Rajesh Ramasamy, from estate boy to stem-cell pioneer

 

A leading immunologist in Malaysia, Rajesh Ramasamy is currently pioneering a stem-cell research project. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle)

PETALING JAYA: 

When Rajesh Ramasamy was a boy growing up on the Nagalilit Estate in Padang Serai, Kedah, he couldn’t have imagined how his life would turn out.

As the oldest of six, Rajesh didn’t have big ambitions back then. But there was one thing he knew for sure: 

I just wanted my parents to be happy.

His mum and dad, both rubber tappers, would wake up before dawn for work and take on odd jobs to make ends meet. Once, his mother even pawned her jewellery to pay for his school exam fees.

These sacrifices inspired Rajesh to 

study hard and make them proud

.

Today, Rajesh is an associate professor at University Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) faculty of medicine and health sciences. A lab-based immunologist specialising in regenerative medicine, he is also the principal investigator of the Stem Cell & Immunity Research Group, as well as a coordinator for the Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Yet, 

I only learnt to speak Bahasa Malaysia well in secondary school and English at university

, the 48-year-old, who lives in Seri Kembangan, shared with FMT Lifestyle.

Rajesh was determined to study hard to make his parents proud. (Rajesh Ramasamy pic)

As an associate professor, he has graduated 10 PhD and 10 master’s students. Indeed, the father of three is on a mission to instil the same values of hard work and dedication in future doctors and specialists.

This is my way of giving back: I nurture them to be good scientists. And I go the extra mile for Tamil-school students; I will never say no to Tamil schools. It’s where I come from.

Rajesh credits his success to his teachers at SJK(T) Ladang Victoria in Padang Serai. 

I wouldn’t be where I am without them,

 he emphasised.

One teacher in particular – Mr Rajagopal, who managed the school library – made a lasting impact on him. Rajesh was a bookworm and would often read in the library while waiting for the bus.

It was only open for 30 minutes, but Mr Rajagopal noticed I loved reading, so he extended the hours just for me. Because of him, I developed a love for Tamil literature,

 Rajesh recalled fondly, noting that he now owns over 1,000 books and has won several Tamil short-story competitions.

Many PhD and masters students have graduated from UPM under Rajesh’s guidance. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle)

While literature is a passion, Rajesh’s true calling lies in science. He always dreamt of becoming a doctor but missed out by a few points. Travelling 25km daily for STPM classes, he said, made it tough to excel.

Although he didn’t get into medical school, he earned a full scholarship to study biomedical science at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, bringing him closer to his dream.

After obtaining his doctorate from Imperial College London, he became a pioneer in stem-cell research in Malaysia, particularly in immune response. 

We use stem cells to finetune people’s immune response to prevent diseases and enhance the body’s ability to regenerate,

 he explained.

Rajesh’s interest in traditional Indian medicine plays a big role in his work: he holds a diploma in siddha medicine and is working to merge its principles with modern medicine.

My goal is to decode it, combine it with regenerative medicine, and see how it can treat certain conditions,

 he added.

Rajesh is researching how to incorporate siddha medicine into modern regenerative medicine. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Currently, Rajesh is leading a research project introducing specific herb extracts into a stem-cell environment to enhance their healing properties.

The results are incredible,

 he said excitedly. 

The secretions we get from these modified stem cells are 100 times more effective at treating diseases.

Outside the lab, he continues to give back. Since 2006, he has been a part of the Malaysian Indian Educational Development Association (TheMIND), mentoring students until they complete their SPM – one of whom is studying aerospace engineering at UPM.

Rajesh is also involved in the Association of Science, Technology, and Innovation, serving as the chief judge at science fairs to inspire a love for STEM subjects among Tamil-school students. He’s thrilled to see two of his former science-fair participants now pursuing medical degrees at his university.

Ultimately, Rajesh’s dedication to nurturing young minds through community-driven work reflects the core principle by which he lives. “Do good to everyone and give back. None of us are here alone.

Many people shaped who I am today, and it’s my responsibility to do the same for others.

Follow Rajesh Ramasamy on Facebook.

-FMT