Dr Fazliny Abdul Rahman, who recently became a recipient of the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), has achieved another significant milestone not only for herself but also for the Faculty of Dentistry at SEGi University.
Dr Fazliny has embarked on a groundbreaking research collaboration with NiSCELL, a company specialising in the field of stem cells. The project, titled ‘Potential Role of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Conditioned Medium (DPSC-CM) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) & Neuronal Regeneration of Dental Pulp Stem Cells’, is poised to make strides in the exploration of stem cell applications.
In this innovative initiative, Dr Fazliny takes the lead as the principal investigator (PI), collaborating closely with a co-researcher from NiSCELL. Notably, NiSCELL stands out as the pioneering Malaysian cell therapy company dedicated to the manufacturing, development, and clinical translation of therapeutic programmes based on stem cells and immunotherapy. Demonstrating their commitment, NiSCELL has invested RM150,000 in support of this research. Additionally, SEGi University is on the verge of formalising a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NiSCELL, marking the beginning of a promising extended collaboration.
The year 2023 has proven to be pivotal for Dr Fazliny on two significant fronts. In addition to the NiSCELL collaboration, she has successfully secured the Faculty’s first Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) for Phase 1 from the Ministry of Higher Education. Commencing on 1 October, this grant will run until September 2026, supporting Dr Fazliny’s project titled ‘Gene Expression Profiling Reveals Markers Promoting Osteoblast Potential in Dental Pulp Stem Cells Treated with Aspirin’. The substantial grant of RM138,940 underscores the significance of this research.
In her role as the principal investigator (PI), Dr Fazliny will collaborate with two co-researchers from SEGi University and two counterparts from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Malaya (UM). The collaboration with UM, a public university, is noteworthy, indicating the broad and impactful scope of Dr Fazliny’s research projects. This dual achievement, marked by the NiSCELL collaboration and the FRGS grant, positions Dr Fazliny at the forefront of cutting-edge research in the field of stem cells and dentistry.
Congratulations, Dr Fazliny, on your remarkable achievement. As you embark on these new projects, SEGi stands firmly by her side and is ready to provide unwavering support. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of her initiatives and wish Dr Fazliny continued success in all her future ventures. All the best!