Dr TSANG Wai Kei Paul

Associate Dean

TEACHING AREAS

Creativity & Innovation in Society
Technology, Society & Work
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Journey to the Exotic World of Microorganisms
Science Fundamentals for Catering
Habits of Scientific Thinking

QUALIFICATIONS

1995	BSc in Biochemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
1999	PhD, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

EMPLOYMENT

2017 - now	Associate Professor, School of General Education and Languages, Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong
2014 - 2017	Assistant Professor, School of General Education and Languages, Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong
2009 - 2014	Research Assistant Professor, Oral BioSciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
2004 - 2009	Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
2004 - 2004	Chief Scientist, GeneHarbor (Hong Kong) Biotechnologies Limited
2002 - 2004	Scientific Officer, Department of Biochemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
2000 - 2002	Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biochemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

HONORARY APPOINTMENT

2011 - 2017

Honorary Assistant Professor, Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong

AWARDS

Researcher Award 2020/21, Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong
Research Output Prize 2012/2013, The University of Hong Kong
Prize, The 6th “Challenge Cup” Contest in Academic and Technological Achievements of China’s College Students 1999, Chongqing, China
Dean’s List 1994, Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Development of Resources for Teaching and Learning Science
Problem-based/Outcome-based Learning Pedagogy
Biology and Genetics of Pathogenic Microorganisms
Oral Health and Diseases
Protein Engineering and Structural Studies of Industrial Enzymes

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

Member, International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM)
Member, International Association for Dental Research (IADR)

TEACHING DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

2008 -2010

Disciplinary Co-ordinator. Title: The development of student-oriented teaching and learning resources in science and a science enrichment program for secondary 3-4 students.

Quality Education Fund, HKSAR(HK$3,500,000)

2006 -2008

Disciplinary Co-ordinator. Title: A science enrichment program for secondary 3-4 students

Quality Education Fund, HKSAR(HK$2,000,000)

2005 -2008

Co-supervisor. Title: Engaging science students in the design and enactment of assessment

Teaching Development Grant, The Chinese University of Hong Kong(HK$200,000)

EXTERNAL RESEARCH GRANTS

2022-2023	Principal Investigator. Title: A Novel Approach to Developing a Virtual Garment Fitting Prediction Model Using Artificial Neural Network Faculty Development Scheme, University Grants Council, HKSAR (HK$805,749)
2021-2023	Team Leader. Title: Establishment of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Food By-products Utilization (CIFU) Institutional Development Scheme Research Infrastructure Grant, University Grants Council, HKSAR(HK$5,037,167)
2021-2022	Principal Investigator. Title: Investigating the functional role of aryl alcohol dehydrogenase in Candida dubliniensis biofilm matrix synthesis via a proteomic approach Faculty Development Scheme, University Grants Council, HKSAR(HK$805,749)
2017 -2018	Principal Investigator. Title: Made-to-order: engineering and optimization of “tunable” yeasts for phytate hydrolysis Faculty Development Scheme, University Grants Council, HKSAR(HK$754,500)
2016 -2017	Principal Investigator. Title: Working hand-in-hand: building engineered yeasts for semi-synthetic cephalosporins Faculty Development Scheme, University Grants Council, HKSAR(HK$725,648)
2015 -2017	Principal Investigator. Title: A sticky problem: functional analysis of three alcohol dehydrogenases involved in biofilm matrix production in the emerging human fungal pathogen Candida dubliniensis Health and Medical Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR(HK$823,440)
2013 -2015	Principal Investigator. Title: Perturbation of pH homeostasis: a comparative study on the inhibitory effect of purpurin on membrane-bound ATPases in Candida albicans Health and Medical Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR(HK$743,520)
2013 -2014	Co-Investigator. Title: Anti-infective therapy of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on contaminated zirconia implant surfaces Health and Medical Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR(HK$78,000)
2012 -2014	Principal Investigator. Title: Investigation of the functional significance of phytase activity in Candida albicans: gene disruption, pH regulation, and virulence study Health and Medical Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR(HK$704,448)
2011 -2012	Principal Investigator. Title: From vital to lethal: functional analysis of apoptosis-inducing factor in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans Research Fund for the Control of Infectious Diseases, Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR(HK$80,000)
2009 -2010	Principal Investigator. Title: Generation of focused libraries by combinatorial biocatalysis with anti-Candidal activity: synthesis and in vitro study Research Fund for the Control of Infectious Diseases, Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR(HK$704,448)
2009 -2011	Co-Investigator. Title: Investigating the involvement of PI3K/PDK-1/Akt pathways and Notch signals in SARS-CoV membrane-induced apoptosis Research Fund for the Control of Infectious Diseases, Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR(HK$741,448)
2008 -2010	Principal Investigator. Title: Characterization of highly active, thermostable mutants of Trigonopsis variabilis D-amino acid oxidase for antibiotics production: kinetic measurements, structural studies and beyond General Research Fund, Research Fund Council, HKSAR(HK$799,000)
2001 -2003	Co-Investigator. Title: Efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly production of key intermediates of major antibiotics Innovation and Technology Fund, Innovation and Technology Council, HKSAR(HK$2,463,480)

