Polar Research at the IMU

Full text

Polar Research in the
International Medical University

Editors
Prof Dr Patricia Lim Kim Chooi, International Medical University
Dr Chong Chun Wie, Monash University Malaysia
Dr Nur Alia Johari, International Medical University
Acknowledgements
We wish to extend our thanks to Dr Wong Chiew Yen, Dr Kok Yih Yih,
Dr Fabian Davamani, Dr Kenny Voon Gah Leong, Prof Vishna Devi Nadarajah and
Dr Dang Nguk Ling for their contributions to the technical and
scientific contents of the book.
We would also like to thank Mdm Lau Yoke Kuan, wife of the late Prof Chu Wan Loy, for kindly providing us with
photographs from Prof Chu’s collection.
Photo: Adélie penguins at Factory Cove, Signy Island, with Coronation Island in the background.
Cover Photo: Chinstrap penguin at Rock Haven, Gourlay Peninsula, Signy Island.
1

Contents
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Brief History of Malaysia’s Involvement in Antarctica
Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan’s
Smart Partnership Initiative and the IMU’s Involvement
The IMU’s Endeavour in Polar Research
Algae
Bacteria
Virus
Parasites
Fungi
A Tribute to Professor Chu Wan Loy
Photo: Factory Bluffs, Signy Island.
Foreword
The vast, white expanse of the ice-covered Antarctic continent, seemingly devoid of life.
When such images come to mind we often forget about the extraordinary abundance of
life just beneath the ice, particularly microorganisms, surviving and playing a fundamental
role in the functioning of the Antarctic ecosystems. The abundance and diversity of
microbial life in such extreme aquatic and terrestrial environments have intrigued
scientists for over a century. However, amidst the silence and solitude of the Antarctic we
have begun to see dramatic changes in the environment, with climate change and the
significant impacts of human activities in the region becoming ever more apparent in
recent years.
The International Medical University’s (IMU) foray into polar research first began with
Prof Chu Wan Loy’s passion for tropical and polar algae research. Scientists from the IMU
have since joined in the exploration and study of these extraordinary organisms, expanding
into research on bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Research efforts include how these
microorganisms contribute to the maintenance and delicate balance of the Antarctic
ecosystem and their responses to the changing climate.In this book, we describe the
IMU’s endeavour in polar research, in memory of Prof Chu’s vision and dedication to not
only scientific exploration, but also education and a shared effort to understand the
consequences of global warming.
Photo: Hiking to Tioga Hill, the highest point (279 m) on Signy Island. Dr Nur Alia Johari (right) with a British Antarctic Survey field guide.

Contents
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Brief History of Malaysia’s Involvement in Antarctica
Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan’s
Smart Partnership Initiative and the IMU’s Involvement
The IMU’s Endeavour in Polar Research
Algae
Bacteria
Virus
Parasites
Fungi
A Tribute to Professor Chu Wan Loy
Photo: Factory Bluffs, Signy Island.
3

In comparison to diplomatic and political involvement,
Malaysia’s scientific endeavour in Antarctica started relatively
late in 1997. The breakthrough came when New Zealand
offered the use of Scott Base in Antarctica in 1997 for
Malaysia to undertake research. This became the catalyst for
the Malaysian Cabinet to commission the Academy of
Sciences Malaysia (ASM) to develop the Malaysian Antarctic
Research Program (MARP). MARP was established in 1998
and the young Antarctic program was given abig task to focus
on climate change and biodiversity in Antarctica.
The first Malaysian scientific field research in the Antarctic
was undertaken on 13 to 25 October 1999 in Scott Base,
Antarctica. MARP received an injection of MYR10 million under
the 8th Malaysian Plan (2000-2005)to develop resilient and
innovative researchers in Antarctic Science. During this period,
the MARP started extensive international collaborations with
Antarctic research bodies such as Antarctica New Zealand
(ANZ), Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), British Antarctic
Survey (BAS), Instituto Antártico Argentino (IAA), South Africa
National Antarctic Program (SANAP), Korea Polar Research
Institute (KOPRI), and National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean
Research (NCPOR), India. The bilateral agreements with
national programmes have facilitated the logistic
arrangements for field work in Antarctica and technology
transfers which both benefited the development of Antarctic
research in Malaysia.
Photos: (Top) BAS Twin Otter VP-FBC aircraft refuelling at Sky-Blu Field Station, Eastern Ellsworth Land;
(Middle) RRS James Clark Ross (background) and the ship’s cargo tender during 2019/20 summer season
station opening, Signy Research Station, British Antarctic Survey; (Bottom) The Gourlay huts on Signy Island.
Brief History of Malaysia’s Involvement in
Antarctica
Antarctica is the coldest and windiest continent, located at the southernmost part of the globe.
Despite being approximately 10,000 km apart, Malaysia’s interest in Antarctica can be traced to
nearly 40 years ago.In 1983, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
drew the attention of the world by raising the “Question of Antarctica” in the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA). It is the first official diplomatic initiative that debated the
exclusivity of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) represented only by the developed nations.
Tun Dr Mahathir called for the opening of the ATS to allow underdeveloped and developing
countries to participate in the decision-making process regarding Antarctica and to share the
resources of the continent.
Malaysia’s position on Antarctica shifted in the 1990’s, especially after the signing of the
Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol) in 1991. The
agreement specifies the protection of the Antarctic environment and prohibits all activities
relating to mineral resources except scientific exploration. Malaysia was active in advocating
the protection of Antarctica, for instance, expressing concern over the overharvesting of krill
and the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing off the Antarctic coast.
Photo: Adélie penguins at the Gourlay snowfield, Signy Island.

In comparison to diplomatic and political involvement,
Malaysia’s scientific endeavour in Antarctica started relatively
late in 1997. The breakthrough came when New Zealand
offered the use of Scott Base in Antarctica in 1997 for
Malaysia to undertake research. This became the catalyst for
the Malaysian Cabinet to commission the Academy of
Sciences Malaysia (ASM) to develop the Malaysian Antarctic
Research Program (MARP). MARP was established in 1998
and the young Antarctic program was given abig task to focus
on climate change and biodiversity in Antarctica.
The first Malaysian scientific field research in the Antarctic
was undertaken on 13 to 25 October 1999 in Scott Base,
Antarctica. MARP received an injection of MYR10 million under
the 8th Malaysian Plan (2000-2005)to develop resilient and
innovative researchers in Antarctic Science. During this period,
the MARP started extensive international collaborations with
Antarctic research bodies such as Antarctica New Zealand
(ANZ), Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), British Antarctic
Survey (BAS), Instituto Antártico Argentino (IAA), South Africa
National Antarctic Program (SANAP), Korea Polar Research
Institute (KOPRI), and National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean
Research (NCPOR), India. The bilateral agreements with
national programmes have facilitated the logistic
arrangements for field work in Antarctica and technology
transfers which both benefited the development of Antarctic
research in Malaysia.
Photos: (Top) BAS Twin Otter VP-FBC aircraft refuelling at Sky-Blu Field Station, Eastern Ellsworth Land;
(Middle) RRS James Clark Ross (background) and the ship’s cargo tender during 2019/20 summer season
station opening, Signy Research Station, British Antarctic Survey; (Bottom) The Gourlay huts on Signy Island.
5

Malaysia’s efforts in Antarctic research have been recognised internationally. In 2004, MARP
was admitted as an Associate Member of the Scientific Committee of Antarctic Research
(SCAR) at the 28th SCAR Meeting at Bremerhaven, Germany. MARP has also been invited to
become a consultative member of the Joint Committee on Antarctic Data Management
(JCADM), an arm of SCAR responsible for the collation and dissemination of scientific
information gathered by all research under SCAR. MARP is also a member of the Asian
Forum on Polar Science (AFOPS) and has contributed significantly in the International Polar
Year (IPY 2007/2008) not only in the form of research, but also through outreach and
education.
Twenty eight years since “Question of Antarctica”, Malaysia finally acceded to the Antarctic
Treaty System as aNon-Consultative member, the same year when His Majesty,
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin visited Antarctica. Sultan Mizan
also facilitated the establishment of the Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation or
Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan (YPASM) in June 2012 to promote and develop
national and international collaborations in the research and conservation of polar regions,
especially in the Antarctic continent. On 15 August 2016,Malaysia finally acceded to the
Madrid Protocol, five years after signing the Treaty. This marked a great progress in
Malaysia’s endeavour in Antarctic research, policy and conservation.
Photo: Glacier and sea ice around Signy Island.
Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan’s
Smart Partnership Initiative and the IMU’s Involvement
Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan (YPASM) or Sultan Mizan
Antarctic Research Foundation was established in 2012 to spur the
participation of Malaysian scientists in Antarctic research, strengthen the
research capacity and to sustain Malaysia’s presence in Antarctica. The
foundation was approved by the Cabinet and registered as a Company Limited
by Guarantee and not having share capital, under the purview of the Ministry of
Environment and Water (KASA) in June 2012.
With strong commitment to Antarctic research and conservation,
Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan
Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah,
Sultan of Terengganu graciously accepted the role of Patron of the foundation
during the launching ceremony of YPASM in Kuala Terengganu, 19 July 2012.
Photo: Adélie (left) and Chinstrap penguins (right) at Gourlay Peninsula, Signy Island.

Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan’s
Smart Partnership Initiative and the IMU’s Involvement
Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan (YPASM) or Sultan Mizan
Antarctic Research Foundation was established in 2012 to spur the
participation of Malaysian scientists in Antarctic research, strengthen the
research capacity and to sustain Malaysia’s presence in Antarctica. The
foundation was approved by the Cabinet and registered as a Company Limited
by Guarantee and not having share capital, under the purview of the Ministry of
Environment and Water (KASA) in June 2012.
With strong commitment to Antarctic research and conservation,
Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan
Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah,
Sultan of Terengganu graciously accepted the role of Patron of the foundation
during the launching ceremony of YPASM in Kuala Terengganu, 19 July 2012.
Photo: Adélie (left) and Chinstrap penguins (right) at Gourlay Peninsula, Signy Island.
7

Since operation, YPASM has played an important
role in connecting Malaysian researchers with
scientific communities in the regions and globally.
The foundation provides a fellowship scheme for
Malaysian young Polar researchers to conduct short
research attachment at established Polar
institutions, as well as research grants to support
the continuation of Polar research in Malaysia.It is
noteworthy that IMU researchers are among the
inauguration recipients of the YPASM Antarctic
fellowship. Other than scientific research, the
foundation also organises education and outreach
programmes such as polar science camps, sharing
sessions, contests and exhibitions for students and
the public to nurture the interest in polar science.
Shortly after the setting up of YPASM, the Smart
Partnership Initiative was introduced. The founding 8
members include Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Universiti Malaysia Sabah, University of Malaya,
Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Kebangsaan
Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti
Putra Malaysia and the IMU. Each participating
university is obliged to contribute MYR55,555 to
YPASM annually for five years with amatching grant
of MYR388,885 from YPASM offsetting more than
half the overall costs.
Dr Wong Chiew Yen sharing her experiences in Antarctic research as part of the ‘Malaysia’s Journey to the Ice -
Women in Antarctica’ programme organised by YPASM.
IMU staff and students with fellow Malaysian polar researchers at the 7th SCAR Conference, Kuala Lumpur in 2016.
Recipient Faculty Type and Year of
Research Support Project Title Total Funding
(MYR)
Dr Dang Nguk Ling IRDI Fellowship
Scheme 2016
Phylogenetic study on
microalgae isolated from
pristine and heavy metal-
impacted site on Signy
Island, Antarctica.
49,500
Dr Nur Alia Johari IRDI Research Grant
2018
Molecular evaluation of
biogeography of functional
redundancy theory in
Antarctic rhizosphere
prokaryotic communities.
150,000
Dr Nur Alia Johari IRDI Berth Support to
Antarctica 2019
Molecular Evaluation of
Biogeography and
Functional Redundancy
Theory in Antarctic
rhizosphere Prokaryotic
Communities.
150,000
Dr Wong Chiew Yen SOHS Research Grant
2020
Phytoremediation Potential
of Antarctic Microalgae on
Diesel Hydrocarbons.
150,000
Grand Total 499,500
List of IMU recipients for YPASM fellowship and research grant since 2016
The IMU is proud to be the only Private University
in the Smart Partnership. From 2016 to 2020, the
IMU has contributed MYR277,775 to YPASM in
the first cycle as a commitment for the Smart
Partnership for Polar Research. In return, a total
amount of MYR499,500 has been awarded to four
recipients from the IMU; three from the Institute
for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI)
and one from the School of Health Sciences
(SOHS).
The first cycle of the Smart Partnership has ended
in 2020.To continue IMU’s endeavour in Antarctic
Science, the IMU’s Management Committee has
approved the renewal of the Smart Partnership for
another five years (2021-2025).
Under the new proposal by YPASM for the Smart
Partnership Initiative, each participating university
will contribute MYR62,500 per year for five years
(amounting to MYR312,500 after five years).
YPASM will match the contribution by the
university on a 1:1 ratio, making the total
available fund to be allocated under this initiative
for a university to amount to MYR125,000 per
year or MYR625,000 for five years.
Dr Dang Nguk Ling. From L-R: Dr Chong Chun Wie, Dr Mai Chun Wai, Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim
Sulaiman and Dr Nur Alia Johari at the 8th Malaysian International Seminar on
Antarctica (MISA8) 2019, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Recipient Faculty Type and Year of
Research Support Project Title Total Funding
(MYR)
Dr Dang Nguk Ling IRDI Fellowship
Scheme 2016
Phylogenetic study on
microalgae isolated from
pristine and heavy metal-
impacted site on Signy
Island, Antarctica.
49,500
Dr Nur Alia Johari IRDI Research Grant
2018
Molecular evaluation of
biogeography of functional
redundancy theory in
Antarctic rhizosphere
prokaryotic communities.
150,000
Dr Nur Alia Johari IRDI Berth Support to
Antarctica 2019
Molecular Evaluation of
Biogeography and
Functional Redundancy
Theory in Antarctic
rhizosphere Prokaryotic
Communities.
150,000
Dr Wong Chiew Yen SOHS Research Grant
2020
Phytoremediation Potential
of Antarctic Microalgae on
Diesel Hydrocarbons.
150,000
Grand Total 499,500
List of IMU recipients for YPASM fellowship and research grant since 2016
The IMU is proud to be the only Private University
in the Smart Partnership. From 2016 to 2020, the
IMU has contributed MYR277,775 to YPASM in
the first cycle as a commitment for the Smart
Partnership for Polar Research. In return, a total
amount of MYR499,500 has been awarded to four
recipients from the IMU; three from the Institute
for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI)
and one from the School of Health Sciences
(SOHS).
The first cycle of the Smart Partnership has ended
in 2020.To continue IMU’s endeavour in Antarctic
Science, the IMU’s Management Committee has
approved the renewal of the Smart Partnership for
another five years (2021-2025).
Under the new proposal by YPASM for the Smart
Partnership Initiative, each participating university
will contribute MYR62,500 per year for five years
(amounting to MYR312,500 after five years).
YPASM will match the contribution by the
university on a 1:1 ratio, making the total
available fund to be allocated under this initiative
for a university to amount to MYR125,000 per
year or MYR625,000 for five years.
Dr Dang Nguk Ling. From L-R: Dr Chong Chun Wie, Dr Mai Chun Wai, Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim
Sulaiman and Dr Nur Alia Johari at the 8th Malaysian International Seminar on
Antarctica (MISA8) 2019, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
9

The IMU’s Endeavour in Polar Research
Being amedical university, the IMU’s involvement in Antarctic research may have raised a
few eyebrows. It is easy to forget that the health of the environment that we are living in, as
well as the health of the animals that share the same space with us are important elements
of overall public health. The notion that the environment can influence human health is not
new. For instance, the ancient Greeks had defined health as astate of dynamic equilibrium
between the internal and the external environments. Furthermore, throughout the ancient
civilisation, the management of pollutants such as human waste had been the priority in the
planning and establishment of human settlements (e.g. construction of bathroom, latrines,
water drains). Additionally, the strong associations between disease, seasonality and
climate are regularly observed. For example, water-borne diseases such as cholera,
leptospirosis and typhoid fever are generally more prevalent during the rainy season.
With the recognition of the inter-relationships between climate, animals and humans in
health, there is an increasing emphasis on “One Health”.Based on the WHO, “One Health is
an approach to designing and implementing programmes, policies, legislation and research
in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health
outcomes”.In line with this approach, the IMU’s researchers had embarked on the journey to
deepen our understanding on the impact of environmental changes on the biota of
Antarctica, and to search for clues of their potential link to human health. The Antarctic is a
perfect natural laboratory to study the impact of environmental perturbations due to its
simple ecosystems, and the fact that it is among the regions that experience a faster rate of
warming.
IMU’s research on Antarctica can be briefly categorised based on the studied organisms.
Work has been conducted on the five groups of microoorganisms, namely algae, bacteria,
viruses, parasites and fungi.
Photo: An Antarctic fur seal looking out over Elephant flats, Signy Island.
Photo (previous page): View of a large glacier in South Georgia, as seen from the RRS James Clarke Ross, March 2020.

Being amedical university, the IMU’s involvement in Antarctic research may have raised a
few eyebrows. It is easy to forget that the health of the environment that we are living in, as
well as the health of the animals that share the same space with us are important elements
of overall public health. The notion that the environment can influence human health is not
new. For instance, the ancient Greeks had defined health as astate of dynamic equilibrium
between the internal and the external environments. Furthermore, throughout the ancient
civilisation, the management of pollutants such as human waste had been the priority in the
planning and establishment of human settlements (e.g. construction of bathroom, latrines,
water drains). Additionally, the strong associations between disease, seasonality and
climate are regularly observed. For example, water-borne diseases such as cholera,
leptospirosis and typhoid fever are generally more prevalent during the rainy season.
With the recognition of the inter-relationships between climate, animals and humans in
health, there is an increasing emphasis on “One Health”.Based on the WHO, “One Health is
an approach to designing and implementing programmes, policies, legislation and research
in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve better public health
outcomes”.In line with this approach, the IMU’s researchers had embarked on the journey to
deepen our understanding on the impact of environmental changes on the biota of
Antarctica, and to search for clues of their potential link to human health. The Antarctic is a
perfect natural laboratory to study the impact of environmental perturbations due to its
simple ecosystems, and the fact that it is among the regions that experience a faster rate of
warming.
IMU’s research on Antarctica can be briefly categorised based on the studied organisms.
Work has been conducted on the five groups of microoorganisms, namely algae, bacteria,
viruses, parasites and fungi.
Photo: An Antarctic fur seal looking out over Elephant flats, Signy Island.
Photo (previous page): View of a large glacier in South Georgia, as seen from the RRS James Clarke Ross, March 2020.
11

Algae
The IMU’s foray into research on Antarctic algae
began with two flagship projects awarded by the
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
(MOSTI) in 2014, under the Antarctic Flagship
Programme led by Prof Dato’Dr Azizan Abu Samah,
University of Malaya. Under the flagship projects, a
number of IMU undergraduate and postgraduate
research projects were developed and funded,
including studies on Antarctic bacteria, parasites,
viruses and fungi.
The first project titled ‘Biomarkers of Polar and Lower
Latitudes Microbes in Relation to Heavy Metal Stress’
(MYR819,902)was led by Prof Chu Wan Loy, under the
Flagship Programme theme ‘Diversity and Adaptation
of Microbes: A Cross Latitudinal Study’. The project
aimed to assess the effects of heavy metals on
oxidative stress response and metabolomic profiles of
microalgae isolated from Signy Island, Antarctica.
Although Antarctica is known to be the last pristine
continent on earth, it is not free from heavy metal
contamination. The major source of heavy metal
pollution in Antarctica is mainly due to anthropogenic
activities, especially near research stations.
Prof Chu Wan Loy on field in Antarctica for the collection of algae from sea ice and glaciers in 2001.
To collect samples for the
project, Dr Chan Kok Keong
was a member of the project
team that joined the expedition
to Signy Research Station,
Antarctica, organised by the
British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
in 2015.
Dr Dang Nguk Ling completed her PhD titled ‘Effects of heavy metals on oxidative stress response and metabolomics profiles of
Antarctic algae’ in 2020 under Prof Chu’s supervision as part of Prof Chu’s YPASM flagship project.
Dr Chan successfully collected soil samples from
various locations with biological contamination,
namely those with prolonged human activities, heavy
metal contamination and wildlife (penguin, seal and
giant petrel) activities.
The microorganism profiles of the contaminated
locations were then compared with those of pristine
sites on the sub-Antarctic Signy Island. A collection
of soil microalgae was subsequently established
from the samples collected during the expedition.
Morphological characterisation and phylogenetic
studies on the microalgae have been conducted.
Selected microalgae from the collection have also
been used for toxicity testing of heavy metals such
as copper and lead.
Antarctic fur seals on Signy Island. A rare blonde variant
surrounded by more common brown fur seals.
Dr Chan collecting samples at Three Lakes Valley, Signy Island.
Dr Chan Kok Keong

To collect samples for the
project, Dr Chan Kok Keong
was a member of the project
team that joined the expedition
to Signy Research Station,
Antarctica, organised by the
British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
in 2015.
Dr Dang Nguk Ling completed her PhD titled ‘Effects of heavy metals on oxidative stress response and metabolomics profiles of
Antarctic algae’ in 2020 under Prof Chu’s supervision as part of Prof Chu’s YPASM flagship project.
Dr Chan successfully collected soil samples from
various locations with biological contamination,
namely those with prolonged human activities, heavy
metal contamination and wildlife (penguin, seal and
giant petrel) activities.
The microorganism profiles of the contaminated
locations were then compared with those of pristine
sites on the sub-Antarctic Signy Island. A collection
of soil microalgae was subsequently established
from the samples collected during the expedition.
Morphological characterisation and phylogenetic
studies on the microalgae have been conducted.
Selected microalgae from the collection have also
been used for toxicity testing of heavy metals such
as copper and lead.
Antarctic fur seals on Signy Island. A rare blonde variant
surrounded by more common brown fur seals.
Dr Chan collecting samples at Three Lakes Valley, Signy Island.
Dr Chan Kok Keong
13

The second project was led by Dr Wong
Chiew Yen, titled ‘Physiological and
genomic responses of microalgae to
climate changes across a global
gradient’ (MYR827,600) under the theme
‘An Integrated Approach: Microbes and
Response to Climate Change’. The
project was in collaboration with
Prof Chu, Prof Phang Siew Moi and
Prof Lim Phaik Eem (University of
Malaya), Prof Pete Convey (BAS) and
YPASM.
Dr Wong in Casey Station,
Antarctica (top) collecting
snow algae and (bottom)
conducting a UVR field
experiment.
Dr Wong Chiew Yen
One of the seriously debated environmental issues today is
the impact of climate change, particularly related to
increased temperature and ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The
elevated anthropogenic greenhouse gases are expected to
lead to an increase in the average global surface
temperatures over the next century ranging anywhere from
1.8 to 4.0°C (IPCC, 2007). Increasing levels of UVR have been
reported in many parts of the world including Antarctica and
the adjacent geographic regions (southern parts of South
America and Australia), as well as the Arctic region.
Changes in the global environment, especially global warming
and ozone depletion, which results in the increase of UVR and
temperature can have far-reaching impacts on organisms
especially microalgae in the Antarctic, affecting their
physiological processes and productivity. Such impacts on
microalgae are of particular interest as they form the basis of
the food webs in the Antarctic ecosystem. Thus, the research
project focused on comparing the physiological response of
microalgae from different geographical regions to the effects
of increased temperature and UVR.
In addition, the application of transcriptomics
approaches on microalgae exposed to UVR and
temperature provides insight on the relevant genes and
genetic responses that are involved in responding to
environmental stress. This information is fundamentally
important for the understanding of algal adaptation to
climatic and environmental changes. The objectives of
this project are closely aligned with the aims of the
recently-approved Scientific Committee on Antarctic
Research (SCAR) International Scientific Research
Program, Antarctic Thresholds –Ecosystem Resilience
and Adaptation. This project therefore provides a timely
and important opportunity to place Malaysian Antarctic
research firmly in the mainstream of the international
research priorities identified by SCAR.
As part of the flagship project, IMU Master in Medical
and Health Sciences student Aniqah Zulfa joined the
YPASM Malaysian Antarctic Scientific Expedition in 2016
to Antarctica from December 2015 till February 2016 to
collect samples for the isolation of algae for the study
titled ‘Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on cell proliferation,
oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities of
Chlorella isolates’.Aniqah Zulfa (second from left) with the Malaysian Antarctic Scientific Expedition Team 2016 from USM,
UiTM, UM and UMT.
Dr Wong assessing algae samples in the IMU Research
Lab.
Collecting samples for isolation of Arctic
microalgae in Ny-Ålesund, Norway.

In addition, the application of transcriptomics
approaches on microalgae exposed to UVR and
temperature provides insight on the relevant genes and
genetic responses that are involved in responding to
environmental stress. This information is fundamentally
important for the understanding of algal adaptation to
climatic and environmental changes. The objectives of
this project are closely aligned with the aims of the
recently-approved Scientific Committee on Antarctic
Research (SCAR) International Scientific Research
Program, Antarctic Thresholds –Ecosystem Resilience
and Adaptation. This project therefore provides a timely
and important opportunity to place Malaysian Antarctic
research firmly in the mainstream of the international
research priorities identified by SCAR.
As part of the flagship project, IMU Master in Medical
and Health Sciences student Aniqah Zulfa joined the
YPASM Malaysian Antarctic Scientific Expedition in 2016
to Antarctica from December 2015 till February 2016 to
collect samples for the isolation of algae for the study
titled ‘Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on cell proliferation,
oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities of
Chlorella isolates’.Aniqah Zulfa (second from left) with the Malaysian Antarctic Scientific Expedition Team 2016 from USM,
UiTM, UM and UMT.
Dr Wong assessing algae samples in the IMU Research
Lab.
Collecting samples for isolation of Arctic
microalgae in Ny-Ålesund, Norway.
15

YPASM Research Grant 2020:Phytoremediation Potential of
Antarctic Microalgae on Diesel Hydrocarbons
The latest (at time of writing) research grant for Antarctic research
was awarded to Dr Wong Chiew Yen under the Smart Partnership
Initiative.In collaboration with Prof Chu and Dr Kok Yih Yih (IMU),
A/Prof Dr Siti Aqlima Ahmad (UPM), Prof Pete Convey (BAS),
A/Prof Dr Azham Zulkharnain (Shibaura Institute Technology,
Japan) and Dr Claudio Gomez-Fuentes (Universidad de
Magallanes, Chile/ Centro de Investigación y Monitoreo Ambiental
Antártico) (CIMAA), the project will run from 2020 and aims to
identify the degradation potential of microalgae isolated from
Antarctica.
Hydrocarbon pollution in Antarctica is derived from various origins
such as catastrophic oil spill events, chronic fuel leakage and from
local effluent, and has contaminated some of Antarctica’s near-to-
pristine land over the past few decades. The hydrocarbon
composition of diesel is known to be toxic and harmful to
terrestrial and marine ecosystems and biota, further exacerbated
due to its persistence. Despite increasing knowledge about
contamination in Antarctica due to increased human pressure,
clean-up (remediation) of polluted sites is still in its infancy, in part
owing to the extreme environment. Remediation through
application of physical machinery would be laborious and costly
due to the harsh conditions, as well directly damaging to the fragile
terrestrial ecosystems, whilst remediation using chemical
dispersants is itself a potential environmental hazard and should
be critically considered.
Dr Wong demonstrating laboratory techniques for the project to students at Universiti Putra
Malaysia (UPM).
Preliminary testing for phytoremediation using Antarctic microalgae.
Phytoremediation is now emerging as a sustainable
technique for the treatment of organic and inorganic
contaminants. The ability of Antarctic freshwater
algae to remediate diesel hydrocarbons in an axenic
state has not been thoroughly studied, alone or in
combination with characterisation of the abiotic
factors that limit algal growth. Such studies have
the potential to take advantage of the cold-adapted
physiology of native Antarctic microbes in
developing realistic and practicable remediation
approaches, as well as helping to address the
limitations imposed by the Antarctic Treaty System
which bans the import and introduction of non-native
microbes to the Antarctic environment.
The project aligns with the Integrated Science to
Inform Antarctic and Southern Ocean Conservation
(Ant-ICON) proposal for the next generation of SCAR
programmes, which includes a large element of
identifying and mitigating/providing policy advice
pertinent to human impacts on Antarctic
ecosystems. This project will also contribute to
enhancing Malaysia’s footprint in polar research, in
line with the aspiration of the country to attain
consultative status within the Antarctic Treaty.
Microalgae isolated from Antarctica.
Gloeobotrys sp., a terrestrial algae found in the soil. Algae in Antarctic ice.

Phytoremediation is now emerging as a sustainable
technique for the treatment of organic and inorganic
contaminants. The ability of Antarctic freshwater
algae to remediate diesel hydrocarbons in an axenic
state has not been thoroughly studied, alone or in
combination with characterisation of the abiotic
factors that limit algal growth. Such studies have
the potential to take advantage of the cold-adapted
physiology of native Antarctic microbes in
developing realistic and practicable remediation
approaches, as well as helping to address the
limitations imposed by the Antarctic Treaty System
which bans the import and introduction of non-native
microbes to the Antarctic environment.
The project aligns with the Integrated Science to
Inform Antarctic and Southern Ocean Conservation
(Ant-ICON) proposal for the next generation of SCAR
programmes, which includes a large element of
identifying and mitigating/providing policy advice
pertinent to human impacts on Antarctic
ecosystems. This project will also contribute to
enhancing Malaysia’s footprint in polar research, in
line with the aspiration of the country to attain
consultative status within the Antarctic Treaty.
Microalgae isolated from Antarctica.
Gloeobotrys sp., a terrestrial algae found in the soil. Algae in Antarctic ice.
17

Abdul Latif AZ, Wong CY, Chu WL and Phang SM. Malaysian expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula for the collection of
algae.XXXIV SCAR Biennial Meeting and Open Science Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,22-26 August 2016.
Lai JWS, Lim PE, Wong CY and Phang SM. Photosynthetic performance and genomic responses of Chlorella species to
ultraviolet radiation (UVR) stress across different geographical gradient. XXXIV SCAR Biennial Meeting and Open
Science Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,22-26 August 2016.
Algae Research Posters
Lee KK, Barati B, Poong SW, Lim PE, Gan SY, Wong CY and Phang SM. Effect of temperature on the growth and
photosynthetic performance of Antarctic and tropical Chlorella species. XXXIV SCAR Biennial Meeting and Open
Science Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,22-26 August 2016.
Wong CY, Zulfa A, Chu WL and Phang SM. Response of Chlorella Isolates from Polar Regions and Lower Latitudes to
Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) Stress: Growth, Pigmentation and Oxidative Stress Response. 8th Malaysian International
Seminar on Antarctica, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia,18-20 June 2019.

Lee KK, Barati B, Poong SW, Lim PE, Gan SY, Wong CY and Phang SM. Effect of temperature on the growth and
photosynthetic performance of Antarctic and tropical Chlorella species. XXXIV SCAR Biennial Meeting and Open
Science Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,22-26 August 2016.
Wong CY, Zulfa A, Chu WL and Phang SM. Response of Chlorella Isolates from Polar Regions and Lower Latitudes to
Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) Stress: Growth, Pigmentation and Oxidative Stress Response. 8th Malaysian International
Seminar on Antarctica, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia,18-20 June 2019.19

