Ng Ming Guan’s journey with Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) began as a three-month internship — a steppingstone that would later shape his path as a Research Associate and reaffirm his commitment to cancer research.

He joined the Translational Cancer Biology team as an intern, working closely with Dr Shane Wiebe. During this period, Ming Guan was immersed in data collection and analysis while gaining exposure to a wide range of research areas, including immunotherapy, cancer prevention, and digital health. The experience was intensive and challenging, but it provided him with a strong foundation in scientific research and a clearer understanding of what working in a research environment truly entails.

Today, as a Research Associate, Ming Guan plays a more active role in ongoing projects at CRMY. He describes this transition as both exciting and empowering — a shift from learning the fundamentals to contributing meaningfully to research that aims to transform the big “C” into a little “c”.

What initially drew him to Cancer Research Malaysia was the opportunity to expand his skill set and gain hands-on experience in meaningful research. What convinced him to stay on full time, however, was the organisation’s mission. After experiencing the work culture and purpose firsthand, he realised that CRMY’s vision — A Future Free of the Fear of Cancer — resonated deeply with his own values and aspirations.

Ming Guan credits his internship for preparing him well for his current role. Beyond technical laboratory skills, it taught him to think critically about the why behind experiments, not just the how. He learned how to plan experiments, troubleshoot when things went wrong, manage timelines, and communicate findings during team discussions — all essential skills that made his transition into a Research Associate smoother and more confident.

A typical day for Ming Guan starts early. He arrives at the office around 7:30am, begins his morning with lab work, and spends the rest of the day balancing experiments, literature review, data analysis, documentation, and team communication. While the work is structured, no two days are exactly the same — a reality that reflects the dynamic nature of research.

Like many researchers, Ming Guan has faced his share of challenges. One particularly meaningful experience dates back to his undergraduate research project, where he struggled to optimise a western blot experiment that repeatedly failed. After numerous attempts and growing frustration, he revisited the protocol, identified the issue, and refined the process. When the experiment finally produced consistent, reproducible results, it became a defining moment for him. The fact that those results eventually contributed to a publication reinforced an important lesson — persistence, critical thinking, and attention to detail can lead to real scientific impact.

Research, he admits, can be discouraging at times. Experiments do not always work as expected, and setbacks are inevitable. What keeps him motivated is his mindset. He views challenges as learning opportunities and reminds himself of the bigger picture — that his work could one day make a difference beyond the lab.

Working at CRMY has also reshaped how Ming Guan views the impact of research. He has seen firsthand how scientific work can extend beyond academic papers and translate into real-world applications. Initiatives such as CRMY’s Digital Health efforts to improve cancer screening accessibility have shown him how research can directly influence public health outcomes, making the work feel tangible, relevant, and socially meaningful.

Looking ahead, Ming Guan is excited about continuing his development as an independent researcher. Pursuing a PhD is one of his long-term goals, which he sees as an opportunity to deepen his expertise and tackle more complex research questions. Ultimately, what drives him most is the prospect of contributing to patient outcomes and public health — bridging the gap between research and real-world impact.

Originally from Klang — famously known for its bak kut teh — Ming Guan holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honours from IMU University. He later gained experience as a contract research assistant at the National Institute of Health, supporting a clinical trial, before pursuing a Master of Research (MRes) at the University of Birmingham, graduating in December 2024. Outside the lab, he enjoys staying active through sports, spending time with friends, travelling, and challenging himself with puzzle-solving games.