IT was probably never his intention but he has gone viral.
A Universiti Malaya professor was recently honoured for his work in the field of quantum physics and his achievements alongside his frugal lifestyle and somewhat eccentric behaviour have lit up the internet.
Posting on X, finfluencer/digital creator Richard Ker (@richardker) highlighted Prof Dr Ooi Chong Heng’s remarkable academic career thus far. He also said that Prof Ooi had also earned the respect of many with his simple lifestyle.
Prof. Dr. Ooi Chong Heng isn’t just a genius in science.
He’s a legend at Universiti Malaya.
People admire his brilliance, simplicity and humility.
This is the story of a man who proves that true greatness comes with humility. 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/60KSsGK5xD
— Richard Ker (@richardker) February 15, 2025
Stating that Prof Ooi is a prominent academic, the poster aims to put it in layman terms his area of speciality which is quantum optics and non-linear optics. Simplistically, that means “how tiny bits of light (photons) behave in weird and surprising ways”
Outlining his academic career, Prof Ooi earned his physics degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 1997, culminating in a PhD from Konstanz University in Germany in 2003. The doctorate thesis was on the subject of quantum optics and laser cooling.
Prof Ooi’s mode of transportation – an old Honda C-70 motorbike – was used to highlight his frugal lifestyle. For an academician with over 160 publications, mostly in high-impact science journals, such no-frill approach to life has earned him deep respect among his peers and students.
The senior academic’s manner of wearing his helmet was also seen as proof of a person who marches to his own beat.
Further example of Prof Ooi’s cost-saving nous was shared to underline his commitment to leading a simple and humble lifestyle. This includes replacing a broken number plate with a laminated paper, though this is quite possibly illegal.
He is also known to haggle to ensure his meals at the Universiti Malaya canteen represent true value for money. Other cost saving measures adopted by Prof Ooi is turning off the motorcycle engine when going downhill, allowing momentum to do the necessary.
The poster then highlighted the most recent academic achievements of his subject by stating that Prof Ooi is now a member of Optica Fellows 2025, a consortium of top worldwide scientists.
It is was also pointed out that Prof Ooi actively promotes the love of science among the younger generation.
While his work may be vital in the key area of artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and other high-tech applications, Prof Ooi’s feet remain firmly rooted the ground.
Eccentric brilliance notwithstanding, it is indeed a proud moment to have a local academic to be held in such high esteem within the international scientific community.
Contrast this with the bad publicity that various local academics have brought upon their institutions of higher learning with their bending of facts to suit certain misguided agendas.
It visibly demonstrates that positive outcomes are possible at local universities if academics are left to conduct research and impart knowledge without having to play politics.
FocusM congratulates Prof Ooi on his achievements and may there be more apolitical academicians like him. – Feb 19, 2025