Publications
1. Chu WL, Dang NL, Kok YY, Yap KSI, Phang SM and Convey P (2019). Heavy metal
pollution in Antarctica and its potential impacts on algae. Polar Science.20,pp.75-83.
2. Lai WSJ, Lim PE, Wong CY, Phang SM, Beardall J (2019). Photosynthetic response and
DNA mutation of tropical, temperate and polar Chlorella under short-term UVR stress.
Polar Science.20:35-44.
3. Poong SW, Lee KK, Lim PE, Wong CY, Phang SM, et al. (2018). RNA-Seq mediated
transcriptomic analysis of heat stress response in a polar Chlorella sp.
(Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta). Journal of Applied Phycology. DOI:10.1007/s10811-
018-1455-9.
4. Poong SW, Lim PE, Phang SM, Wong CY, Pai TW, et al. (2018). Transcriptome
sequencing of an Antarctic microalga, Chlorella sp. (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
subjected to short-term ultraviolet radiation stress.Journal of Applied Phycology.
30:87-99. DOI: 10.1007/s10811-017-1124-4.
5. Lee KK, Lim PE, Poong SW, Wong CY, Phang SM, et al. (2017). Growth and
photosynthesis of Chlorella strains from polar, temperate and tropical freshwater
environments under temperature stress.Chinese Journal of Oceanology and
Limnology. DOI: 10.1007/s00343-018-7093-x.
6. Pearce DA, Alekhina IA, Terauds A, Wilmotte A, Quesada A, Edwards A, Dommergue A,
Sattler B, Adams BJ, Magalhães C and Chu WL (2016). Aerobiology over Antarctica–a
new initiative for atmospheric ecology.Frontiers in Microbiology. 7, p.16.
7. Wong CY, Teoh ML, Phang SM, Lim PE & Beardall J (2015). Interactive effects of
temperature and UV radiation on photosynthesis of Chlorella strains from polar,
temperate and tropical environments: Differential impacts on damage and repair. PLoS
ONE,;10(10): e0139469. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139469. (SCI IF: 3.234).
8. Teoh ML, Phang SM, & Chu WL (2013). Response of Antarctic, temperate, and tropical
microalgae to temperature stress.Journal of Applied Phycology.25(1), 285-297.
9. Chu WL (2012). Biotechnological applications of microalgae. International e-Journal of
Science, Medicine &Education (IeJSME), 6(Suppl 1): S24-S37.
10. Chong GL, Chu WL, Rofina Yasmin Othman, Phang SM (2011). Differential gene
expression of an Antarctic Chlorella in response to temperature stress.Polar Biology.
34(5): 637-635.
11. Wong CY, Teoh ML, Phang SM & Chu WL (2011). Effect of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on
the tropical microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. Malaysian Journal of Science.30(1):3-15.
12. Teoh ML, Chu WL, Phang SM (2010). Effect of temperature change on the physiology
and biochemistry of algae: a review. Malaysian Journal of Science.29(2): 82-97.
13. Chu WL, Lim SL, Teoh ML, Wong CY &Phang SM (2009). Influence of nitrogen source
on the growth and biochemical composition of an Antarctic Chlorella. ASM Science
Journal. 3(2):178-183.
14. Phang SM, Chu WL, Wong CY, Teoh ML, Tan KP, et al. (2008). A checklist of microalgal
isolates from Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. In: Azzolini R, (Ed.) Polarnet Technical Report PTR-
1/2008.Scientific and Technical Report. The Journal of the CNR’s Network of Polar
Research. ISSN 1592-5064.11-14.
15. Wong CY, Chu WL, Marchant H & Phang SM (2007). Comparing the response of
Antarctic, tropical and temperate microalgae to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) stress.
Journal of Applied Phycology.19:689-699.
16. Wong CY, Chu WL, Marchant H & Phang SM (2004). Growth response, biochemical
composition and fatty acid profiles of four Antarctic microalgae subjected to UV
radiation stress. Malaysian Journal of Science.23(2): 103-118.
17. Teoh ML, Chu WL, Marchant H & Phang SM (2004). Influence of temperature on the
growth, biochemical composition and fatty acid profiles of six Antarctic microalgae.
Journal of Applied Phycology.16(6): 421-430.
18. Phang SM & Chu WL (2004). The University of Malaya Algae Culture Collection
(UMACC) and potential applications of aunique Chlorella from the collection.Japanese
Journal of Phycology. 52 :221-224.
Chapter of book
1. Phang SM, Chu WL and Rabiei R (2015). Phycoremediation.In:The Algae World
(pp. 357-389). Springer, Dordrecht.
2. Wong CY (2013). Field experiment on the effect of solar ultraviolet radiation on
microalgae. In: Azizan Abu Samah, Convey P, Siti Aisyah Alias, Smykla J (eds)
Antarctica: Malaysia’s Journey to the Ice. Malaysia Antarctic Research Centre (NARC) &
Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), pp 190-193.
3. Chu WL, Wong CY, Teoh ML &Phang SM (2005). Response and adaptation of
microalgae to the changing global environment.In:Fumie Kasai (ed.) Microalgae
Culture Collections and the Environment, pp.177-195.
Antarctic algae isolates
1. Atotal of 22 unialgal from Signy Island (soil microalgae) successfully isolated and
deposited in Research Lab, IMU.
2. Atotal of 6 unialgal from Antarctic Peninsular successfully isolated and deposited in
Research Lab, IMU.
The cold and arid conditions of Antarctica
have restricted the development of higher
plants on the terrestrial ecosystems. Although
sporadic prevalence of cryptogamic plants
such as mosses and lichens can be detected
in limited biology hotspots during summer, the
vast majority of Antarctica is barren or
covered by permafrost. In such a unique
setting, microorganisms such as bacteria play
avital role in ensuring the functioning of the
ecosystems. What drives the assembly of the
bacterial community and how bacteria
responds to environmental perturbations are
therefore among the key fundamental
questions that need to be addressed to enable
ecological simulation and the design of proper
conservation strategies. Indeed, these form
part of the key research questions highlighted
by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic
Research (SCAR) Antarctic and Southern
Ocean Science Horizon Scan.
Vegetation of Signy Island. Clockwise from top: Deschampsia sp., or tussock grass, amongst moss vegetation at Deschampsia
Point; Chorisodontium sp. with dark brown patches of Andreaea sp.and white epiphytic lichens; Sanionia sp., one of the most
abundant mosses in maritime Antarctica.
Bacteria

The cold and arid conditions of Antarctica
have restricted the development of higher
plants on the terrestrial ecosystems. Although
sporadic prevalence of cryptogamic plants
such as mosses and lichens can be detected
in limited biology hotspots during summer, the
vast majority of Antarctica is barren or
covered by permafrost. In such a unique
setting, microorganisms such as bacteria play
avital role in ensuring the functioning of the
ecosystems. What drives the assembly of the
bacterial community and how bacteria
responds to environmental perturbations are
therefore among the key fundamental
questions that need to be addressed to enable
ecological simulation and the design of proper
conservation strategies. Indeed, these form
part of the key research questions highlighted
by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic
Research (SCAR) Antarctic and Southern
Ocean Science Horizon Scan.
Vegetation of Signy Island. Clockwise from top: Deschampsia sp., or tussock grass, amongst moss vegetation at Deschampsia
Point; Chorisodontium sp. with dark brown patches of Andreaea sp.and white epiphytic lichens; Sanionia sp., one of the most
abundant mosses in maritime Antarctica.
Bacteria
21

Antarctica also constitutes an ideal natural laboratory to test
these theories, without effects of external human influences,
allowing identification of major drivers of bacterial diversity,
function and change. The research will be the first to assess
microbial functions at a continental spatial scale, and the first to
link functional diversity to the underlying chemistry through
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and metabolomics. Findings
will serve as baseline data for future assessments of the impact
of changing environmental conditions, and inform ecological
forecasting; how ecological populations and ecosystems will
change in the future in response to environmental factors such
as climate change. These include effects on crop yield and
potential risks of pathogenic bacteria in the rhizosphere to
animals and humans in the future.
In support of the SCAR Horizon Scan initiative, researchers from
the IMU had initiated a research project to evaluate the
distribution and interaction of microbial communities in the
rhizosphere, titled ‘Molecular evaluation of biogeography and
functional redundancy theory in Antarctic rhizosphere prokaryotic
communities’ (2019-2022, MYR150,000). Rhizosphere is the area
around the plant root (plant-root-soil interface) where numerous
biogeochemical processes take place, pathogenic and beneficial
microorganisms interact, and which constitutes a major
influence on plant growth and health. Using this unit habitat as a
model, the project also seeks to evaluate the validity of bacterial
biogeography and functional redundancy theories by comparing
bacterial community composition and rhizosphere functions
across a large selection of regions in Antarctica.
Collection tubes marking bank forming mosses
Polytrichum sp. & Chorisodontium sp., a drier habitat,
next to Deschampsia sp.grass (bottom right).
The moss Sanionia sp. (right) lifted up to reveal the
rhizosphere just beneath, next to the green algae
Prasiola sp.(bottom left).
A view of the landscape of Signy Island in maritime Antarctica, with a complex geology and range of terrestrial
habitats providing a wide diversity of ecosystems.
The expedition lasted for 14 weeks where Dr Alia collected
rhizosphere soil samples across the island. The plant species
beneath which the soil samples were collected from were noted,
comprising of various mosses and lichens as well as the only two
flowering plants native to Antarctica, namely Deschampsia
antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis. The soil samples were
successfully tested and shipped to the UK and subsequently
Malaysia for analysis.
The research is funded by YPASM under the Smart Partnership
Programme, and is in collaboration with Prof Pete Convey (BAS),
Prof David Pearce (University of Northumbria), Dr Nicole Trefault
(Universidad Mayor, Chile), Dr Chong Chun Wie (Monash University,
Malaysia), Dr Mai Chun Wai (IMU), Dr Ivan Yap (Sarawak Research
and Development Council) and Dr Cindy Teh (University of Malaya).
Dr Nur Alia Johari is the principal investigator
and was the field expeditioner of the project.
She joined the Summer 2019/2020
expedition with the British Antarctic Survey
(BAS) to Signy Research Station. Despite
being one of the smaller BAS stations, Signy
Island (60°43'0"S, 45°36'0"W), is one of the
most isolated, requiring travel to and from
aboard the RRS James Clark Ross.
Dr Nur Alia Johari
Dr Alia on Signy Island. Clockwise from top: Hiking over Knife Point with Orwell Glacier in the
background; travelling on a snowmobile on the island’s ice-cap; collecting soil samples at Skua Terrace
on the west coast.

