MELAKA: An academic and local education activist has become the first Malaysian elected as Co-Chair of the Global Young Academy (GYA), an international platform representing young scientists across the globe.
Assoc Prof Dr Sam Chan Siok Yee (pic), a registered pharmacist and academic at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was elected during the GYA’s Annual General Meeting held in Hyderabad, India, from June 10-13.
Chan will serve alongside returning Co-Chair, Dr Yensi Flores Bueso of University College Cork, Ireland.
Chan, 41, was elected through a hybrid voting process involving over 70 academics from around the world.
With her appointment, Malaysia assumes a greater role in championing scientific leadership from lower middle-income countries and shaping GYA’s strategic direction.
In an interview yesterday, Chan described the appointment as a “landmark achievement for Malaysian science and global leadership”.
“My election marks a significant step forward for gender representation and regional inclusion in global scientific governance,” she said.
Chan said the position is not merely a personal milestone, but also a recognition of the growing impact of South-East Asian scientists in the international research community.
“I am deeply honoured to serve as Co-Chair of GYA and this role reflects the collective progress of our region’s scientific contributions on the world stage,” she said, adding that she is also committed to strengthening support systems for young researchers worldwide.
Founded in 2010, the GYA promotes international, interdisciplinary and inter-generational dialogue to address pressing global challenges.
The academy currently includes 22 Malaysian scientists and Chan has been involved since 2021.
In Melaka, she is a vice-president and education specialist with the Melaka Action Group of Parents in Education (Magpie).
