Meet Our New CSO

Meet Professor Dr Cheong Sok Ching and Here’s What You Should Know About Her

Early Life:

Professor Dr Cheong Sok Ching is a notable scientist with roots tracing back to Ipoh. A mother of two, she embarked on her scientific journey in 1994. Graduating with top Honours in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 1998 from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a Ph.D. in the same field, which she completed in 2002.

Professor Cheong began her research career as a post-doctoral research scientist at Cancer Research Malaysia (formerly CARIF) from 2002 to 2006. This period was crucial in building her career, as she moved from being a junior researcher to Group Leader and an Adjunct Professor at Universiti Malaya in 2007 and 2009 respectively. Her roles over the years included initiating and driving head and neck cancer research in Malaysia and mentoring young scientists. Now, as our new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), her path from post-doctoral research scientist to CSO showcases her dedication and hard work in the field of science.

Leading The MeMoSA Project:

One of Professor Cheong’s notable contributions is the MeMoSA (Mobile Mouth Screening Anywhere) project. With grants from prestigious entities such as the Global Challenges Research Fund and the Strategic Research Fund (SRF, MOSTI), she spearheaded the MeMoSA project, which was initiated in 2017.

This innovative project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Faculty of Dentistry Universiti Malaya, aims to improve access to early detection of oral cancer through teleconsultation and automated disease classification. The MeMoSA App was officially launched by the Ministry of Health in February 2024, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of innovative ways for oral cancer detection. As of today, the team has screened over 1,000 people in six villages in Kuching and Samarahan, Sarawak. By the end of 2027, we aim to screen 10,000 people and expand the screening program to other parts of Malaysia.

The app was developed by CRMY in 2017 as a teleconsultation tool to seamlessly bridge primary healthcare practitioners and specialists when they encounter patients with oral lesions. This enables screening for oral lesions to be done at a larger scale and increases the access to early detection for our communities regardless of whether they live in urban or rural areas.

(Check out our ongoing fundraisers for MeMoSA on MaybankHeart and Give.Asia. For every RM1 donated, we spend at least 90 cents to fund our research!)

Gene Editing For Oral Cancer:

In 2017, while serving as the Senior Group Leader of the Head and Neck Cancer Research Team, Professor Cheong’s won the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund to set up expertise in high-throughput gene editing technology to identify genes that cause oral cancer growth.

This Nobel Prize-winning technology acts as genetic scissors, allowing scientists to identify genes that can be targeted to kill tumour cells. This study was groundbreaking in distinguishing cancer cells from normal cells, that now form the basis for drug development for a cancer prevalent among Asians.

Malaysian-Made Oral Cancer Vaccine:

Under the expert guidance of Professor Cheong, the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Science Unit has made remarkable progress in developing a Malaysian-made oral cancer vaccine. This vaccine is now poised for phase one human clinical trials. This achievement is monumental, considering that patients diagnosed with oral cancer currently have limited treatment options.  

The vaccine trains the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. Patented in multiple countries, this vaccine has shown promising results, increasing cancer control by up to 97% in laboratory models in combination with an approved immunotherapy. Despite the lengthy and costly process, this advancement marks a pivotal moment in the development of new cancer treatments.

(Pssstt, our journey to develop this vaccine is not over yet. You can actually help us and show your support here.)

Awards and Recognition:

Professor Cheong’s contributions to science have not gone unnoticed. She has received several national and international awards, including the L’Oreal For Women in Science Award, the President’s Award by the International Association of Oral Maxillofacial Pathologists (IAOP) and the ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women. These awards recognise her leadership in the science and the impact her work has had in head and neck cancer research.  Professor Cheong is also a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and the International Academy of Oral Oncology (IAOO).

In summary, Professor Dr Cheong Sok Ching’s journey from a small town to leading groundbreaking research is an inspiring story of passion and dedication. Her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also brings hope to those affected by cancer. In her capable hands, the future of science in Malaysia is filled with promise and potential.

Advancements in science require cutting-edge technology, well-equipped laboratories, and efficient administration. To continue generating valuable knowledge and understanding disease mechanisms, we need your support. Your contributions are essential for identifying new targets for developing treatments and cures.

Donate now and help us sustain and expand these critical research efforts. Together, we can create a future free of the fear of cancer: