Cover Biomedical scientist Professor Chong Pei Pei champions digital solutions to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for vulnerable communities in Malaysia (Photo: Fady Younis)
Biomedical scientist Professor Chong Pei Pei champions digital solutions to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for vulnerable communities in Malaysia (Photo: Fady Younis)
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Biomedical scientist Professor Chong Pei Pei champions digital solutions to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for vulnerable communities in Malaysia
Women’s health in Malaysia is a field with much potential and opportunity for digitalisation and innovation. What so many of us take for granted—access to reliable, consistent healthcare and reliable screening tools—is in reality a rare privilege for so many women and communities across our nation. Biomedical scientist Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei, Director of the Centre for Active Living at Taylor’s University, didn’t just see a gap when considering this. She went a step beyond and mobilised inter-disciplinary teams to address healthcare gaps via technology, AI and a little resourcefulness.
Where others saw a cheap ear-cleaning tool on Shopee, Chong saw the potential for a light-based device to improve pap smear sample collection and analysis in remote and underserved communities.
In 2024, she and her team co-developed a patented cervical sampling device designed to enhance precision, comfort, and accessibility, expediting early detection of cervical cancer. Drawing on her experience in outreach screening programmes, Chong leverages digital tools and AI to transform women’s health diagnostics.
Above Chong and the team from National Cancer Society Malaysia at the NCSM mobile health screening clinic (Photo: Courtesy of Chong Pei Pei)
Chong and the team from National Cancer Society Malaysia at the NCSM mobile health screening clinic (Photo: Courtesy of Chong Pei Pei)
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Over the past two years, her work has been recognised with a Gold Award at ITEX 2025, a Malaysia patent granted in 2024, and a Silver Award at ITEX 2023. In March 2025, Chong was shortlisted among 20 finalists for Tatler’s Front & Female Awards for her contributions to women’s health and wellbeing. She is also a Tatler Most Influential 2025 honouree.
Beyond research, she leads community projects such as the B.O.L.E.H. initiative, which targets dengue prevention in B40 communities, and mentors students through the Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab.
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Above Chong at the official media preview of Taylor’s University’s cervical cancer screening innovation, PapLite Pro in 2024 (Photo: Taylor’s University)
Chong at the official media preview of Taylor’s University’s cervical cancer screening innovation, PapLite Pro in 2024 (Photo: Taylor’s University)
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Previously as Director of the Digital Health and Medical Advancement Impact Lab at Taylor’s University, and now leading its Centre for Active Living, Chong leads the way in cultivating cross-disciplinary collaborations between academia, industry, and non-governmental organisations. A brilliant yet humble innovator, Chong is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of researchers.
As a Tatler Impact Award for Innovation recipient at Tatler Ball 2025 in Malaysia, she was presented a Royal Selangor trophy in recognition of her innovative efforts in improving access to healthcare. She also received two pairs of Getha Lux Suite Aurum TRX tickets as well as a YSL Beauty MUSE Eau de Parfum fragrance.
Tatler Ball 2025 is proudly sponsored by Cortina Watch Malaysia, Getha, YSL Beauty, KPJ Healthcare, Moët Hennessy, The St Regis Kuala Lumpur and Royal Selangor
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
