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Faculty of Applied Science
Faculty of Applied Sciences

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Associate Professor Dr Eric Chan Wei Chiang

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Associate Professor | Department of Food Science and Nutrition

Academic Qualifications

PhD Natural Product Chemistry
BSc (Hons) Biotechnology

Areas of Interest
Phytochemistry
Biomaterials
Biofuels
Green Chemistry
Professional Affiliations

Membership in International Societies

  1. Member, Asian Council of Science Editors, since 2014

  2. Member, American Chemical Society (Medicinal Chemistry Technical Division), since 2013

  3. Life Member, Pharmacognosy Network Worldwide, since 2011

  4. Life Member, International Society of Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), Okinawa, Japan, since 2013 (Member since 2009)

  5. Life Member, Academic Excellence, Monash University Chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society, since 2002

Membership in Malaysian Societies

  1. Life Member, Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences (MSMS), since 2021

External Positions Held

  1. Co-Editor, ISME/GLOMIS Electronic Journal (ISSN 1880-7682), 2014-present

  2. Chairperson, Breakout Session, International Conference on Innovations, Shifts and Challenges in Learning and Teaching, November 2016

  3. Central Regional Representative, American Chemical Society (ACS) Malaysia Chapter, 2016-2020

  4. External Review Panel Member, Monash University degrees (B.Sc. and B.Sc. Honours), April 2016

  5. Chairperson, ChemBingo Challenge, hosted by ACS Malaysia Chapter at UCSI University, September 2019

  6. Editorial Board Member, Journal of Natural Remedies (JNR), November 2023-present

Internal Positions Held

  1. Coordinator, Sustainable Coastal Cities Research Consortium, UCSI University, July 2021-present

  2. Head, Sustainable Coastal Cities, International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability, UCSI University, since March 2023

  3. Chairperson, Applied Science Symposium 2017, Faculty of Applied Science, July 2017

Research

Final Year Projects

  • Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Zingiberaceae and Camellia sinensis
  • Effects of drying on the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of herbal teas and culinary herbs
  • Effects of pickling, brining and freezing on the antioxidant properties of selected herbs and vegetables
  • Production of carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel from agricultural wastes
  • Sensory evaluation of herbal teas 

M.Sc. Projects

  • Antioxidant, antityrosinase, antibacterial and anti-quorum sensing properties of ulam herbs, and isolation of bioactive compounds from leaves of Anacardium occidentale (cashew)

Ph.D. Projects

  • Bioactivities and chemical constituents of leaves of Etlingera gingers and Apocynaceae species 

Grants

Funding Agency

Title

Code

Duration

Amount

Status

FRGS MOHE

Mechanistic and theoretical elucidation of the role of Bronsted and Lewis acidity exhibited by deep eutectic solvents in catalysing low pressure hydrothermal liquefaction using computational modelling

FRGS/1/2022/ STG04/UCSI/02/2

Sept 2022 to Sept 2025

RM 141,204

On-going

APEC MDMI sub-fund

APEC Sustainable Coastal Cities Symposium

OFWG 10 2020A

November 24-26, 2021

US$22,000

Completed

FRGS MOHE

Creation of a Root Targeted Delivery Vehicle for fertilizers using cellulose from duckweed and other agricultural waste biomass

FRGS/2/2014/ SG01/UCSI/02/2

Jan 2015 to Dec 2016

RM 98,000

Completed

Publications

Top 5 papers Green and Sustainable Chemistry 

  1. Huang, C. M., Chia, P. X., Lim, C. S., Nai, J. Q., Ding, D. Y., Seow, P. B., ... & Chan, E. W. (2017). Synthesis and characterisation of carboxymethyl cellulose from various agricultural wastes. Cellul. Chem. Technol, 51(7-8), 665-672.
  2. Soon, C. Y., Rahman, N. A., Tee, Y. B., Talib, R. A., Tan, C. H., Abdan, K., & Chan, E. W. C. (2019). Electrospun biocomposite: nanocellulose and chitosan entrapped within a poly (hydroxyalkanoate) matrix for Congo red removal. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 8(6), 5091-5102.
  3. Chia, P. X., Tan, L. J., Ying Huang, C. M., Chiang Chan, E. W., & Wei Wong, S. Y. (2015). Hydrogel beads from sugar cane bagasse and palm kernel cake, and the viability of encapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus. e-Polymers, 15(6), 411-418.
  4. Abdan, K. B., Yong, S. C., Chiang, E. C. W., Talib, R. A., Hui, T. C., & Hao, L. C. (2020). Barrier properties, antimicrobial and antifungal activities of chitin and chitosan-based IPNs, gels, blends, composites, and nanocomposites. In Handbook of chitin and chitosan (pp. 175-227). Elsevier.
  5. Ng, Y. K., Lim, W. Y., Lee, V. S., Lee, K. M., Wong, C. W., & Chan, E. W. C. (2022). Deep eutectic solvents as green and efficient media for biocatalytic processes. In Current Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering (pp. 161-180). Elsevier.

