THE RESEARCHERS

Prof Dr David Perera

RESEARCHER

Prof Dr David Perera

Currently pursuing research project on enteroviruses, dengue and respiratory tract infection in children. Areas of interest include molecular diagnostic, viral-host interaction and molecular epidemiology.

RESEARCHER

Associate Prof Dr Magdline Sia Henry Sum

My primary interest lies in the areas of viral infection and detection. These include the study of viral infection pathway by way of looking at viral-host protein-protein interaction, development of new diagnostic assay and recombinant antigen and antibody development.
Currently, my study is focusing mainly on tropical infectious diseases that are common and important to Sarawak. So far most of my work is related to infectious diseases in human caused by mosquito-borne viruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue virus and chikungunya virus, besides the human viruses, I’m also currently working on a plant virus, Tungro virus. Spanning all viruses and diseases, the study is focusing on protein binding and interaction, differential gene expression, serological assay development and virus detection and isolation.
Assoc Prof Dr Magdline
Dr Yuwana Podin

RESEARCHER

Dr Yuwana Podin

Previously, I have been involved in projects associated with the epidemiology and surveillance of infectious diseases that are endemic in Sarawak such as hand-foot-mouth disease (enteroviruses) and CNS-related viral diseases.

While maintaining my primary interest in epidemiology, I am expanding to a new niche area; melioidosis and Burkholderia pseudomallei in Malaysian Borneo with the following sub-topics: Molecular epidemiology and biogeography of B. pseudomallei Environmental dissemination of B. peudomallei Animal melioidosis Drug resistance/susceptibility of B. pseudomallei Interactions between B. pseudomallei and other Burkholderia spp. (including antibiosis and bacteriophage).

RESEARCHER

Dr Wong Kiing Aik

My PhD position allows me to satisfy my keen interest in medical virology and acquired specialised knowledge on measles, mumps, rubella, varicella zoster virus, herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 viruses. I also have been involved in research that used a range of virological approaches to develop a new cancer treatment (Virotherapy), by using pseudotyped lentivirus.

Currently, my study is mainly focusing on tropical infectious diseases that are common in Sarawak. Area of interest: Molecular Epidemiology and Molecular Virology.

Dr Wong Kiing Aik