PhD student gets research grant

Shiau Ying’s research is focusing on the treatment of colorectal cancer cells.

THAM Shiau Ying, a PhD student at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus has been awarded with a Science and Technology Research Grant.

She received it from the Malaysia Toray Science Foundation. The grant worth RM20,000, is funded by the Toray Science Foundation, Japan.

Shiau Ying’s PhD research focuses on studying the combined effects of chemotherapy and tocotrienol, a component which belongs to the Vitamin E family, to treat colorectal cancer cells.

In her findings, she proposed that in the presence of tocotrienol, colorectal cancer cells are more receptive to chemo-drugs treatment when delivered in a lower dosage as compared to chemotherapy alone.

She said common side effects of chemotherapy such as toxicity and drug resistance could possibly be reduced.

“It is indeed a great honour and achievement in my PhD journey.

“I’m thankful to the foundation for funding my research work. I’m also grateful to my supervisors, Prof Sandy Loh and Dr Mai Chun Wai from the International Medical University and Dr Fu Ju Yen from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board for their continual guidance and support for my study,’’ she said.

Prof Loh said Shiau Ying’s sound grasp of knowledge in the subject area and enthusiasm in research convinced the selection committee.

She successfully secured the grant and stood out as one of the 17 awardees across Malaysia.

In congratulating her, UNMC School of Biosciences head Prof Festo Massawe said: “Shiau Ying’s achievement is a clear demonstration of the high calibre of students at the university.”