The expedition lasted for 14 weeks where Dr Alia collected
rhizosphere soil samples across the island. The plant species
beneath which the soil samples were collected from were noted,
comprising of various mosses and lichens as well as the only two
flowering plants native to Antarctica, namely Deschampsia
antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis. The soil samples were
successfully tested and shipped to the UK and subsequently
Malaysia for analysis.
The research is funded by YPASM under the Smart Partnership
Programme, and is in collaboration with Prof Pete Convey (BAS),
Prof David Pearce (University of Northumbria), Dr Nicole Trefault
(Universidad Mayor, Chile), Dr Chong Chun Wie (Monash University,
Malaysia), Dr Mai Chun Wai (IMU), Dr Ivan Yap (Sarawak Research
and Development Council) and Dr Cindy Teh (University of Malaya).
Dr Nur Alia Johari is the principal investigator
and was the field expeditioner of the project.
She joined the Summer 2019/2020
expedition with the British Antarctic Survey
(BAS) to Signy Research Station. Despite
being one of the smaller BAS stations, Signy
Island (60°43'0"S, 45°36'0"W), is one of the
most isolated, requiring travel to and from
aboard the RRS James Clark Ross.
Dr Nur Alia Johari
Dr Alia on Signy Island. Clockwise from top: Hiking over Knife Point with Orwell Glacier in the
background; travelling on a snowmobile on the island’s ice-cap; collecting soil samples at Skua Terrace
on the west coast.
23

Antarctic bacteria isolates
Dr Fabian’s work has led to the submission of Antarctic bacteria isolates to
the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI):
1. Arthrobacter sp.
2. Rhodococcus sp.
3. Flavobacterium sp.
Samples of Antarctic biofilms
grown at low temperatures
(psychrophilic).
Clockwise from top left:
Psychrobacter sp,
Rodococcus sp,
Flavobacterium sp,
Sporosarcina sp.
Separately, the footprint of IMU’s
Antarctic research is also evident in the
area of bacterial biofilms, heavy metal
resistance, and antibiotic resistance.
Previous and existing research work
under Prof Chu’s flagship project were
led by Dr Fabian Davamani, and have
focused on the genomics of Antarctic
bacteria and the production of biofilms,
which provide asurvival advantage to
persist under harsh Antarctic conditions.
Dr Fabian Davamani
Conference presentations
Davamani F, Chong CSL, Chong DHL, Mohamad NENB, Selvarajah S, Ambu S,
Chu WL, Convey P. Exploiting temperature and nutritional conditions for Poly
microbial biofilm formation from Antarctic soil samples. 8th Malaysian
International Seminar on Antarctica - Polar regions in the Global Climate
System. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,18-19 June 2019.
Dr Fabian developed in-house media to grow Antarctic bacteria
from soil samples collected from Signy Island. His group is also
currently studying both the phenomics (physical and
biochemical traits) of Antarctic bacteria and creating heat maps
to understand their metabolism. Advanced genomics
approaches such as whole genome sequencing of Antarctic
bacteria were also employed to provide further insights into the
molecular evolution, antibiotic resistance, psychrotolerance and
the diversity of the Antarctic bacteria. Through the annotation of
the genomic sequences, Dr Fabian’s research team sought to
identify strains that might lead to the discovery of novel
bioactive compounds with medical applications.
4. Cryobacterium sp.
5. Psychrobacter sp.
6. Sporosarcina sp.
Davamani F, Chong CSL, Mohamad NENB, Chong DHL, Selvarajah S, Ambu S, Chan KK and Convey P. Evaluation
of the growth of polymicrobial biofilms developed from soil samples of Signy Island, Antarctica. 36th SCAR open
science conference. KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,22-26 August 2016.
Ambu S, Davamani F, Abd Samad NAB, Mohd Sabri NN, Che Wan Mohd Shokri CWNA, Makmur N, Chan KK and
Convey P. Isolation and biochemical characterisation of bacteria isolated from soil samples from Signy Islands
using defined and complex media. 36th SCAR open science conference. KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,22-26
August 2016.
Bacteria Research Posters

Davamani F, Chong CSL, Mohamad NENB, Chong DHL, Selvarajah S, Ambu S, Chan KK and Convey P. Evaluation
of the growth of polymicrobial biofilms developed from soil samples of Signy Island, Antarctica. 36th SCAR open
science conference. KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,22-26 August 2016.
Ambu S, Davamani F, Abd Samad NAB, Mohd Sabri NN, Che Wan Mohd Shokri CWNA, Makmur N, Chan KK and
Convey P. Isolation and biochemical characterisation of bacteria isolated from soil samples from Signy Islands
using defined and complex media. 36th SCAR open science conference. KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,22-26
August 2016.
Bacteria Research Posters
25

Davamani F, Chong CSL, Chong DHL, Mohamad NENB, Selvarajah S, Ambu S, Chu WL, Convey P.
Establishment of bacterial biofilms from Antarctic soil bacteria. Australian Society for Microbiology Annual
Scientific conference 2018. Brisbane, Australia, 1-4 July 2018.
Dharshini D, Mohammad Abdul Aziz AB, Chan WY, Ambu S, Chu WL, Convey P, Chong CSL, Davamani F.
Response of Antarctic Psychrotrophic Bacteria to Antibiotics before and after exposure to Heavy Metals.
Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific conference 2018. Brisbane, Australia, 1-4 July 2018.
Chong CSL, Ambu S, Chu WL, Convey P, and Davamani F. Heavy metal and antibiotic resistance in Antarctic
bacteria isolated from Signy Island. 8th Malaysian International Seminar on Antarctica -Polar regions in the
Global Climate System. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,18-19 June 2019.
Chong CSL, Ambu S, Chu WL, Convey P, Cheah YK and Davamani F. Polymicrobial biofilms from Signy Island
(Antarctica) and ROS production by bacterial isolates resistant to heavy metals. XIII International Symposium on
Antarctic Earth Sciences (ISAES 2019). Incheon, Republic of Korea,22-26 July 2019.

