Keisheni Ganeson

Recipient of Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology & Innovation 2025

Institution

University of Toronto, Canada
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
EPFL - Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne, Switzerland

Fabrication of Smart Microneedles Embedded with Butterfly Pea-Derived Nanoparticles for Combined Therapy and pH Sensing

Health, Science and Technology

Dato' Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman

Recipient for Year 2022

Something that is worth doing is often tough, but the rewards can be big.

From Petals to Patches: Innovating with Nature

Born and raised in Penang, Keisheni Ganeson is a passionate biotechnologist whose research bridges nature and technology.

She recently completed her PhD at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, where she designed dissolvable microneedles for breast cancer using biodegradable materials made by Malaysian-isolated bacteria. But even before that, she was already merging nature with technology developing edible films from aloe vera and cinnamon oil during her Master’s.

Innovation Through the Merdeka Award Grant

Her Merdeka Award Grant project explores the development of a smart, colour-sensitive microneedle patch that combines butterfly pea flower (bunga telang), combining traditional botanical wisdom with futuristic biomedical design.

The goal is to make wound care safer, more accessible, and affordable, especially for vulnerable communities far from major healthcare centres.

Through her international attachment, Keisheni aims to deepen her expertise in biosensing and biomaterials by collaborating across borders, particularly at the University of Toronto (Canada), Imperial College London, and EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne). She hopes to return home and help shape a healthcare system that is not only advanced but also deeply Malaysian.

Recognition and Inspiration

Keisheni’s research journey has earned her recognition through multiple innovation competitions, including the Merck Young Scientist Award and the prestigious Toray Science Foundation grant.

But for her, science has always been personal. Spending her academic years in the East Coast states of Pahang and Terengganu, she was shaped by the region’s rich biodiversity, multicultural spirit, and a deep sense of belonging in places often overlooked.

Local Roots, Global Vision

She believes that world-class innovation can grow from local roots, and that traditional ingredients like bunga telang hold untapped potential when paired with smart, accessible technology.

Her years in Terengganu also sparked a love for hiking, snorkeling, and exploring Malaysia’s natural landscapes, the very environment that continues to inspire her work.

Beyond the Lab

Having spent her academic years in Pahang and Terengganu, she grew to love hiking, snorkeling, and the kind of slow, meaningful science that lives close to the land.

She carries those places with her everywhere in her work, in her vision, in her voice. Outside the lab, Keisheni is a poet, painter, and avid cook.

Impact and Vision

Keisheni firmly believes that a woman can be all, and do it all, a scientist, a dreamer, a changemaker, and still be deeply rooted in who she is.

Through her upcoming attachments in Canada, the UK, and Switzerland, she hopes to learn, collaborate, and return with stronger tools to help shape a healthcare system that’s not just advanced, but proudly, powerfully Malaysian.

Because in her world, petals can heal. And women can lead.

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

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