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Congratulations to Ir Dr Low Liang Ee of Monash University Malaysia, recipient of the 2026 Dr Ranjeet Bhagwan Singh (RBS) Medical Research Grant. His research explores smart nanoparticles that can locate tumours and generate heat, helping destroy cancer cells more precisely while limiting damage to healthy tissue during cancer treatment.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Datuk Chang Lih Kang, presented the award. The RBS Medical Research Grant carries forward Dr Ranjeet Bhagwan Singh’s legacy by supporting young scientists to pursue impactful medical and biomedical research.
At the same event, the 2026 RBS Annual Memorial Forum, themed “AI-Enabled Healthcare for Smarter Solutions and Well-Being,” explored how emerging technologies can strengthen healthcare through responsible and trusted implementation.
Professor Patrick Then, CEO of Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre
Prof. Patrick Then highlighted how AI is reshaping healthcare through innovations in clinical care and research. The session showcased practical applications, including AI-powered COVID-19 detection using cough sounds and smart ECG monitoring for arrhythmia detection at home. These advancements show how digital health solutions can enable earlier diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, and drive preventive care.
Dr Feng Mengling, Director of AI for Public Health, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore
Associate Professor Feng Mengling highlighted how artificial intelligence can transform public health through ethical, trustworthy and population-focused applications. His work spans data integration, healthcare equity and workforce development, with a featured case study demonstrating how an AI Call Assistant improves emergency call triage accuracy and decision-making.
Academician Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Awg Bulgiba Awg Mahmud FASc, ASM Senior Fellow
Professor Awg Bulgiba Awg Mahmud examined AI’s expanding role in healthcare, highlighting its integration, applications and validation needs. He discussed risks such as citation pollution and workforce de-skilling, while noting Malaysia’s limited AI adoption. He concluded that stronger data systems, governance and workforce reforms were needed to realise AI’s potential.
Dr Svetlana Yanchuk, Country President, AstraZeneca Malaysia
Dr Svetlana Yanchuk outlined how AstraZeneca had applied AI across drug discovery, clinical development, manufacturing and healthcare delivery to improve patient outcomes. She highlighted AI-enabled innovation, global partnerships and Malaysian healthcare initiatives that accelerated diagnosis, expanded access to care and supported more personalised, data-driven treatment pathways.
The RBS Medical Research Trust Fund continues Dr Ranjeet Bhagwan Singh’s legacy by supporting young Malaysian researchers in advancing impactful medical and biomedical research.
The Grant provides an opportunity for emerging researchers to pursue innovative research with the potential to contribute to better healthcare and well-being. Young Malaysian researchers are encouraged to look out for the next call for applications and consider the RBS Medical Research Grant as part of their research journey.