Chong CSL, Ambu S, Chu WL, Convey P, and Davamani F. Heavy metal and antibiotic resistance in Antarctic
bacteria isolated from Signy Island. 8th Malaysian International Seminar on Antarctica -Polar regions in the
Global Climate System. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,18-19 June 2019.
Chong CSL, Ambu S, Chu WL, Convey P, Cheah YK and Davamani F. Polymicrobial biofilms from Signy Island
(Antarctica) and ROS production by bacterial isolates resistant to heavy metals. XIII International Symposium on
Antarctic Earth Sciences (ISAES 2019). Incheon, Republic of Korea,22-26 July 2019.27

The IMU’s research work on
Antarctic viruses is led by Dr Kenny
Voon Gah Leong. Dr Kenny Voon’s
lab focuses on investigating the
role of mimivirus in Antarctica, with
the project titled ‘Isolation and
molecular characterisation of giant
amoebal viruses from soils in Signy
Island’. The project aims to isolate
giant amoebal viruses from soils in
Signy Island and perform molecular
characterisation of these isolates.
Dr Kenny Voon
Light micrograph of A. castellani at 400X magnification; A shows the negative control; B shows the A.
castellani after being passaged on with samples from Berntsen Point; C shows the A. castellani after
being passaged on with samples from Gourlay Peninsula, Signy Island.
Publication
Ooi ZQ, Hong KS, Thum EY, Ong SL, Voon K, Chong CW.
The Discovery and Quantification of Mimivirus and Marseillevirus in
Signy Island, Antarctica. Polar Biology (in preparation for
submission).
He is intrigued by how the mimivirus is so ubiquitous that
it could be discovered in different parts of the world,
including Antarctica. With the success of isolating
mimivirus from soils in Malaysia, his team used a similar
approach to isolate and detect mimivirus from Antarctica,
particularly soil samples from Signy Island. The genome
of isolated mimivirus will be sequenced to be compared
with those that were discovered from different regions.
Much of the knowledge about the roles of viruses in the
natural environment comes from studies of marine
microbial communities.
Viruses play an important role in infecting and degrading
heterotrophic microbes which later lead to increases in
net respiration, the release of carbon dioxide and nutrient
recycling in the world's oceans. However, the role of
mimivirus in the natural environment remains to be
explored.
Virus
Research projects under Prof Chu’s flagship
grant also included work on parasites, led
by Professor Patricia Lim Kim Chooi. The
project titled ‘Identification of parasites in
soil samples collected from Signy Island,
Antarctica’ aimed to examine soil samples
collected from various sites in Signy Island
using direct smear and a concentration
technique as well as identify the parasites
and parasitic stages using morphological
methods.
Toxoplasma gondii oocyst. Gregarine. Cryptosporidiumoocyst.
Prof Patricia Lim
Publication
Lim PKC, Lee XC, Mohd Nazmi NMA, Tang YY, Wong SF, Mak JW,
Convey P (2018). Parasites in soil samples from Signy Island,
Antarctica. Tropical Biomedicine. 35(4): 1007-1016.
Prof Patricia’s team examined a total of 135 soil samples obtained
from five locations on Signy Island (South Orkney Islands,
maritime Antarctic), namely North Point and Gourlay Peninsula
(penguin rookeries), Pumphouse (relic coal-powered pump house),
Jane Col (barren high altitude fellfield) and Berntsen Point (low
altitude vegetated fellfield close to current research station).
They found that approximately 10% of the soil samples
(14/135) from three out of the five study sites had
parasites which included Diphyllobotridae spp. eggs,
Cryptosporidium sp., an apicomplexan protozoa
(gregarine), Toxoplasma gondii, helminths (a cestode,
Tetrabothriussp., and a nematode larva) and mites. Two of
the three sites with parasites are penguin rookeries (North
Point and Gourlay Peninsula) while the third site
(Pumphouse Lake) has human activity. Some of the
parasite species found in the soil samples appear to be
distinctive but there were also parasites such as
Cryptosporidiumand Toxoplasma gondii that have a global
distributionand are potentially pathogenic.
Parasites

Research projects under Prof Chu’s flagship
grant also included work on parasites, led
by Professor Patricia Lim Kim Chooi. The
project titled ‘Identification of parasites in
soil samples collected from Signy Island,
Antarctica’ aimed to examine soil samples
collected from various sites in Signy Island
using direct smear and a concentration
technique as well as identify the parasites
and parasitic stages using morphological
methods.
Toxoplasma gondii oocyst. Gregarine. Cryptosporidiumoocyst.
Prof Patricia Lim
Publication
Lim PKC, Lee XC, Mohd Nazmi NMA, Tang YY, Wong SF, Mak JW,
Convey P (2018). Parasites in soil samples from Signy Island,
Antarctica. Tropical Biomedicine. 35(4): 1007-1016.
Prof Patricia’s team examined a total of 135 soil samples obtained
from five locations on Signy Island (South Orkney Islands,
maritime Antarctic), namely North Point and Gourlay Peninsula
(penguin rookeries), Pumphouse (relic coal-powered pump house),
Jane Col (barren high altitude fellfield) and Berntsen Point (low
altitude vegetated fellfield close to current research station).
They found that approximately 10% of the soil samples
(14/135) from three out of the five study sites had
parasites which included Diphyllobotridae spp. eggs,
Cryptosporidium sp., an apicomplexan protozoa
(gregarine), Toxoplasma gondii, helminths (a cestode,
Tetrabothriussp., and a nematode larva) and mites. Two of
the three sites with parasites are penguin rookeries (North
Point and Gourlay Peninsula) while the third site
(Pumphouse Lake) has human activity. Some of the
parasite species found in the soil samples appear to be
distinctive but there were also parasites such as
Cryptosporidiumand Toxoplasma gondii that have a global
distributionand are potentially pathogenic.
Parasites
29

For research on fungi, Dr Carolina Santiago studied the effect of Antarctic fungal alkaloid
extracts on indole production in antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli strains. The objective of
her research was to investigate the activity of alkaloid extract on indole production in
antibiotic resistant E. coli strains. According to her research, alkaloidal extract from a
Phoma sp. isolate coded as L21 was found to reduce production of a bacterial signalling
molecule, indole in antibiotic resistant E. coli strains. The compounds from this extract were
deemed to have a potential application in overcoming antibiotic resistance exhibited by
bacteria.
Dr Carolina Santiago
Fungi
Phoma sp. isolate L21 (from left to right): Grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) culture media; with colony growth at 4°C for 14 days;grown on corn meal agar at 4°C for 14 days;grown on water agar
at 4°C for 14 days.
A Tribute to
Professor Chu Wan Loy
31 July 1964 to 15 June 2020

A Tribute to
Professor Chu Wan Loy
31 July 1964 to 15 June 2020
31

As an educator, Prof Chu was enthusiastic and contributed
significantly to undergraduate medical education in
various roles –as alipid biochemist, as respiratory system
coordinator in medicine, in curriculum review for medicine
and as a programme director for medical biotechnology.
For medical biotechnology, his particularly significant
contribution was bringing medicinal plants into the
curriculum.
Prof Chu served as the Dean, School of Postgraduate
Studies (SOPG), IMU from 1 October 2013 till 15 June
2020 and was the Deputy Director, Research, Institute for
Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), IMU from
18 September 2012 till 31 December 2018.
As Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof Chu made
important contributions as follows:
1. Introduction of postgraduate diplomas and
certificates to SOPG, previously there were only
masters programmes;
2. Introduction of Online Distance Learning (ODL)
postgraduate programmes;
3. Reviewing the programme to be more flexible to adult
learning and improved governance of programmes;
4. Shortening the masters programme to aminimal one
year programme.
Professor Chu Wan Loy - A humble, kind, passionate and
brilliant scholar who has made significant contributions in
education and research, particularly in the field of algae
research.
Prof Chu presenting his research findings on the human impacts on Antarctica at the 7th Malaysian
International Seminar on Antarctica (MISA7) 2017, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).
Prof Chu’s first trip to Antarctica
Prof Chu’s illustrious research journey on algae began when he worked
on tropical algae for his PhD under the supervision of Prof Phang Siew
Moi at the University of Malaya in the 1990s. It was Prof Phang who
encouraged him to continue research in this field and he was one of
two successful Malaysian researchers who was offered a berth by the
Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) to go on a reconnaissance voyage
to Casey Station, Antarctica in 2000.
This was his first trip to Antarctica and due to several delays, Prof Chu
managed to stay on Casey Station for only four days but the
experience and the journey were memorable for him.He collected the
first set of Antarctic polar algae samples on soil, snow and glaciers
from several sites including a penguin rookery and this collection
formed the basis of numerous studies on responses and adaptation of
Antarctic algae to global warming and UVR stress. Such studies are
important to understand the consequences of environmental changes
such as global warming and the widening hole in the ozone layer and
their impact on Antarctica.
The MV Polar Bird, an ice-strengthened ship chartered by the AAD for the voyage.
Prof Chu on board the MV Polar Bird.

