A RECORD 21 UCSI University academics made Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists list for 2026, up 50% from 14 last year.
UCSI president and vice-chancellor Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir said when academics are given the freedom and support to pursue questions they are passionate about, they go on to make a far-reaching impact on the global stage.
“The numbers are encouraging, but what matters most is the difference our research makes to communities, industry and public policy, as well as its contribution to nation-building, global peace and sustainability,” she said in an Oct 14 press release.
Those listed are Distinguished Chair Prof Dr Ooi Keng Boon; Distinguished Prof Dr Phang Siew Moi; Senior Prof Dr Garry Tan Wei Han; Professors Dr Show Pau Loke, Dr Eric Chan Wei Chiang, Dr Eugene Aw Cheng Xi, Dr Muslim Amin, Dr Shayla Islam, Dr Richard Peter Bailey, Dr Lim Wei Hong, Dr Looi Chung Yeng and Dr Christophe Wiart; Associate Professors Dr Mehrbakhsh Nilashi, Dr Umer Rashid, Dr Hew Jun Jie, Dr Ahsan Anwar, Dr MD Shouquat Hossain, Dr Yeap Swee Pin and Dr Elango Natarajan; and Assistant Professors Dr Kalaimani Markandan and Dr Nazeer Hasan.
Among them, 16 made the top 1%, up from 10 in 2025. Prof Show ranked in the top 0.005%, Prof Ooi in the top 0.02% and Prof Aw in the top 0.09%.
Additionally, six UCSI researchers are now ranked as Malaysia’s top scientists in their fields and subfields, up from two last year.
Prof Show leads in enabling and strategic technologies, as well as the subfields of biotechnology and energy, while Prof Ooi tops the subfields of business and management, and marketing.
Prof Bailey retains his position as the country’s top researcher in sports science. UCSI deputy vice-chancellor (research and postgraduate) Prof Phang also maintains her lead in marine biology and hydrobiology.
Nilashi is the top researcher in information systems, while Prof Wiart leads in medicinal and biomolecular chemistry, and tropical medicine.
Acknowledging the achievements of two homegrown talents, Prof Lim and Yeap, Prof Siti Hamisah said the duo began their careers at UCSI before becoming prolific researchers.
Both academics expressed gratitude to the varsity for providing them with the flexibility, space and opportunities to explore new ideas and pursue research they are passionate about.
“The growing number of internationally recognised researchers demonstrates how sustained investment in people can translate into meaningful achievements,” said Prof Lim, who is also the dean of the varsity’s Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment.
Yeap said UCSI’s management of research grant applications, the provision of research enablers and strong postgraduate student support played a crucial role in facilitating his research progress.
