A visionary in her field, Penang-born Professor Cheah Phaik Yeong achieved distinction when she became professor of global health at the University of Oxford, whose work revolves around research related to the health of populations worldwide.

She is also founder and head of bioethics and engagement at Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) in Bangkok, where she spearheads many engagement activities in Southeast Asia, and ensures that MORU’s research is ethical, responsive and that its potential health impact is maximised.

Her ‘Village Drama Against Malaria’ project, which aims to create awareness and support rural malaria workers in Cambodia’s Battambang province, won her the University of Oxford Vice Chancellor’s Choice Award for Public Engagement in 2019.

Cheah is currently conducting research on antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the significant implications of antibiotics becoming ineffective against infections—a major global health challenge that affects future generations.