KUALA LUMPUR:  Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) marked an important milestone on Nov 11 in its journey to advance cancer research with the launch of two new campaigns: Building of Hope and MFCV – Malaysia’s First Cancer Vaccine.

Launched at the CRMY IMPACT 2026 Presentation and Donor Appreciation Lunch at the KLGCC Convention Centre, the two campaigns reflect complementary priorities in CRMY’s mission: strengthening the foundation for cancer research while advancing home-grown scientific innovation.

Together, they invite donors, funders, corporate partners and the wider community to play a meaningful role in supporting the future of cancer research in Malaysia.

BUILDING A HOME FOR DISCOVERY

The Building of Hope campaign represents CRMY’s vision to establish a lasting home for cancer research at its new facility at Glen9 Business Park, Shah Alam. More than a physical space, the new home is envisioned as a dedicated centre for research, innovation and collaboration, providing an environment where scientists and researchers can continue their work to discover better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers affecting Malaysians and Asians.

Building of Hope invites the community to be part of this vision by helping to create a strong and sustainable foundation for CRMY’s future

“Cancer research is a long-term commitment. It requires not only dedicated scientists and innovative ideas, but also a strong foundation and a community that believes in the importance of investing in research,” said Andy Khoo, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Research Malaysia.

“Through Building of Hope, we hope to create a lasting home for discovery and a space that will support the important work of our researchers for years to come.”

ADVANCING MALAYSIA’S FIRST CANCER VACCINE RESEARCH

The second campaign, MFCV – Malaysia’s First Cancer Vaccine, shines a spotlight on more than a decade of scientific research by CRMY and aims to mobilise sustained support for the continued development of CRMY-VAC-100, a Malaysian-developed DNA cancer vaccine candidate.

The research journey began with CRMY scientists identifying specific markers found on cancer cells and exploring whether the body’s own immune system could be guided to recognise and fight cancer more effectively. Over the years, the research progressed through laboratory and preclinical studies, including the development of a DNA-based vaccine approach.

Preclinical research combining the vaccine with immunotherapy has produced promising findings, supporting further investigation of this approach. Today, the programme is working towards its next important milestone: the first human trial. “Scientific discovery takes time, commitment and sustained support,” said Professor Dr Cheong Sok Ching, Chief Scientific Officer of Cancer Research Malaysia.

“CRMY-VAC-100 represents years of research and the determination of Malaysian scientists to explore new possibilities in cancer research. While there is still much work ahead, continued investment in research is essential to help promising scientific ideas progress to their next stage.”

MFCV aims to bring the public closer to this scientific journey and raise awareness of the importance of supporting long-term cancer research. The campaign also highlights the potential of home-grown science and innovation to contribute to future advances for people affected by cancer.

CRMY-VAC-100 remains a research candidate and is not an approved cancer treatment. Its development will continue to require rigorous scientific evaluation and further research.

TWO CAMPAIGNS, ONE SHARED MISSION

While Building of Hope and MFCV focus on different areas, both are united by one shared mission: to strengthen the future of cancer research. Building of Hope focuses on creating the infrastructure and environment needed to support scientific discovery. MFCV focuses on advancing a Malaysian-developed research programme towards its next scientific milestone. “Both campaigns remind us that progress in cancer research is not achieved by scientists alone,” said Fikrie Hashim, Chief Fundraising Officer of Cancer Research Malaysia.

“It takes a community of donors, funders, partners and supporters who believe in the importance of research and are willing to invest in a healthier future. Together, we can help build the foundation for discovery and support the science that may shape tomorrow.”

CRMY invites individuals, organisations and partners to learn more about both campaigns and explore how they can contribute to the future of cancer research in Malaysia.

As CRMY continues its work, the organisation remains committed to its purpose of discovering better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers affecting Malaysians and Asians through research, innovation and collaboration.