Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Hum Yan Chai

IR TS DR HUM YAN CHAI is an Associate Professor at the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), where he leads the Signal Processing Research Group under the Centre for Healthcare Science and Technology. He is also the Founder of Promptiq Enterprise, which focuses on translating artificial intelligence research into practical and accessible technological solutions. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and is a Chartered Engineer (UK), Professional Engineer (Malaysia), Professional Technologist (Malaysia), Senior Member of IEEE

With a research focus that spans artificial intelligence, computer vision, and intelligent sensing, Dr Hum develops technologies that directly respond to societal and environmental needs. One of his recent priorities has been the

creation of solar powered, edge AI environmental monitoring systems for aquaculture and freshwater settings. These systems enable real time water quality and pollution assessment, helping to strengthen sustainable food production, improve environmental resilience, and build local community capacity.

His academic work includes extensive publications in medical imaging, signal processing, and machine learning, where he has contributed to advancing diagnostic support systems and data driven decision- making frameworks. His supervisory and mentorship roles further support emerging researchers and student-led innovation teams engaged in healthcare and sustainability applications. In addition, he is the inventor and co-inventor of multiple patents related to intelligent image analysis and diagnostic algorithms, reflecting a sustained commitment to bridging research innovation with real-world implementation.

Building on this technical and translational work, he also plays an active role in national and regional discussions on responsible AI adoption, digital transformation, and the development of future-ready talent ecosystems. His engagement spans academic, industry, and government platforms, where he contributes perspectives on how AI and intelligent technologies can be deployed in ways that are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with societal needs. Through these efforts, he aims to promote human-centred innovation thatsupports Malaysia’s and the region’s broader transition toward a resilient green and digital economy.