This document is a resume for Ho Wing Sze, a molecular microbiologist seeking a position in a highly-caliber company. Ho Wing Sze has a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Malaya and investigated antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and genomic diversity of E. coli in Malaysia. Ho has extensive research experience investigating foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli using techniques including next-generation sequencing and phenotype microarray analysis. Ho Wing Sze has authored several publications and presented research at international conferences.

1. HO WING SZE
NO 5, JALAN 2/28, 46000, PETALING JAYA,
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA.
TEL: +6012-2271062; +603-77824066
E-mail: howingsze86@hotmail.com
PERSONAL PROFILE
An ardent, adaptive and fast learning molecular microbiologist with great aspiration, strong
interpersonal skills and a positive attitude in seek of an opportunity in highly-calibre
company. I particularly enjoy collaborating with scientists from different disciplines to
develop new skills and solve new challenges in the competitive and ever-evolving research
arena.
EDUCATION
since 2010
(Sep)
Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Microbiology
University of Malaya
Thesis title: Antimicrobial resistance and genomic diversity of Escherichia
coli in Malaysia
Significance:
 Provided comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of resistance
to extended-spectrum cephalosporins which is known as a global
drug resistance threat.
 Developed an in house PCR assay detecting dnd operon which is
more often found in pathogenic E. coli, providing caveat on the
possible association of dnd operons with E. coli pathogenicity.
 Demonstrated the usefulness of a new approach, i.e. high
resolution phylogenomic analysis coupled with virulence profiling
in identifying commensal like strains with extraintestinal virulence
potential, potential vaccine candidates for extraintestinal
pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), and emergence of ExPEC clones.
2006 (May)
to 2009
(May)
Bachelor of Science majoring in Biochemistry
University of Malaya | 3.75 CGPA on 4.0 scale (1st Class)
Thesis title: Biodiesel production from waste fish oil
Significance:
 Determined the effects of different parameters (reaction
temperature, reaction time, oil to alcohol ratio, catalyst
concentration, and stirring speed) towards the percentage of
conversion from fish oil to biodiesel.

2. RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant | University of Malaya
2015 (Oct -Nov) Investigation of typhoid outbreak in Kuala Lumpur
 Processed hundreds of rectal samples given by the Ministry of
Health for detection of Salmonella Typhi.
 Ensured food safety in the campus by collecting food samples
and hand swabs during “Festival Konvokesyen Universiti Malaya
2015” for detection of Salmonella Typhi.
Since 2015 (Jun) Project title: Molecular genetics: pathogenomics and phenomics of
foodborne bacterial pathogens
 Generated ideas and experimental designs and proposal writing
for grant applications.
 Contribution to paper work, research publications and
presentations at scientific conferences.
2009 (May) to
2010 (Jun)
Project title: Molecular characterization of multidrug resistance
plasmids from Enterobacteriaceae isolates
 Performed comprehensive survey on the resistance trend of E.
coli isolated from a tertiary hospital.
Project title: A multi-prong approaches for the detection of
Salmonella based on novel DNA sequences
 Assessed and ensured the sensitivity, specificity and quality of
the PCR lyophilized reagents in the Salmonella detection kit
before sending to overseas collaborators for field tests.
RELATED EXPERIENCE & TECHNICAL SKILL
 Provided supervisory support to undergraduate project/research students.
 Good microbiological safety practices and techniques (Biosafety Level-2).
 Extensive experience in lab management including data management and
documentation, managing laboratory activities, controlled expenses within assigned
budget and familiar with the chemicals, equipment and reagents used in the
laboratory.
Techniques:
Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis | Next-generation sequencing | Phenotype microarray
|Comparative genomic analysis | Bacterial conjugation | Bacterial phenotyping and
genotyping | Polymerase chain reaction | GC-MS | Real time-PCR | Multi locus sequence
typing | Molecular serotyping | E. coli phylogenetic grouping | Bacterial genome gap
closing | Primer design

3. LANGUAGE
 Good command in English, Mandarin, Malay and Cantonese (written, oral and aural).
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
 Organizing committee of a 3-day
“Training Workshop on Pulsed Field Gel
Electrophoresis 2012” (University of
Malaya)
 Organizing committee of a 2-day
“Training Workshop on Application of
Multi-locus Variable Number Tandem
Repeat Analysis (MLVA) – A New Typing
Technique for Bacterial Genomes 2012”
(University of Malaya)
 Secretariat committee of “International
Congress Malaysian Society for
Microbiology 2009” (Malaysian Society
for Microbiology)
 Planned and implemented
workshop/ conference program.
 Able to work efficiently in a group or
individually according to necessity.
 With outstanding ability to
communicate with different levels of
people.
 Highly organized, dedicated with
positive mental attitude.
o Asst. Secretary of “Biochemistry Club
2008/2009 (University of Malaya)
o Director of Sponsorship Bureau of
“Malam Kebudayaan Tiong Hua
2006/07” (University of Malaya)
o Director of “Projek Pengubahan Lagu
Universiti Malaya 2006/07” (University of
Malaya)
o Head of Logistic Bureau of “Pesta
Tanglung Chinese Community 2006/07”
(University of Malaya)
 Dealt with officers of international
company (main sponsor) regarding
sponsorships and secured a main
sponsor for an event.
 Effective time management to
accomplish all the course work while
juggling between lectures, laboratory
practical and extracurricular
activities.
 High project organizational and
management skills.
IT SKILL
 Microsoft Office applications, i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, Access and PowerPoint.
 LibreOffice applications, i.e. Writer, Calc, Draw and Impress.
 Capable of exploiting R (statistical computing) for statistical analysis and executing
basic Linux command line for bacterial genome analysis.
 Good command in using Inkscape Vector Graphics editor and Pinta image editor for
creating high resolution graphics for presentation and publication.

