UM clinical oncologist Dr David Lee Dai Wai nabs two major international awards
The university said these accolades were a testament to Dr Lee’s dedication to advancing oncology research and improving patient care in Malaysia.
SINAR DAILY REPORTER
SHAH ALAM – Universiti Malaya’s (UM) clinical oncologist Dr David Lee Dai Wee nabs two prestigious international awards in 2024, showcasing Malaysia’s growing presence in the global oncology arena.
First, Dr Lee was honoured with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) International Development and Education Award (IDEA) 2024 in Chicago, United States.
UM, in a statement, said this award provides support for early-career oncologists in low- and middle-income countries and facilitates the sharing of knowledge between these oncologists and ASCO members.
It said the program pairs IDEA Recipients with a mentor and enables recipients to attend the ASCO Annual Meeting, participate in a post-meeting visit to their mentor’s institution, and develop long-term relationships to improve cancer care in their countries.
Dr Lee had the privilege of being mentored by Dr Aditya Juloori for three days at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center after the ASCO Annual Meeting and that mentorship provided hands-on exposure to advanced cancer care strategies and personalized guidance.
Additionally, UM said Dr Lee made history as the first Malaysian to receive the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) Academy Award 2024, since the award’s inception in 2017.
The IASLC Academy, it said, was a prestigious global initiative that selects Academy award recipients from around the world and provides them with unparalleled mentorship and career development insights.
UM said guided by seasoned experts, the participants engage in intensive yet rewarding work, conducting research projects in medical and radiation oncology, pathology, and thoracic surgery and in developing diverse case studies for The Amazing Case Race at the World Congress of Lung Cancer (WCLC).
As part of the award, it said Dr Lee was mentored by Dr Jessica Lin from Massachusetts General Hospital, gaining insights into cutting-edge research in lung cancer.
At the WCLC, Dr. Lee also presented a poster titled 'Outcome and Transcriptomic Features of MET Amplified EGFR Mutant NSCLC,' highlighting his research on the intersection of molecular biology and clinical outcomes in lung cancer treatment.
UM said these accolades were a testament to Dr Lee’s dedication to advancing oncology research and improving patient care in Malaysia.
“His success brings great pride to the UM and reinforces its role in driving innovation and excellence in healthcare. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr David Lee for his outstanding accomplishments and look forward to his continued impact on the global oncology landscape,” the statement read.
