Official guides / Enrolment & course planning

MSc Studentship (Dr Yeong Keng Yoon) (Monash Malaysia)

Official source

Monash University Malaysia

Last checked: 25 Oct 2026 UTC

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Text and tables taken from the official page, with collapsed sections opened, so it can be read and searched here. Images and forms are not copied, so open the original page when you need to apply or submit something.

Project Title: Design and synthesis of ADAR1 inhibitors for the treatment of oral cancers

Description of the project: Targeted therapies designed to inhibit key “driver” genes required for the survival of cancer cells have significantly improved the survival rates of some cancer patients. But to date, this approach has not significantly improved survival for oral cancer because of the limited knowledge of driver genes in this cancer. The only approved molecular targeted drug for oral cancer, cetuximab (an EGFR inhibitor), increased overall patient survival, but only by three months. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology on a unique set of Asian oral cancer lines, the ADAR1 (Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) gene has been identified as a key driver gene required for the survival of oral cancers. Significantly, there are currently no specific inhibitors against ADAR1. The aim of the project is to identify and develop ADAR1 inhibitors for the treatment of oral cancers.

Eligibility: The opportunity is open to candidates with an outstanding Bachelor’s degree majoring in the field of Medicinal or Organic Chemistry/ Pharmaceutical Science/ Chemistry or related disciplines.

Level Of Support: This is a collaborative project with Cancer Research Malaysia, Swinburne University of Technology Malaysia, University Science Malaysia and Monash University Malaysia. It is funded by the Malaysia Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). A monthly stipend will be provided to the candidate throughout his/her candidature (maximum 2 years). Tuition waiver opportunity will be given to the candidate if he/she is eligible and meet the requirement.

Closing Date: Application is on a first come first serve basis. Once a suitable candidate is found, the application will be closed.

To Apply: Only eligible candidate should write in application and resume directly to Inquiries are to be directed to Dr. Ken Yeong (Yeong.kengyoon@monash.edu)

For Master of Science requirements, please refer to this link: Master of Science (MSc)

For English requirements, please refer to this link: Master of Science (MSc)

What is GPA at Monash?

All campuses

GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale from your grades rather than your marks: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.0, Credit 2.0, Pass 1.0, Near pass 0.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 0.3, Withdrawn fail 0.0. Some results, such as SFR and NE, are not counted. Your GPA is shown in WES and on your transcript. Malaysia also uses a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) with different values: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.67, Credit 2.85, Pass 2.15, Near pass 1.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 1.15, Withdrawn fail 0.0. It is not on your academic record, so you request a CGPA letter.

How do I withdraw from a unit?

Australia: withdraw through WES while enrolment changes are open. Before the census date there is no fee and no record; after it, you keep the fee liability and the unit shows as a withdrawal. If you are on a student visa you have study load requirements to maintain: Monash's study load page says you can reduce your load only in compassionate or compelling circumstances, unless you are in your final year and will finish within the time on your CoE. Malaysia: after the census date a withdrawn unit shows as WD-LATE or WD-FAIL, and the date you withdraw can affect fee refunds and your academic record. The last day to withdraw without academic penalty is before the WD-LATE date ends; the dates are in Monash Malaysia's Principal Dates. With a Student Pass, going below 24 credit points a semester is an underload: it needs approval, it can never go below 18 credit points, and below 18 you have to apply for intermission.

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

The rules are each country's, not Monash's, and they are different. Australia: work rights for student visa holders are set by the Australian Government, and the cap has changed several times in recent years. Monash's page links to the current Department of Home Affairs conditions - always confirm the number there before relying on it. Malaysia: with a Student Pass you may work only during semester breaks or public holidays of more than seven days, and for no more than 20 hours a week, at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets or hotels; the page lists jobs that are not allowed. Every job has to be approved by the Immigration Department: you apply through the International Student Pass office and must be there in person when the application is submitted.