Chong yun Pang

• Chong yun Pang (Cohort 1) completed his PhD at Newcastle University under the supervision of Professor Simi Ali. He is now a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University.

My time at the MosMed CDT unfortunately coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, but the development and success of the mRNA vaccines fueled my growing interest in RNA therapeutics. The success of these therapies often depends on a deep understanding of cellular processes, which drew me toward exploring their potential further. After completing my PhD, I returned to Singapore to join Associate Professor Xavier Roca’s group at Nanyang Technological University as a Research Fellow. In this role, we focus on unraveling the mechanisms that drive alternative splicing in humans and how these processes might be modulated by nucleic acid therapeutics in the context of diseases. We use a combination of computational and molecular biology tools to investigate these model systems.

The interdisciplinary nature of the MosMed CDT was key in shaping my research approach. From the start, the program brought together doctoral researchers from various disciplines such as chemistry, biology, and physics. The exposure to these fields—through training courses, annual conferences, and regular catch-ups—provided me with a holistic view of science and equipped me with the ability to integrate different perspectives into my current work. This multidisciplinary approach is invaluable in addressing the complex biological questions I now focus on.

The combination of advanced research skills, real-world exposure, and the support of the CDT has been instrumental in securing this high-value role. I am happy to showcase the opportunities that the CDT provided and to represent what its graduates can achieve.

(Image: Dr Chong yun Pang pictured 7th from the left with his new lab group at Nanyang Technological University)