A groundbreaking research project combining artificial intelligence and pharmaceutical science to improve the analysis of ageing cells has earned national recognition for Pharmacy student Foong Zhen Hin, who outperformed competitors from some of Malaysia’s leading universities at the 9th National Pharmacy Research Competition.
Representing QIU’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Foong Zhen Hin delivered an impressive performance at the national-level competition held at University of Cyberjaya and organised by the Malaysian Pharmacy Students’ Association (MyPSA) on 16 May 2026.
Going head-to-head with finalists from institutions such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Taylor’s University, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi MARA, Foong distinguished himself by securing two major awards — the Overall Best Presenter Award across all competition categories and the 1st Runner-Up title in Category B, which covers Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, and Pharmaceutical Technology.
Foong presented a research project developed under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adrian Ng Kwok Wen as part of an ongoing ageing research initiative aimed at improving the quantification and analysis of ageing cells.
Working alongside fellow Faculty of Pharmacy students Wong Kai Huey, Seow Mei Kei, and Lai Wei Qi, the team explored the use of artificial intelligence in microscopic cell image analysis to support faster, more consistent, and reliable cellular ageing assessment. The research also sought to reduce reliance on conventional manual observation methods, highlighting the growing integration of pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical research, and artificial intelligence in healthcare innovation.
The National Pharmacy Research Competition serves as a platform for pharmacy students from public and private universities across Malaysia to showcase their research findings, exchange ideas, and engage with fellow researchers and academic professionals.
Foong’s achievement reflects QIU’s continued commitment to research excellence, innovation-driven learning, and empowering students to compete confidently on national platforms.