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Selected Journal Articles (2009 onwards)

Yang, H.P., Tsang P.C.S., Pow, E.H.N., Lam, O.L.T. and Tsang, W.K. (2021) Candida albicans secreted aspartic protease 7 is essential for damage of human oral epithelial cells. Journal of Bacteriology and Mycology, 8:1182.
Xie, Z., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2020) Engineering and optimization of phosphate-responsive phytase expression in Pichia pastoris yeast for phytate hydrolysis. Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 137: 109533.
Yang, H.P., Tsang, P.C.S., Pow, E.H.N., Lam, O.L.T. and Tsang, W.K. (2020) Potential role of Candida albicans secreted aspartic protease 9 in serum induced-hyphal formation and interaction with oral epithelial cells. Microbial Pathogenesis, 139: 103896.
Lam O.L.T. and Tsang, W.K. (2018) Antifungal activity of commercial mouthrinses against Candida albicans. Dentistry Open Journal, 5:11-18.
Tsang, W.K., Fong, W.P. and Samaranayake, L.P. (2017) Candida albicans orf19.3727 encodes phytase activity and is essential for human tissue damage. PLoS ONE, 12:e0189219.
Lam, O.L.T. and Tsang, W.K. (2015) Special edition on oral infections and microbiology. Dentistry Open Journal, SE(2): Se1-Se4.
Tsang, W.K., Chau, D.K.Y. and Yang, H.P. (2015) Baicalein exhibits inhibitory effect on energy-dependent efflux pump activity in non-albicans Candida fungi. Journal of Chemotherapy, 27: 61-62.
Tsang, W.K. and Lam, O.L.T. (2014) SEM image of Candida albicans biofilms on plastic coupons. Austin Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 1:1011.
Yang, H.P., Tsang, P.C.S. and Tsang, W.K. (2014) Melatonin inhibits biofilm formation in Candida parapsilosis. Journal de Mycologie Médicale, 24, 360-361.
Tsang, W.K., Wong, P.K.A., Jung, H.S. and Fong, W.P. (2014) Sub-MIC levels of purpurin inhibit membrane ATPase-mediated proton efflux activity in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Journal of Antibiotics (Tokyo), 67: 349-350
Tsang, W.K., Wong, P.K.A., Yang, H.P. and Li, N.F. (2013) Purpurin triggers caspase-independent apoptosis in Candida dubliniensis biofilms. PLoS ONE, 8: e86032.
Tsang, W.K., Bandara, H.M.H.N. and Fong, W.P. (2012) Purpurin suppresses Candida albicans biofilm formation and hyphal development. PLoS ONE, 7: e50866.
Tsang, W.K. (2011) Differential phytate utilization in Candida species. Mycopathologia, 172: 473-479.
Wong, K.S., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2011) Entrapment of a Trigonopsis variabilis D-amino acid oxidase variant F54Y for oxidative deamination of cephalosporin C. Engineering in Life Sciences, 11: 491-495.
Kang, K., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2011) Metergoline-induced cell death in Candida krusei. Fungal Biology, 115: 302-309.
Tsang, W.K., Wong, K.S. and Chu, K.M.J. (2010) Isolation and characterization of Candida kefyr orotidine-5’-phosphate decarboxylase (URA3) gene. Yeast, 27: 53-58.
Kang, K., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2010) Antifungal activity of baicalein against Candida krusei does not involve apoptosis. Mycopathologia, 170: 391-396.
Kang, K., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2010) Novel antifungal activity of purpurin against Candida species in vitro. Medical Mycology, 48: 904-911.
Kang, K., Wong, K.S., Seneviratne, C.J., Samaranayake, L.P., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2010) In vitro synergistic effects of metergoline and antifungal agents against Candida krusei. Mycoses, 53: 495-499.
Wong, K.S., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2010) A single Phe54Tyr substitution improves the catalytic activity and thermostability of Trigonopsis variabilis D-amino acid oxidase. New Biotechnology, 27: 78-84.
So, C.W., Tsang, W.K., Lo, P.C., Seneviratne, C.J., Samaranayake, L.P. and Fong, W.P. (2010) Photodynamic inactivation of Candida albicans by BAM-SiPc. Mycoses, 53: 215-220.
