The Malaysian Scientist Advancing Early Breast Cancer Detection
A Malaysian pioneer in medical physics and a professor at the University of Malaya’s Department of Biomedical Imaging, Professor Dr. Ng Kwan Hoong was among the few in the country who are researching the role of breast density in predicting breast cancer risk.
He is the sole medical physicist recognised as a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences, Malaysia and one of the scarce non-physicians granted admission to the esteemed Academy of Medicine, Malaysia.
He is also a prolific writer who has published many international journals, authored and co-authored over 250 papers in peer-reviewed journals, 90 conference proceedings papers, 35 book chapters and has co-edited 10 books.
Prof Dr Ng doing research on mammography
A first for Malaysia
Professor Ng’s research in radiation medicine has contributed significantly to the fight against breast cancer globally by researching various imaging methods including breast density measurement to help early detection.
For his groundbreaking research in breast cancer imaging, he became the first Malaysian scientist to be honored with the prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie Award and recognised as one of the world's top 50 medical physicists by the International Organisation of Medical Physics (IOMP).
Prof Dr Ng receiving the Marie Curie Award, Prague 2018
Innovating during a time of turmoil
During the recent global COVID-19 crisis, Professor Ng made significant strides in the scientific community leading a multidisciplinary, multi-national team to develop an online resource for new and emerging COVID-19 research publications (http://www.covid19bibliometrics.org).
The site provided researchers with reliable information, aiding them in discerning trustworthy scientific findings, recognising trends and knowledge gaps, and guiding them to identify areas requiring further investigation.
He also led a team of researchers to design and develop an infrared digital thermometer prototype, sauna32, that collects body temperature data using Internet of Things (IoT) capability.
Prof Dr Ng's breast imaging team UMMC
Contributions beyond the home front
Apart from his contributions to Malaysia’s medical field, Professor Ng contributed extensively to the IOMP for over two decades, having served as chairman of its International Advisory Board and its publication committee, and as a member in several of its committees.
He also established the ASEAN College of Medical Physics (ACOMP) in 2014, which strives to provide continuous education and training to medical professionals and has, thus far, conducted far more than 15 courses.
He was also the founding president and president emeritus of the South East Asian Federation of Organisations of Medical Physicists (SEAFOMP), and one of the founders of the Asia-Oceania Federation of Organisations of Medical Physicists (AFOMP).
Nurturing future scientist
In 2017 Professor Ng founded the International Leadership and Mentoring Programme that nurtures early-career medical physicists, especially from developing countries into inspiring leaders of their field.
As a multi-disciplinary professional, Professor Ng also served the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as an expert and consultant, involved with expert missions, conference lectures, drafting and reviewing of codes, guidelines, chapters and reports. His notable contributions include taking part in publishing the “Diagnostic Radiology Physics - A Handbook for Teachers and Students”; “Clinical Training of Clinical Medical Physicists Specialising in Diagnostic Radiology”; and “The Fukushima Daiichi Accident”.
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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.