Prof Chu’s first trip to Antarctica
Prof Chu’s illustrious research journey on algae began when he worked
on tropical algae for his PhD under the supervision of Prof Phang Siew
Moi at the University of Malaya in the 1990s. It was Prof Phang who
encouraged him to continue research in this field and he was one of
two successful Malaysian researchers who was offered a berth by the
Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) to go on a reconnaissance voyage
to Casey Station, Antarctica in 2000.
This was his first trip to Antarctica and due to several delays, Prof Chu
managed to stay on Casey Station for only four days but the
experience and the journey were memorable for him.He collected the
first set of Antarctic polar algae samples on soil, snow and glaciers
from several sites including a penguin rookery and this collection
formed the basis of numerous studies on responses and adaptation of
Antarctic algae to global warming and UVR stress. Such studies are
important to understand the consequences of environmental changes
such as global warming and the widening hole in the ozone layer and
their impact on Antarctica.
The MV Polar Bird, an ice-strengthened ship chartered by the AAD for the voyage.
Prof Chu on board the MV Polar Bird.
33

Sub-Antarctic and Arctic expeditions
Prof Chu subsequently made two more trips to collect
samples for the isolation of sub-Antarctic and Arctic
algae:
7April –12 May 2005
Expedition to Marion Island, sub-Antarctica under the
South African National Antarctic Program (SANAP).
24 July –15 August 2007
International Polar Year (IPY) Research Cruise to the
Bering Sea (sub-Arctic) and Chukchi Sea (Arctic).
Arctic ice.
Prof Chu with the ship’s cook on board the MV Polar
Bird.
Prof Chu, with a view of penguins from the MV Polar Bird.
Micro-algae cultures
Prof Chu successfully cultured a large number of micro-algae from his
Antarctic and Arctic collections at the Research Laboratory in the IMU.This is
a significant contribution as his micro-algae cultures served as research
materials for many research projects, which not only brought in several
research grants and generated numerous publications but trained a large
number of undergraduate and postgraduate students at the IMU.
Coccomyxa gloeobotrydiformis.
Chlorella sp. Desmococcus olivaceus (old cells filled with carotenoids). Pseudanabaena sp.

Micro-algae cultures
Prof Chu successfully cultured a large number of micro-algae from his
Antarctic and Arctic collections at the Research Laboratory in the IMU.This is
a significant contribution as his micro-algae cultures served as research
materials for many research projects, which not only brought in several
research grants and generated numerous publications but trained a large
number of undergraduate and postgraduate students at the IMU.
Coccomyxa gloeobotrydiformis.
Chlorella sp. Desmococcus olivaceus (old cells filled with carotenoids). Pseudanabaena sp.
35

Prof Chu’s Contributions to
Research and Publications
Prof Chu’s passion for algae research is indescribable and
his contributions to the fields of micro-algae and polar
research are reflected in his outstanding international
reputation and many awards and honors.
He was a Research Associate with the Algae Research
Laboratory & Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES),
University of Malaya and a member of the Malaysian
Antarctic Research Taskforce. His collaborating research
partners included University of Malaya, Institute for
Medical Research (IMR), Cancer Research Initiatives
(CARIF), Monash University, Australian Antarctic Division,
University of the Western Cape (South Africa).
His research excellence can be evidenced by his success
in securing 20 external and 27 IMU internal research
grants on algae research. Prof Chu has published more
than 50 scientific papers and book chapters, and
presented over 70 papers at both local and overseas
conferences.
Prof Chu representing the IMU in Antarctica.
Prof Chu was invited by
PRIME College in 2002
to share highlights of
his Antarctic trip with
Pre-University students.

Prof Chu was invited by
PRIME College in 2002
to share highlights of
his Antarctic trip with
Pre-University students.
37

Prof Chu - Teacher,
Scientist, Mentor and
Friend
As a teacher, Prof Chu was a walking encyclopedia
for his most passionate subject - microalgae. He
always wanted to do his utmost best for all his
students and worked relentlessly to get his
postgraduate students to complete their theses on
time.So many students are indebted to Prof Chu
for his guidance, advice, tutelage and mentorship.
Prof Chu has supervised/ co-supervised a total of
11 PhD, 18 Master and 35 undergraduate students
in their research.
Prof Chu will be remembered as an extremely
creative and brilliant scientist who was able to
address the biological questions he so
passionately pursued with his broad background in
biological principles and quantitative analysis.
Prof Chu with the Algae team at the IMU Convocation on 14 June 2015.
From left to right: Dr Kok Yih Yih, Dr Dang Nguk Ling, Prof Chu Wan Loy, Ms Chin Yin Yien,
Dr Tan Boon Keat.
Prof Chu (standing, 10th from right) with IMU colleagues during the IMU ASPIRE 1 workshop, 2010.
Remembering Prof Chu
To his colleagues and friends, Prof Chu was much more than
an outstanding scientist. He will be remembered as a
dedicated mentor who always gave credit to his team and was
always there to listen and advise. One of Prof Chu’s favourite
quotes was “‘The glory is for a day, but the science is forever”,
this is how he would like the science and its impact to be
remembered.
He will be remembered as a wonderful colleague who gave
freely of his time, advice and expertise. He is remembered for
his love for Korean drama, good food and coffee where he
shared many wonderful and happy moments with others.
Prof Chu with Prof Peter Pook, Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Deans and Department Heads, 2018.
And he will be remembered for serving the IMU with great
distinction in many capacities,including his long tenure as the
Dean of School of Postgraduate Studies.
Prof Chu’s achievements and success in life are largely
attributed to two important family members, his beloved
mother and his wife who have served as his pillars and
provided him with much love and support.
Another important pillar in his academic and research career
is Emeritus Professor Mak Joon Wah, former Pro-Vice
Chancellor (Research) and Director, IRDI, who nurtured and
guided him throughout his career at the IMU, particularly in his
roles as Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies and Deputy
Director, Research in IRDI.
Prof Chu (right) with Emeritus Professor Mak Joon Wah (middle) and Prof Leong Chee Onn, 2010.

Remembering Prof Chu
To his colleagues and friends, Prof Chu was much more than
an outstanding scientist. He will be remembered as a
dedicated mentor who always gave credit to his team and was
always there to listen and advise. One of Prof Chu’s favourite
quotes was “‘The glory is for a day, but the science is forever”,
this is how he would like the science and its impact to be
remembered.
He will be remembered as a wonderful colleague who gave
freely of his time, advice and expertise. He is remembered for
his love for Korean drama, good food and coffee where he
shared many wonderful and happy moments with others.
Prof Chu with Prof Peter Pook, Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Deans and Department Heads, 2018.
And he will be remembered for serving the IMU with great
distinction in many capacities,including his long tenure as the
Dean of School of Postgraduate Studies.
Prof Chu’s achievements and success in life are largely
attributed to two important family members, his beloved
mother and his wife who have served as his pillars and
provided him with much love and support.
Another important pillar in his academic and research career
is Emeritus Professor Mak Joon Wah, former Pro-Vice
Chancellor (Research) and Director, IRDI, who nurtured and
guided him throughout his career at the IMU, particularly in his
roles as Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies and Deputy
Director, Research in IRDI.
Prof Chu (right) with Emeritus Professor Mak Joon Wah (middle) and Prof Leong Chee Onn, 2010.
39

Picture Credits
Dr Carolina Santiago
pg 30
Dr Chan Kok Keong
pg 13
Dr Chong Chun Wie
pg 5
Dr Dang Nguk Ling
pgs 9, 13, 38
Derren Fox, BAS
pg 2
Dr Fabian Davamani
pgs 24-27
International Medical University
pgs 9, 13, 31, 38-39
Dr Kenny Voon
pg 28
Dr Kok Yih Yih
pg 35
Mdm Lau Yoke Kuan
pgs 12, 17, 33-34, 36-37
Martin McCallum, BAS
pg 23
Dr Nur Alia Johari
Cover photo; pgs 1, 3-7, 10-11,
13, 21-23, 40
Prof Patricia Lim Kim Chooi
pg 29
Dr Wong Chiew Yen
pgs 8, 9, 14-19, 32
YPASM
pg 7
Photo: Equipment and fuel secured to a boulder at Khyber Pass, Signy Island, Antarctica.