Top 5 papers Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry

  1. Chan, E. W. C., Lim, Y. Y., Wong, S. K., Lim, K. K., Tan, S. P., Lianto, F. S., & Yong, M. Y. (2009). Effects of different drying methods on the antioxidant properties of leaves and tea of ginger species. Food chemistry, 113(1), 166-172.
  2. Chan, E. W. C., Lim, Y. Y., & Omar, M. (2007). Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of leaves of Etlingera species (Zingiberaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia. Food chemistry, 104(4), 1586-1593.
  3. Chan, E. W. C., Lim, Y. Y., Wong, L. F., Lianto, F. S., Wong, S. K., Lim, K. K., ... & Lim, T. Y. (2008). Antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition properties of leaves and rhizomes of ginger species. Food chemistry, 109(3), 477-483.
  4. Chan, E. W. C., Lim, Y. Y., & Chew, Y. L. (2007). Antioxidant activity of Camellia sinensis leaves and tea from a lowland plantation in Malaysia. Food chemistry, 102(4), 1214-1222.
  5. Chan, E. W. C., Phui-Yan, L. Y. E., & Siu-Kuin, W. O. N. G. (2016). Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical trials of Morus alba. Chinese journal of natural medicines, 14(1), 17-30. 

Journal Articles

  1. Wong SK, Lim YY, Ling SK, CHAN EWC, 2014. Antiproliferative activity of Vallaris glabra Kuntze (Apocynaceae). Pharmacognosy Magazine (In Press; Impact Factor: 1.52)
  2. Wong SK, Lim YY, Ling SK, CHAN EWC, 2014. Caffeoylquinic acids in leaves of selected Apocynaceae species: their isolation and content. Pharmacognosy Research, 6(1), 1–6. (Citations: 2)
  3. Wong SK, CHAN EWC, 2013○ Botany, uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Vallaris: A short review. Pharmacognosy Journal, 5(5), 242–246.
  4. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Wong SK, 2013○ Botany, uses, phytochemistry & pharmacology of Etlingera gingers: A review. Pharmacognosy Communications, 3(4), 3–12. (Citation: 1)
  5. Wong SK, Lim YY, CHAN EWC, 2013○ Botany, uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Apocynaceae species: A review. Pharmacognosy Communications, 3(3), 2–11.
  6. CHAN EWC, Lye PY, Eng SY, Tan YP, 2013* ○ Antioxidant properties of herbs with enhancement effects of drying. Free Radicals and Antioxidants, 3, 2–6.
  7. Gemiarto AT, CHAN EWC, Lim CSY, 2013* Propolis as a potential quorum sensing inhibitor in Chromobacterium violaceum. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 42 (Suppl. 2), S108. (Impact Factor: 4.42)
  8. CHAN EWC, Eng SY, Tan YP, Wong ZC, Lye PY, Tan LN, 2012* Antioxidant and sensory properties of Thai herbal teas with emphasis on Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 39(4), 599–609. (Impact Factor: 0.34).
  9. CHAN EWC, Lye PY, Tan LN, Eng SY, Tan YP, Wong ZC, 2012* Effects of drying method and particle size on the antioxidant properties of leaves and teas of Morus alba, Lagerstroemia speciosa and Thunbergia laurifolia. Chemical Industry and Chemical Engineering Quarterly, 18(3), 465–472. (Impact Factor: 0.58)
  10. CHAN EWC, Tan YP, Chin SJ, Gan LY, 2012* Antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties of wood vinegar from Matang Mangroves, Malaysia. ISME/GLOMIS Electronic Journal, 10(7), 19–21.
  11. CHAN EWC, Kong LQ, Yee KY, Chua WY, Loo TY, 2012* Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of some fresh and dried Labiatae herbs. Free Radicals and Antioxidants, 2(3), 1–8.
  12. CHAN EWC, Kong LQ, Yee KY, Chua WY, Loo TY, 2012* Rosemary and sage outperformed six other culinary herbs in antioxidant and antibacterial properties. International Journal of Biotechnology for Wellness Industries, 1(2), 142–151. (Citation: 1)
  13. CHAN EWC, Fong CH, Kang KX, Chong HH, 2012* Potent antibacterial activity of wood vinegar from Matang Mangroves, Malaysia. ISME/GLOMIS Electronic Journal, 10(4), 10–12.
  14. CHAN EWC, Eng SY, Tan YP, Wong ZC, 2011* Analysis and evaluation of sensory properties and consumer acceptability of Thunbergia laurifolia teas. International Journal for the Advancement of Science & Arts, 2(2), 16–26.
  15. CHAN EWC, Lye PY, Tan LN, 2011* Analysis and evaluation of antioxidant properties of Thai herbal teas. International Journal for the Advancement of Science & Arts, 2(2), 8–15. (Citation: 1)
  16. CHAN EWC, Soh EY, Tie PP, Law YP, 2011* Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of green, black and herbal teas of Camellia sinensis. Pharmacognosy Research, 3(4), 268–275. (Citations: 15)
