Meet Dr Thein Swee Lay, the First Malaysian-Born Scientist to Win the 'Oscars of Science'

A Malaysian haematologist has made history by becoming the first Malaysian-born scientist to win one of the six 2026 Breakthrough Prizes.

Dr Thein Swee Lay was born in Kuala Lumpur as the seventh of nine siblings. In 1976, she graduated from the University of Malaya before pursuing further studies in medicine in the United Kingdom. She is currently the chief and senior investigator of the Sickle Cell Branch at the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Breakthrough Prize is often referred to as the "Oscars of Science". The award recognises some of the world's most significant achievements in science. Each prize comes with a cash award of US$3 million (RM12 million).

Image Credit: The Star

In an interview with FMT, Thein described her feelings of disbelief when she found out she had won the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.

"My immediate reaction was complete surprise and, if I'm honest, disbelief. That hasn't entirely gone away. Recognition of that magnitude is deeply humbling," she said.

Thein was recognised for discovering the B-cell lymphoma/leukaemia 11A (BCL11A) gene, which has been identified as a key regulator of fetal haemoglobin production.

According to a report, she shared the award with Dr Stuart H. Orkin, the David G. Nathan Distinguished Professor of Paediatrics at Harvard Medical School, who independently discovered the same gene. Orkin also demonstrated how the gene acts as a "switch" that controls the transition from fetal to adult haemoglobin.

Previously, Thein also received the 2024 Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine for the same discovery.

Thein credited her mother above all others

According to Thein, she had originally planned to study biochemistry but changed her mind after being persuaded by her brother-in-law, who told her that medicine would offer more opportunities.

If there is one person she credits the most for her success, it is her mother. Despite not completing her formal education, Thein described her as someone who deeply valued learning and was a hardworking woman who became the most important role model in her life.

Image Credit: NONA

"To be the first Malaysian to receive this recognition is not just a personal milestone — it belongs to everyone who believed in me, mentored me and to the country that shaped me."

"I hope it sends a message to young people in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia that their background does not define what they can achieve. Only their dedication and hunger to ask the next question do," she said.

Looking ahead, Thein hopes to work on new drugs, particularly treatments that can prevent or stop severe pain crises in patients with sickle cell disease.

Featured Image Credit: FMT, NONA