4. INTEREST
 Take pleasure in travelling, photographing and listening to a myriad genre of music.
 Enjoy hiking, yoga, cycling, running, swimming and cardio workout.

5. LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
Ho, W. S., Balan, G., Puthucheary, S., Kong, B. H., Lim, K. T., Tan, L. K., Koh, X. P., Yeo, C.C.,
and Kwai Lin Thong (2012). Prevalence and characterization of multidrug resistant and
extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli from pediatric wards of a
Malaysian hospital. Microbial Drug Resistance, 18(4), 408–416.
Ho, W.S., Thong, K.L., Yeo, C.C. (2012). Multilocus sequence typing of clinical ESBL-producing
E. coli strains. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 16, e416-e417.
Ho, W. S., Gan, H. M., Yap, K. P., Balan, G., Yeo, C. C., & Thong, K.L. (2012). Genome
sequence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli EC302/04, isolated from a human tracheal
aspirate. Journal of Bacteriology, 194(23), 6691–2.
Ho, W. S., Ou, H.Y., Yeo, C. C., & Thong, K. L. (2015). The dnd operon for DNA
phosphorothioation modification system in Escherichia coli is located in diverse genomic
islands. BMC Genomics, 16, 199.
Ho, W.S., Yap, K.P., Yeo, C.C., Ganeswrie, R., and Thong, K.L. Complete sequence and
comparative analysis of a multidrug-resistance and virulence multireplicon IncFIIA plasmid
from Escherichia coli EC302/04 isolated from a patient with extraintestinal infection.
Frontiers in Microbiology, 6, 1547.
Ho, W. S., Tan, L. K., Ooi, P. T., Yeo, C. C., & Thong, K. L. (2013). Prevalence and
characterization of verotoxigenic-Escherichia coli isolates from pigs in Malaysia. BMC
Veterinary Research, 9, 109.
Ghaderpour, A., Ho, W. S., Chew, L.L., Bong, C. W., Chong, V. C., Thong, K.L., & Chai, L.
C.(2015). Diverse and abundant multi-drug resistant E. coli in Matang mangrove estuaries,
Malaysia. Frontiers in Microbiology, 6, 977.
Yap, K.P., Ho, W.S., Gan, H.M., Chai L.C., and Thong, K.L. (2016). Global MLST of Salmonella
Typhi Revisited in Post-Genomic Era: Genetic conservation, Population Structure and
Concordance with Whole Genome Phylogeny. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7, 270.
Ho, W.S., Yap, K.P., Yeo, C.C., Ganeswrie, R., and Thong, K.L. High resolution phylogenomic
analysis coupled with extensive virulence profiling: a useful approach for identifying
Escherichia coli with underlying threat to cause extraintestinal infections. (In preparation, to
be submitted to Clinical Infectious Diseases)
Ho, W.S., Yeo, C.C., Ganeswrie, R., Yusof, M.Y.M, and Thong, K.L. Emergence and
characterization of Escherichia coli clone O25-ST131 in Malaysia. (In preparation, to be
submitted to Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy)

6. LIST OF PRESENTATION
Ho, W.S., Thong, K.L. (2010, October). Prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases,
class 1 and 2 integrons in Escherichia coli isolated from pediatrics' stool samples in Malaysia.
Paper presented at My1Bio Conference 2010, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ho, W.S., Yeo, C.C. and Thong, K.L. (2011, December). Genetic characterization of integrons
in Malaysian E. coli strains. Paper presented at International Congress of Malaysian Society
for Microbiology (ICMSM) 2011, Penang, Malaysia.
Ho, W.S., Yeo, C.C. and Thong, K.L. (2012, July). Characterization of Malaysian extended-
spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. Paper presented at National
POstgraduate Seminar (NPS) 2012, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ho, W.S., Thong, K.L., Yeo, C.C. (2012, June). Multilocus sequence typing of clinical ESBL-
producing E. coli strains. Paper presented at 15th International Congress of Infectious
Diseases (ICID), Bangkok, Thailand.
Ho, W.S., Yeo, C.C. Yusof, M.Y.M., and Thong, K.L. (2013, March). Association between
plasmid replicon types with cephalosporin resistance traits in Escherichia coli. Paper
presented at 9th International Symphosium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance (ISAAR)
2013, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ho, W.S., Tan, L.K., Ooi, P.T., Yeo, C.C. and Thong, K.L. (2013, June). Pathotyping of swine
Escherichia coli strains. Paper presented at 20th Malaysian Society for Molecular Biology
and Biotechnology (MSMBB) Scientific Meeting, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ho, W.S., Yeo, C.C. Yap, K.P., Thong, K.L. (2015, September). Clonally related Escherichia coli
strains from different isolation sites are differentiated by the presence of plasmid
pEC302/04. Paper presented at Malaysian Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
(MSMBB) 22nd Annual Scientific Meeting 2015, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
REFERENCE
Dr. Ooi Peck Toung
Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM,
Serdang.
Email: ooi@upm.edu.my
Tel: +6038609 3916
Dr. Cindy Teh Shuan Ju
Department of Medical
Microbiology,
Faculty of Medicine,
University of Malaya,
50603 Kuala Lumpur.
Email: cindysjteh@um.edu.my
Tel: +60125151989
Prof. Dr. Yeo Chew Chieng
Biomedical Research Centre,
Faculty of Medicine,
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin.
Email: chewchieng@gmail.com
Tel: +60123988260