Professor Dr. Tay Sun Tee has dedicated her career to advancing the understanding of infectious diseases that continue to pose significant public health challenges in Malaysia and beyond. Through pioneering work in medical microbiology, she has contributed to the development of molecular diagnostic techniques, improved pathogen surveillance, and enhanced understanding of antimicrobial resistance. Her research has strengthened the capacity for early and accurate identification of infectious agents, supporting better clinical management and disease control strategies while reinforcing Malaysia's position in infectious disease research.
A lifelong scholar of Universiti Malaya, Professor Tay obtained her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology in 1991, followed by a Master of Medical Science in 1993 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Science in 2001. Since joining the Faculty of Medicine, she has established herself as one of the University's experts in medical microbiology, combining laboratory research with postgraduate education and academic leadership. Throughout her career, she has served in numerous administrative capacities, including Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology, programme coordinator and member of various faculty and university committees responsible for academic development, research governance and biosafety.
Professor Tay's research focuses on the molecular detection, identification and characterisation of medically important bacterial and fungal pathogens. Her work encompasses fungal infections caused by Candida species and Cryptococcus neoformans, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, vector-borne bacterial diseases, and tropical infectious diseases such as scrub typhus, melioidosis and spotted fever. In recent years, her research has expanded to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation and pathogen virulence, contributing valuable insights into emerging infectious diseases and improving diagnostic approaches for healthcare settings.
Her scientific contributions have earned widespread recognition within the international research community. Professor Tay has published more than 170 peer-reviewed journal articles in leading international journals spanning medical microbiology, infectious diseases, molecular diagnostics and clinical medicine. Her research has been supported by competitive grants exceeding RM5.5 million, reflecting sustained confidence in the quality and relevance of her work. She is also an active reviewer for numerous international scientific journals, contributing to the advancement of research quality within her discipline.
Beyond research, Professor Tay has played an influential role in strengthening academic standards and professional practice. She is a member of several national and international professional bodies, including the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) and the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM). She has also served as an external examiner, research evaluator, ethics committee member and assessor for research funding, while mentoring postgraduate researchers and young scientists who continue to contribute to medical microbiology and infectious disease research in Malaysia and the region. Her commitment to excellence has been recognised through multiple Universiti Malaya Excellent Service Awards, international fellowships and various academic and professional recognitions throughout her career.
Today, Professor Tay continues to lead impactful research addressing some of the world's most pressing infectious disease challenges. By integrating molecular microbiology, genomics and translational research, her work continues to improve the diagnosis and understanding of microbial pathogens while supporting the global effort to combat antimicrobial resistance and emerging infectious diseases. Her career exemplifies Universiti Malaya's commitment to producing research that delivers meaningful benefits to healthcare, scientific discovery and society at large.
