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Staff Profiles

Dr Cindy Lee Lee

Senior Research Associate

Background

Dr. Cindy Lee Ik Sing is a Senior Research Associate with a background in environmental engineering, occupational safety and health, and environmental public health research. She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering, a Master of Science in Safety, Health and Environment, and a Bachelor (Hons.) in Occupational Safety and Health. Her academic foundation reflects a sustained interest in the complex dynamics between environmental conditions, human systems, and well-being.


Her research works focus on environmental sustainability, water security, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), and climate- and flood-related health risks, particularly in communities experiencing environmental and social vulnerability across the region. She uses mixed-methods and systems-thinking approaches to understand how climate and environmental pressures influence individuals, communities, and broader societal systems.


Dr. Lee’s work is grounded in her interest in planetary health, community resilience, and equitable access to safe water and sanitation. She aims to translate complex environmental and public health issues into practical insights that support sustainable development, resilience planning, and improved well-being. She is also engaged in exploring sustainability education and experiential learning, focusing on how environmental participation may influence awareness, behaviour, and community-oriented action.


  • To know further about her research works, please visit her ORCID profile.
Research

RESEARCH LEADERSHIP (Project Leader)

Integrated Assessment of Water Quality, WASH Provision, and Governance (Climate Change Perspective)

  • Project Leader, Water Security & Sustainable Development Hub (Spin-off Projects)
  • Locations: Indonesia, Thailand

Water Security: WASH Status and Water Governance in Siem Reap River, Cambodia

  • Project Leader, NUMed Internal Research Grant (Apr–Dec 2023)

Water Quality Lab-in-a-Suitcase Training Workshop (UNIMAS, Sarawak)

  • Project Leader, Training & Capacity Building Programme (Jul 2024)


MAJOR RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS

Core Research Fellow, Malaysian Collaboratory

  • Water Security & Sustainable Development Hub, funded by Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) from UKRI
  • Feb 2019 – Sept 2024

Project Manager, Malaysian Collaboratory

  • Water Security & Sustainable Development Hub, funded by Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) from UKRI
  • Feb 2019 – Mar 2021


INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH ENGAGEMENTS & CONTRIBUTIONS

United Nations 2023 Water Conference, New York

  • Invited Speaker, “Systems Approach to Achieving Water Security in a Changing Climate” (Side Event)

Water Security Hub Assemblies & Workshops (Global)

  • UK: Water Security Hub Workshops & World Water Day Exhibition (2024)
  • India Assembly (2023) – Participant & Speaker
  • Pre-Assembly Webinar (2023) – Participant & Speaker
  • Colombia Assembly (2022) – Participant, Speaker & Facilitator
  • Online Assembly (2022) – Participant & Speaker
  • Malaysia Basin Workshop (2021) – Presenter
  • Ethiopia Assembly (2020) – Participant & Facilitator

Research Visit

  • Visiting Researcher, Newcastle University, UK (Feb–Apr 2023)


RESEARCH THEMES

  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Water Security & WASH
  • Climate- and Flood-Related Health Risks
  • Planetary Health
  • Community Resilience
  • Systems Thinking/Approach
  • Environmental Governance
Teaching

Dr. Cindy Lee contributes to teaching and training activities that support research development at NUMed. Her involvement includes assisting with lab-based practical sessions and providing informal guidance to students to strengthen their research ideas, approaches, and project planning.

Publications