Wong, K.S. and Tsang, W.K. (2009) In vitro antifungal activity of the aqueous extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi root against Candida albicans. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 34: 284-285.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Tsang, W.K., Chan, A.P., Lo, K.Y. and Dik, N.Y. (2023) “A Novel Approach to Developing Virtual Garment Fitting Prediction Model Using Artificial Neural Network”. In The 14^th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE 2023), California, USA.
Yiu, J.W.K., Tsang, E.Y.M. and Tsang, W.K. (2021) “Positive and Values Education through General Education Curriculum: Personal, Social and Global Perspectives”. In International Conference on Learning and Teaching 2021 (ICLT2021), The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. (Oral Presentation)
Ng, V.S., Law A.H.Y., Tsang, E.Y.M. and Tsang, W.K. (2021) “The Application of Gamification on General Education Curriculum: MonsoonSIM as a Case Study”. In International Conference on Learning and Teaching 2021 (ICLT2021), The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. (Oral Presentation)
Tsang, W.K. (2020) “Overexpression of Ifd6p increased farnesol level in Candida dubliniensis biofilms”. In The 34^th Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Association for Dental Research, Southeast Asian Division, Bangkok, Thailand.
Tsang, W.K. (2019) “A Green Journey to the Making of Magic Bullets”. In International Conference on Applied Education, Technology and Innovation (THEi AETI 2019), Hong Kong. (Oral Presentation)
Tsang, W.K., Fong, W.P. and Samaranayake, L.P. (2018) “Overexpression of Ifd6p, an aryl alcohol dehydrogenase, reduced biofilm matrix biomass and increased susceptibility to stressors in Candida dubliniensis biofilms”. In The 66^th Annual Meeting of Japanese Association of Dental Research, Hokkaido, Japan.
Tsang, W.K. and Fong, W.P. (2018) “Working hand-in-hand: building engineered yeast for semi-synthetic cephalosporins”. In THEi 2018 Research Symposium, Hong Kong.
Tsang, W.K., Fong, W.P. and Samaranayake, L. P. (2018) “Characterisation of Candida albicans orf19.3727 in fungal physiology and pathobiology”. In THEi 2018 Research Symposium, Hong Kong.
Xie, Z.M., Yeung, C.H.T., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2018) “High Level Expression of Secretory Phytases in Pichia pastoris”. In 9^th International Congress on Biocatalysis (biocat2018), Hamburg, Germany.
Tsang, W.K. and Yiu, J.W.K. (2018) “Support Services for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in General Education Curriculum”. In Federation for Self-financing Tertiary Education (FSTE) Conference 2018: Striving for Quality Education, Hong Kong. (Oral Presentation)
Tsang, W.K. (2017) “Inclusion of Experiential Learning Activity for Teaching and Learning of Scientific Thinking”. In Federation for Self-financing Tertiary Education (FSTE) Conference 2017: Innovative Learning and Teaching, Hong Kong. (Oral Presentation)
Tsang, W.K., Lam, O.L.T., Fong, W.P. and Samaranayake, L.P. (2017) “Purpurin, an anthraquinone in madder root, interferes with pH homeostasis in Candida albicans via specific inhibition of plasma membrane ATPase Pma1p”. In The 65^th Annual Meeting of Japanese Association of Dental Research, Tokyo, Japan.
Chan, R.S., McGrath, C., Tsang, W.K. and Lam, O.L.T. (2017) “Effectiveness of an ultrasonic denture hygiene intervention program among community-dwelling elders”. In The 65^th Annual Meeting of Japanese Association of Dental Research, Tokyo, Japan.
Tsang, W.K., Chow, W., Yeung, C., Yip, W., Fong, W.P., Lam, O.L.T. and Samaranayake, L.P. (2017) “Overexpression of Cd36_03760 in Candida dubliniensis abrogates development of biofilms.” In The 31st Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Association for Dental Research, Southeast Asian Division, Taipei, Taiwan.
Tsang, W.K., Fong, W.P. and Samaranayake, L.P. (2017) “Investigation of the functional significance of phytase activity in human fungal pathogen Candida albicans”. In Health Research Symposium 2017: Creating Knowledge in Complex System for Sustainable Community Health, Food and Health Bureau, Hong Kong.
