Hong Leong Cheah

Dr. Hong Leong Cheah is a Research Fellow at the School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, focusing on conservation genomics and population genomics of native Malaysian aquatic species. Previously, he conducted transcriptomic research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Leptospira biflexa at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), where he earned his PhD in 2022.

• Education: PhD (Molecular Biology & Bacteriology, USM, 2022), MSc (Molecular Biology, USM, 2014), BSc (Biotechnology, UTAR, 2011)

Research Interests: His work spans genomics, microbiology, and bioinformatics, with a focus on:

• Conservation genomics of sea cucumbers, sharks, rays, and peat swamp fishes
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring of marine biodiversity
• Gut microbiota in aquatic species
• Mangrove ecosystem studies
• Population genomics of marine organisms

Scientific Contributions: His publications cover bacterial regulatory RNAs, portable PCR systems, and honey-based biomedical applications, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise in molecular biology and conservation technologies.

Collaborations & Activities: Active in peer review (Environmental Science and Technology, Asia-Pacific Journal of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology) and conferences (2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference, Wellcome Connecting Science workshops in 2024).