  17. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Tan SP, 2011. Standardised herbal extract of chlorogenic acid from leaves of Etlingera elatior (Zingiberaceae). Pharmacognosy Research, 3(3), 177– 183. (Citation: 1)
  18. CHAN EWC, Eng SY, Tan YP, Wong ZC, 2011* ○ Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Thunbergia laurifolia: A review. Pharmacognosy Journal, 3(24), 1–6. (Citations: 2)
  19. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Wong SK, 2011. Antioxidant properties of ginger leaves: An overview○ Free Radicals and Antioxidants, 1(1), 6–16. (Citations: 3) 
  20. CHAN EWC, Ng VP, Tan VV, Low YY, 2011* Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Alpinia galanga, Curcuma longa and Etlingera elatior (Zingiberaceae). Pharmacognosy Journal, 3(22), 54–61. (Citations: 4)
  21. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Wong SK, 2011○ Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Etlingera elatior: A review. Pharmacognosy Journal, 3(22), 6–10. (Citations: 3)
  22. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Chong KL, Tan JBL, Wong SK, 2010. Antioxidant properties of tropical and temperate herbal teas. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 23(2), 185–189. (Impact Factor: 2.09; Citations: 24)
  23. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Nor Azah MA, 2010. Composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils from leaves of Etlingera species (Zingiberaceae). International Journal for the Advancement of Science and Arts, 1(2), 1–12.
  24. Wong SK, CHAN EWC, 2010. Antioxidant properties coastal and inland populations of Hibiscus tiliaceus. ISME-GLOMIS Electronic Journal, 8(1), 1–2.
  25. Wong SK, Wong LF, Lim YY, CHAN EWC, 2010. Effects of drying treatments on the antioxidant properties of leaves and teas of Alpinia species (Zingiberaceae). Journal of Tropical Medicinal Plants, 11(1), 97–105. (Citation: 1)
  26. Wong SK, Lim YY, CHAN EWC, 2010. Evaluation of antioxidant, antityrosinase and antibacterial activities of selected Hibiscus species. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 14, 781– 796. (Citations: 4)
  27. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Wong SK, Lim KK, Tan SP, Lianto FS, Yong MY, 2009. Effects of different drying methods on the antioxidant properties of leaves and tea of ginger species. Food Chemistry, 113, 166–172. (Impact Factor: 3.33; Citations: 107)
  28. CHAN EWC, Wong SK, 2009. Chemical constituents of leaves of Rhizophora x lamarckii, R. apiculata and R. stylosa. ISME-GLOMIS Electronic Journal, 7(1), 1–2.
  29. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Ling SK, Tan SP, Lim KK, Khoo MGH, 2009. Caffeoylquinic acids from leaves of Etlingera species (Zingiberaceae). LWT – Food Science and Technology, 42, 1026–1030. (Impact Factor: 2.55; Citations: 22)
  30. Wong SK, Lim YY, CHAN EWC, 2009. Antioxidant properties of Hibiscus: Species variation, altitudinal change, coastal influence and floral colour change. Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 21, 307–315. (Impact Factor: 0.47; Citations: 9)
  31. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Wong LF, Lianto FS, Wong SK, Lim KK, Joe CE, Lim TY, 2008. Antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition properties of leaves and rhizomes of ginger species. Food Chemistry, 109, 477–483. (Impact Factor: 3.33; Citations: 92) 
  32. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Omar M, 2007. Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of leaves of Etlingera species (Zingiberaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia. Food Chemistry, 104, 1586– 1593. (Impact Factor: 3.33; Citations: 68)
  33. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Chew YL, 2007. Antioxidant activity of Camellia sinensis leaves and tea from a lowland plantation in Malaysia. Food Chemistry, 102, 1214–1222. (Impact Factor: 3.33; Citations: 92)
  34. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Lim TY, 2007. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of leaves and rhizomes of some ginger species in Peninsular Malaysia. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore, 59, 47–58. (Citations: 4)
  35. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, 2006. Antioxidant activity of Thunbergia laurifolia tea. Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 18(1), 71–75. (Impact Factor: 0.47; Citations: 8) 

