Following the implementation of National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 since 2022, it is of utmost important to foster both the tertiary education and research towards the transition of bio-innovative society. I aspire to be an expert in Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics. Both of these disciplines are the core in developing Biotechnology as one of the key contributor towards the development of better living quality of the people. It is also important for sustainable national economic growth while addressing the current challenges in parallel with global warming, green technology, food security, healthcare and potential pandemic of new diseases.

My field of research can be grossly categorized as i) Molecular Genetics, ii) Bioinformatics and iii) Plant Biotechnology. I have been trained with in-depth skills and knowledge on plant tissue culture, molecular techniques for conducting experiments and analyses on DNA/RNA works (microRNAs, Sanger's sequencing, short-read sequencing, qPCR, use of bioinformatic tools & data interpretation, etc.). I am currently venturing into research as well as collaboration on medical genetics that focus on the genetic variations among the local indigenous people of Sabah, particularly on ageing-driven and mitochondrial-related disorders. Besides, I have strong interest in regenerative medicine, metagenomics, species identification of medicinal plants, that are currently working together with respective stakeholders and communities on these discipline. Meanwhile, projects on translational research and commercialization on durians and medicinal plants are in plan and to be kicked off by the end of 2025.

Apart from being a researcher, I have been giving lectures on molecular genetics and bioinformatics for both undergraduates and postgraduates. It is important to deliver and equip these knowledge to the students in the field of Biotechnology as genetics is one of the core that are intensively investigated and applied in molecular biology of diseases that eventually be channeled towards Precision Medicine / Pharmacogenomics. This is in line with the current advancement in artificial intelligence and utilization of big data in Biotechnology.

Dr. Yew Chee Wei holds Doktor Falsafah (Bioteknologi) from Universiti Malaysia Sabah , among other qualifications, and has established themselves as a respected expert in their field.