Hwang Siaw San

Associate Professor Hwang Siaw San is a distinguished researcher and academic at Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak, serving in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science. With over 12 years of academic experience, she was promoted from Lecturer (2010) to Senior Lecturer (2016) and finally to Associate Professor (2020), reflecting her significant contributions to research and education.

Her educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Resource Biotechnology (1998), Master of Science in Plant Genetic Engineering (2002), and PhD in Molecular Biology (2009) from UNIMAS, where her dissertation investigated molecular mechanisms of starch biosynthesis in sago palm.

Professor Hwang's research spans biomedical sciences, nutraceuticals, and agrobiotechnology. She leads investigations into cancer and cardiovascular disease biomarkers, develops disease diagnostic tools, and explores therapeutic properties of Sarawak natural products including palm oil and local rice varieties. Her agricultural research focuses on molecular mechanisms in black pepper disease resistance and crop yield improvement, addressing critical challenges for Sarawak's agricultural sector.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary approach connecting molecular biology with practical applications. Her work shows consistent focus on translational research with publications spanning cancer therapeutics, cardiovascular protection, black pepper genomics, and natural product applications. Recent publications increasingly incorporate computational approaches including machine learning for disease diagnosis.

• 2021: Outstanding Innovation Award and Gold Medal Award at Malaysia Technology Expo
• 2020 & 2019: Swinburne Sarawak Research Success Award
• 2019: Gold Award at Melaka International Intellectual Exposition
• 2019: Silver Award at Innovation Technology Expo
• 2014: Silver and Gold Medal Awards at academic conferences

Professor Hwang has secured substantial research funding as Principal Investigator on multiple projects totaling over MYR 1 million, including grants from Sarawak Research and Development Council, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, Malaysian Pepper Board, and industry partners. Her collaborative approach is evident through numerous Co-PI roles on additional projects. She actively mentors research students and welcomes prospective candidates to join her research group in areas spanning biomedical sciences, nutraceuticals, and agricultural biotechnology.