Professor Dr Mai Chun Wai is a Chartered Scientist (CSci, UK Science Council) and cancer cell biologist, currently serves as a Professor and Acting Deputy Director of Research Strategy and Innovation at the Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), IMU University, Malaysia. He is also the Head of the Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research. His research focuses on cancer biology, particularly in the areas of tumour microenvironment, chemoresistance, and the application of stem cell technologies in both fundamental and translational contexts. He is also deeply involved in capacity building, mentoring early-career researchers, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.

He has undertaken international research fellowships at institutions such as the British Antarctic Survey (UK), the University of Strathclyde (UK), and the National Research Council (Italy), and a two year sabbatical at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. His work has earned him recognition nationally and internationally, including the current Chairperson of Young Scientists Network–Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM). He plays key roles in the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) as Deputy General Treasurer, and Chairperson of Education Chapter. He is also Deputy
Chairperson for the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)-UNESCO UNITWIN Centre of Excellence Western Pacific, where he supports initiatives on pharmaceutical education, research integrity, and talent development.