Abhi VEERAKUMARASIVAM

• Provost & Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Sunway University
• Shift Lead, Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint 2025-2035
• Immediate Past Chair, International Network for Government Science Advice – Asia
• Immediate Past Chair, ASEAN Young Scientists Network 

Professor Abhi Veerakumarasivam is a Malaysian geneticist, educator, and science policy leader. He is the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University. A Cambridge-trained cancer geneticist, his research explores the molecular pathways driving cancer recurrence and invasion, as well as Asian genetic variations influencing disease risk and treatment response. His work bridges genetics, education, and policy, advocating for the use of scientific evidence to advance institutional and national decision-making.

Abhi was the first Asian to win the FameLab International Best Science Communicator Award, and has received numerous accolades, including the National Cancer Research Award, Merdeka Award Grant, and Study UK Alumni Award for Science and Sustainability.

He was the inaugural Chair of INGSA-Asia (the International Network for Government Science Advice) and co-chaired the ASEAN Young Scientists Network, leading regional efforts to strengthen science advice, research integrity, and evidence-based policy. He has contributed to many major national initiatives, including the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint 2025–2035 and the country’s first Responsible Conduct of Research framework.

At Sunway, Abhi leads the largest UK-Malaysia transnational education partnership and the collaboration with Arizona State University, nurturing thousands of next-generation leaders with the knowledge, skills, and values to foster a harmonious, equitable, and sustainable future.

Bridging Knowledge and Action: ASEAN Young Scientists as Drivers of Local and Regional Progress