioactive properties. Later, she pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice at Lancaster University, which refined her pedagogical approaches and established her as both a researcher and educator capable of integrating cutting-edge science with student-focused teaching.
Experience
Her career trajectory is marked by steady advancement through teaching, research, and leadership. She has held various responsibilities at Sunway University, including Programme Leader for postgraduate studies, coordinator of final-year projects, and Acting Head of the Sunway Microbiome Centre. Beyond the university, she has served as an external examiner for PhD and master’s theses, industry advisor, and conference session chair, reflecting her recognition by peers as an authority in her field. She has secured multiple research grants, both as principal investigator and collaborator, from national agencies, industry sponsors, and international organizations. These projects span diverse areas, from neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory compounds derived from algae to ecotoxicology and molecular phylogenetics of invasive species. Her ability to bridge fundamental research with translational applications makes her a sought-after collaborator.
Research Interest
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow’s research interests converge at the intersection of biotechnology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and environmental sustainability. Her central focus lies in harnessing algae for high-value products, investigating bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. She has also contributed to molecular taxonomy, genetic diversity studies, and phylogeography of marine and freshwater species, advancing ecological understanding while exploring biomedical applications. Her interest in cosmeceuticals and functional foods reflects a commitment to translational science, ensuring her work is not confined to laboratories but reaches broader societal impact. Additionally, her engagement with bioplastics and environmental applications demonstrates her interdisciplinary approach to solving global challenges.
Award
Her excellence has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards. She received the Outstanding Woman in Science Award in Biotechnology from the Venus International Foundation, acknowledging her pioneering work in algae biotechnology. Her role as a keynote and invited speaker at international conferences further underscores her academic standing. She has been honored with the Mahathir Science Award Fund recognition for her research on neuroprotective properties of seaweed, and her students under her supervision have earned awards at symposia and conferences, reflecting her dual contributions as a researcher and mentor. Internationally, she was also awarded the GlobalSeaweedSTAR Travel Fund, supporting global collaboration in seaweed research, and has consistently received teaching excellence awards at Sunway University.
Publication Top Notes
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow has an extensive record of high-impact publications across international journals. Selected works include:
Title: 3D Printability of Lysine-Modified Myofibrillar Protein Emulsions
Year: 2025
Title: LC–MS profiling‐based non‐targeted secondary metabolite screening for deciphering cosmeceutical potential of Malaysian algae
Year: 2023
Title: Algae-Based Bioplastic for Packaging: A Decade of Development and Challenges (2010–2020)
Year: 2023
Title: Photoprotective activities of Lignosus rhinocerus in UV-irradiated human keratinocytes
Year: 2022
Title: Spirulina platensis Suppressed iNOS and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced BV2 Microglia
Year: 2022
Title: Carrageenophyte Kappaphycus malesianus Inhibits Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation via Suppression of AKT/NF-κB and ERK Signaling Pathways
Year: 2022
Title: Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
Year: 2022
Conclusion
In summary, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow exemplifies the modern scholar who bridges scientific discovery, practical application, and academic mentorship. Her contributions to algae biotechnology, neuroprotective research, and functional food development position her as a global leader in her field. Through teaching excellence, impactful publications, and recognition through awards, she continues to inspire students, peers, and collaborators worldwide. By integrating fundamental science with translational research, she not only advances academic knowledge but also provides sustainable solutions for health and environmental challenges, securing her place as a driving force in biomedical and life sciences.