Top Poster Winners Share Their Journey at AACR on Campus Malaysia

A few weeks ago, Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) partnered with AACR on Campus (AACRoC) to host the 2025 AACR on Campus in Malaysia, with events held in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, Sarawak. The programme brought together hundreds of scientists, students, and young professionals to share knowledge, network, and gain new perspectives in cancer research. One of the most exciting parts was the poster competition, where participants put their research in the spotlight. We spoke to some of the top 10 winners from both locations to hear about their projects and their memorable moments.

Vinotheni Rajendran, Research Associate

My poster focusses on developing cancer vaccines for Asian Breast Cancer patients. My poster walks through how I select candidates that can trigger a strong immune response. One question from the judges really made me think: what clinical samples I’d collect to test my idea. It reminded me that research isn’t just about data, it’s about helping real patients. My favourite part of AACR on Campus wasn’t just the food (though that was great!) it was connecting with researchers from all over. I even met a Malaysian studying in the US who makes science videos in Malay, which was a fun surprise. Participating here gave me new confidence and insights for designing experiments that are more clinically relevant. For anyone preparing their first international poster, start early, seek advice from your supervisors, and make it as clear and engaging as possible.

Vinotheni explaining her poster to the judges

Joyce Chin, Senior Research Associate

During the AACR event in Kuching, I presented my poster on a fast, accurate, and affordable method to shortlist neoantigen targets for a universal cancer vaccine, aiming to make the process more accessible without compromising quality. A tricky moment came when judges asked about parts of the project I wasn’t fully familiar with, which made me realise how much there is to learn beyond my own section. The panel discussions were my favourite part, covering everything from research design to grants and publishing, and reminded me how much support exists for early-career scientists. This experience inspired me to get more hands-on with research and aim for a PhD. To all the young scientists out there, don’t overthink. Trust your work and embrace every learning opportunity.

Joyce with Dr Alfonso López-Coral, Scientific Program Administrator at American Association for Cancer Research

Mohamad Hazwan Fikri, Post-Doctoral Scientist

I showcased a poster on a prediction tool we’re developing to help clinicians figure out a patient’s cancer prognosis using a set of genes. The goal is to eventually make it as simple as a test kit to guide treatment decisions. One question from a judge really stuck with me, whether our gene set overlaps with existing commercial tools. The judge’s joking response made the discussion both light-hearted and insightful. I enjoyed the panel discussion hosted by Professor Cheong Sok Ching on cancer disparities, advocacy and care. It was inspiring to see how lab work can make a real-world impact. This experience has motivated me to push harder in my research, and my advice for early-career researchers, don’t be afraid to tell your story and welcome critiques because they only make your work stronger.

Hazwan explaining his poster to the judges

Gan Chai Phei, Post-Doctoral Scientist

My poster focuses on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a cancer that affects many people in Asia. NPC often escapes treatment because the tumour “hides” from the immune system, making it hard for the body to respond. When the immune system can’t ‘see’ the cancer, it can’t attack it. My research explores whether a cancer vaccine can help make the tumour visible again so the body can recognise and fight it. This approach could be combined with current immunotherapy drugs to improve treatment outcome for NPC patients. The judges asked insightful questions, particularly about how this approach might work in real clinical settings. I really enjoyed the poster session, which gave me the chance to engage directly with field experts and discuss my project in detail.

Chai Phei with her poster

Audrey Lee, Research Assistant

I wanted to explore whether the bacteria living in a head and neck cancer patient could give clues about how they might respond to immunotherapy. Given that most patients with this cancer are Asian and local data is limited, this felt like an important step for Malaysia. When a judge challenged the immediate usefulness of my work, I took the opportunity to explain why this was a crucial first step, and how starting small still matters. It made me appreciate how even early research can make a difference. The best part of AACR on Campus for me was meeting scientists at various stages of their careers. One line I’ll never forget is, “There is heart and good science in Malaysia.” It made me feel proud of Malaysian scientists and the goals we are striving towards. My advice for early-career researchers is to use easy-to-understand terms, focus on why it matters, and have faith in your research.

Audrey with her poster

Teo Jie Ying, Research Associate

Sharing my research on ADAR1 inhibitors for oral cancer at AACR on Campus was a rewarding experience. A memorable question from the judges was, “What if you fail to identify an effective inhibitor?” It made me reflect on alternative approaches and how setbacks can still guide the research forward. I also really enjoyed the panel discussion; the conversations were insightful and offered new ways to view my work. Attending this event didn’t change my career path, but it reminded me that hard work and persistence are what truly matter in research. My tip for anyone preparing their first international poster is to focus on your core message and main results and make it easy for your audience to grasp quickly.

Jie Ying explaining her poster to the judges

Shivaani Mariapun, Post-Doctoral Scientist

I presented our research on the genetic factors affecting breast density, a risk factor for breast cancer, in Asian populations. The key takeaway I wanted to convey is that studying specific populations can uncover new genetic variants. One of the harder points to discuss was the study’s statistical power. Even with one of the largest Asian datasets available, our sample size was still modest compared to the large genetic studies typically conducted. I enjoyed every conference session, gaining insights and strategies for research and communication. This experience has renewed my motivation to focus on cancer research, especially in addressing the needs of our population. To future poster presenters, take time to reflect on the potential impact of your research and communicate it clearly in your poster.

Shivaani with her poster

Panel discussion in KL, from left to right, Professor Dr Cheong Sok Ching, Dr Ho Gwo Fuang, Ms Lim Kim Foonf, Dr Izzuna Mudia, Professor Dr Electra Paskett and Professor Dr Elizabeth Jaffee

AACR KL Top 10 Poster Winners

Panel discussion in Kuching, from left to right: Asst Professor Ts Dr Michelle Teo, Dr Timothy Yap, Dr Paul Boutros, Dr Lisa Situ, Dr Yixian (John) Zhang and Professor Collet Dandara

From left to right: Hazwan Fikri and Dr. Paul Boutros discussing Transforming Precision Oncology by Unlocking the Power of Cancer Genomics in the Era of AI