*Research conducted in UCSI University by final year and post-graduate students
*Review papers in academic journals 

 

Conference Proceedings

  1. Chang HQ, How YC, Tan YP, CHAN EWC* Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of selected Malay herbs. 24th Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar, Taylor’s University, 11 May 2013.
  2. CHAN EWC, Lye PY, Eng SY* Antioxidant properties of three selected herbs and the enhancement effects of drying treatments. Fourth International Conference on Biotechnology for the Wellness Industry, Kuala Lumpur, 20-21 June 2012.
  3. Kong LQ, Yee KY, Chua WY, Loo TY, CHAN EWC* Rosemary and sage out-performed six other culinary herbs. 23rd Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar, Universiti Malaya, 19 May 2012.
  4. Janelle Soh EY, CHAN EWC* Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of green tea. 22nd Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 19 March 2011.
  5. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Tan SP, Ling SK. Isolation and characterisation of bioactive compounds from Etlingera species for the development of nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products. National Biotechnology Seminar, PWTC, Kuala Lumpur, 24–26 May 2010.
  6. Wong SK, CHAN EWC. Antioxidant properties of teas of Alpinia zerumbet. Fifth International Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae, Xishuangbanna Botanic Gardens, Xishuangbanna, China, 6–9 July 2009. 
  7. CHAN EWC, Lim YY, Ling SK. Bioactivity and chemical constituents of leaves and rhizomes of ginger species. Tenth Anniversary Celebration Week, Monash Sunway Campus, 21–24 July 2008.
  8. CHAN EWC, Lim YY. Altitudinal variation in antioxidant activity of Etlingera Giseke. Fourth International Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore, 3–6 July 2006. 

*Research conducted in UCSI University by final year and post-graduate students
*Review papers in academic journals 

Awards and Recognitions

Significant Awards

  1. Included in Stanford University's World's Top 2% Scientists for three consecutive years (2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022) in the field of Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry.

  2. Selected as one of the top 5 finalists for the 2015 Elsevier Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge, chosen from over 500 global project proposals.

Recent Awards

  1. Winner of Gold medal at the UKM Sustainability Challenge in 2023
  2. Recipient of the Malaysia Technology Excellence Award 2023, presented by The Asian Business Review.
  3. Awarded UCSI University Research Excellent Award in 2022 for both Top Research Publications Contributor and Research Exhibition.
  4. Winner of Gold medal at the International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2020, and Silver medals in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
  5. Holder of Gold, Silver, and Special Awards at the Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2022.

Past Awards

  1. UCSI Promising Researcher Award, April 2016
  2. Consolation Prize Winner of SEA Global Innovation Challenge (SEAGIC) Competition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Malaysia, 2015
  3. Featured in Who's Who in Science and Engineering® 2016-2017 (12th Edition)
  4. Biography listed in Marquis Who’s Who in the World 2014, Sep 2013 (the source for biography on the world’s most distinguished individuals)
  5. Biography of Marquis Who’s Who in the World 2013
  6. Prestige Top 40 Under 40 Award 2010
  7. Merck Young Scientist Award 2009, Chromatography Category (Consolation Prize)
  8. Monash University Malaysia, Best Honours Student Award 2005

Featured in the Media

  1. Biography in Marquis Who’s Who in the World 2014, Sep 2013
  2. Continuing the Road to Success. Sunway UP2 Magazine, 3(10), Sep 2013
  3. Stories of Success. ISME Newsletter, No. 38, Aug 2013
  4. Two Chans in the Top 40. Sunway Blaze Magazine, 6(16), Mar 2011
  5. Prestige Top 40 Under 40, Poised for Power 2010. UCSI Media Hub, Nov 2010
  6. Creative Science. Top 40 Under 40 Poised for Power, Prestige Malaysia, Nov 2010
  7. Fond ties with Sunway. Sunway Blaze Magazine, 5(12), Mar 2010
  8. Waste of cooking spice promising as antioxidant source. The Sunday Post, Dec 2009
  9. Waste of cooking spice shows promise as antioxidant. Monash Newsline, Nov 2009
  10. First School of Science PhD has ties with Sunway. Stories of Success, Nov 2009

Contributions to Society

2012

  • Reviewer of manuscripts for African Journal of Food Science, Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology, and Science Asia

2013

  • Reviewer of manuscripts for African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, Environmental Toxicology & Pharmacology, Free Radicals and Antioxidants, International Food Research Journal, Journal of Ecology & the Natural Environment, and Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology
  • Publications and citations are updated and made available online to the public through Google Scholar Citations