Thenamutha Muniandy has won Best Researcher of the Year Award

Thenamutha Muniandy has won Best Researcher of the Year Award

• July 07, 2025

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Portfolio of Thenamutha Muniandy

I am Thenamutha Muniandy, and if there’s one enduring lesson life has taught me, it’s that passion, when paired with purpose, has the power to turn even the most modest beginnings into extraordinary journeys. My professional path has been marked by discovery, determination, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding animal and public health.

Born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, I grew up surrounded by a close-knit family that valued education, compassion, and service. From a young age, I was captivated by science and its potential to transform lives. I remember the countless hours spent discovering the invisible world of microbes and dreaming of a career that would one day make a difference. That curiosity became the cornerstone of my academic journey, leading me to pursue a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Hons) from Kolej Universiti Teknologi dan Pengurusan Malaysia (KUTPM) and later a Master of Biotechnology from Universiti Malaya.

Never one to stop learning, I continued expanding my knowledge by obtaining a Certificate in Integrative Evidence-based Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, exploring the intriguing relationship between mind, health, and recovery. This additional training complemented my scientific work, helping me better understand the psychological dimensions of health management, an invaluable perspective even in veterinary science.

Before embarking on my journey with the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia, I led the Foodborne Pathogen Genechip project at Olipro Biotechnology Sdn. Bhd., a private Research & Development company. As a Research Scientist, I was responsible for inventing a DNA-based screening kit used for the detection of foodborne pathogens in food samples. This innovation was a significant contribution to food safety and public health. Handling machines and equipment related to DNA molecular genetics formed a crucial part of my role, ensuring accurate results and cutting-edge research in pathogen detection.

Since joining the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Malaysia more than a decade ago, my career has unfolded as a deeply rewarding blend of science, service, and teamwork. I am currently servicing as a Senior Research Officer at Makmal Veterinar Zon Utara (MVZU), or the Northern Zone Veterinary Laboratory, which operates as one of the key diagnostic laboratories managed by DVS. As an integral part of the Department’s nationwide veterinary diagnostic network, MVZU plays a crucial role in disease surveillance, diagnostics, and outbreak response, particularly in the northern region of Malaysia.

Here, my team and I work diligently on the frontlines of animal disease diagnostics, specializing in molecular virology, surveillance, and disease control initiatives. Our laboratory’s contributions directly support DVS’s mission to safeguard animal health and protect public health, strengthening Malaysia’s veterinary infrastructure and preparedness. Notably, I was officially appointed as the Alternate Focal Point Officer on Animal Disease and Zoonosis for Rift Valley Fever, a role entrusted to me for a three-year term starting in January 2024. Additionally, I've been appointed as a Graduated Technologist by the Malaysian Board of Technologist (MBOT).

Diagnosing and controlling high-risk viruses like Avian Influenza, African Swine Fever (ASF), and Newcastle Disease demands not just technical expertise but also sharp decision-making under pressure and a profound sense of responsibility to the communities that depend on us. One of the milestones that I hold close to my heart was our successful implementation of ASF molecular testing protocols during the outbreaks in 2023. This urgent and complex project required long hours, precise laboratory procedures, and seamless coordination with national and international agencies. In collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) through a Twinning Program, we enhanced Malaysia’s diagnostic capabilities, ultimately contributing to improved disease control strategies for the country’s swine industry.

Over the years, my work has extended into research and innovation. I’ve had the privilege of authoring and co-authoring several publications, delivering oral and poster presentations at national conferences, and securing awards for scientific innovation. I'm also serving as an internal and international reviewer to evaluate manuscripts and journal papers for publication purposes. Remarkably, I received the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (Outstanding Service Award) in 2018 and the Innovation Award 2019, recognizing our development of a rapid diagnostic technique for Avian Influenza.

What truly defines my experience at MVZU is not just the technical achievements, but the team spirit, leadership, and resilience of the people I work with. Ours is a laboratory where professionalism meets empathy, where young officers are mentored, every challenge is met with collective resolve, and every success is shared. I owe much of my growth to the guidance and trust of our Director at MVZU, as well as the leadership and encouragement from other directors and superiors at DVS. Their vision and support have been crucial in shaping my career. I am equally grateful to my dedicated staff, whose unwavering support and teamwork have been indispensable throughout this journey. Their hard work, commitment, and collaboration have made every challenge more manageable and every success even more rewarding. It has been an honour to serve as a mentor, trainer, and project lead under such exemplary leadership, contributing not only to diagnostic advancements but also to building capacity within Malaysia’s veterinary services.

Though my career has given me countless moments of fulfilment, my heart finds its greatest joy in being a wife and mother. I’m blessed with a supportive husband and twin daughters who brighten my world and remind me daily of what truly matters. Balancing a demanding career in science with the responsibilities of motherhood is not without its trials. There were moments when duty called in the form of disease outbreaks or urgent meetings, forcing me to miss family milestones. But through it all, the love and understanding of my family sustained me. They are the unseen strength behind every report submitted and every research paper published. I am also deeply grateful to my mother, whose wisdom and guidance have shaped the person I am today. My late father’s legacy continues to inspire me in countless ways. The unwavering support of my brother and friends has been a constant source of strength and comfort. I am fortunate to have in-laws who welcomed me into their family with open hearts, offering a foundation of love and encouragement. Together, they make every challenge feel more manageable and every success even more fulfilling.

This dual identity as a scientist and a mother has shaped my worldview, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and empathy. I strive to show my daughters that women can lead with both intellect and heart, and that careers in science, though challenging, are not just attainable but deeply meaningful.

I also owe a profound debt of gratitude to my mentors and superiors at DVS. Their guidance and belief in my abilities allowed me to take on roles of increasing responsibility, from managing critical sections to representing the laboratory in international collaborations. Their trust in me laid the foundation for this honour, the Best Researcher of the Year Award.

Receiving this recognition from Women Icon Powered by Times Women is both humbling and exhilarating. It serves as a powerful affirmation that the work we do, though often unseen, carries immense value. This award is not merely a personal honour but a celebration of every woman in science who juggles family, career, and personal aspirations with quiet strength.

I am grateful to Times Women for offering this platform, which not only highlights individual achievements but collectively amplifies the voices of women across diverse fields. In a profession where gender representation continues to evolve, recognitions like this remind us of the importance of visibility and support for women in science.

As I look to the future, my aspirations remain grounded in service and knowledge sharing. I hope to further expand our diagnostic capabilities through research in Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), strengthening disease surveillance, outbreak response, and epidemiological insights for Malaysia and beyond. Equally important to me is nurturing young talents, particularly encouraging young women to consider careers in veterinary diagnostics, virology, and public health. Additionally, I am passionate about continuing my PhD journey, with the goal of deepening my expertise and making even greater contributions to the field.

My dream is to one day see more women leading research laboratories, heading scientific agencies, and shaping health policies. It is my belief that with dedication, mentorship, and platforms like Women Icon Powered by Times Women, this dream is within reach.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my beloved family, especially my husband and twin daughters, for their unwavering love and patience. To my colleagues, lab staff, and superiors, thank you for your mentorship, encouragement, and trust. To Times Women, thank you for this meaningful honour, which I accept with immense pride and humility. This recognition belongs to every person who has walked this journey with me and to every woman who dares to dream.

Thank you.