Lam, O.L.T. and Tsang, W.K. (2017) “Survival of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on toothbrushes stored under protective covers and sanitizers”. In The 95th General Session & Exhibition of the International Association of Dental Research, San Francisco, California, The United States of America.
Tsang, W.K. and Lam, O.L.T. (2016) “Solasodine inhibits Candida albicans adhesion at sub-MIC level”. In The 94^th General Session & Exhibition of the International Association of Dental Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Lam, O.L.T., Cheung, B.P.K. and Tsang, W.K. (2016) “Anti-biofilm activity of commercial toothpastes against Staphylococcus aureus.” In The 94^th General Session & Exhibition of the International Association of Dental Research, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Tsang, W.K., Fong, W.P. and Samaranayake, L.P. (2015) “Deletion of Candida albicans PHO112 reduces phytase activity, hyphal development, and attenuates virulence.” In The 63^rd Annual Meeting of Japanese Association of Dental Research, Fukuoka, Japan.
Wong, K.S, Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2015) “Effects of an extra Trp113Tyr substitution on yeast D-amino acid oxidase variant.” In Practical Social and Industrial Symposium 2015, Vocational Training Council, Hong Kong.
Yang, H.P., Tsang, P.C.S., Pow, E.H.N., Lam, O.L.T. and Tsang, W.K. (2015) “Candida albicans SAP9: a gene which novel function in hyphal development in Candida albicans.” In The 29^th Annual Scientific Meeting International Association for Dental Research, Bali, Indonesia.
Ng, Y.C., Lai, C.F., Cheung, B.P.K., McGrath, C., Tsang, W.K. and Lam, O.L.T. (2015) “Mouthrinse effectiveness against Candida glabrata.” In The 29^th Annual Scientific Meeting International Association for Dental Research, Bali, Indonesia.
Tsang, W.K., Chau, D.K.Y. and Yang, H.P. (2015) “Anisomycin halts Candida albicans morphogenesis.” In The 19^th Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology, Melbourne, Australia.
Tsang, W.K. and Fong, W.P. (2014) “Functional characterization of Candida albicans apoptosis-inducing factor.” In Health Research Symposium 2014: Translating Health Research into Policy and Practice for Health of the Population, Food and Health Bureau, Hong Kong.
Yang, H.P., Tsang, P.C.S, Pow, E.H.N., Lam, O.L.T. and Tsang, W.K. (2014) “Reduced level of induced endocytosis in Candida albicans sap7 mutants.” In The 7th International Association for Dental Research/Pan European Regional Meeting, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Chau, D.K.Y., Li, N.F., Yang, H.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2014) “Inhibition of Candida albicans hyphal development by sub-lethal levels of solasodine.” In Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, Australia.
Lam, O.L.T., Chau, D.K.Y. and Tsang, W.K. (2014) “Growth media-dependent suppression of Candida albicans hyphal development by purpurin.” In The 92nd General Session & Exhibition, Annual Meeting of the International Association for Dental Research, Africa/Middle East Region, Cape Town, Africa.
Tsang, W.K., Wong, P.K.A., Lam, O.L.T., Tsang, P.C.S. and Li, N.F. (2013) “Purpurin inhibits biofilm development in non-albicans Candida fungi.” In The 2nd Meeting of the International Association for Dental Research, Asia Pacific Region, Bangkok, Thailand.
Yang, H.P., Tsang, P.C.S. and Tsang, W.K. (2013) “Melatonin interferes with the biofilm development in Candida parapsilosis.” In The 2nd Meeting of the International Association for Dental Research, Asia Pacific Region, Bangkok, Thailand.
Lam, O.L.T. and Tsang, W.K. (2013) “Antifungal activity of commercial mouthrinses against Candida albicans.” In The 2nd Meeting of the International Association for Dental Research, Asia Pacific Region, Bangkok, Thailand.
Tsang, W.K., Yang, H.P. and Tsang, P.C.S. (2012) “Purpurin specifically inhibits Candida albicans efflux pump Cdr2p.” In The 5th Congress of European Microbiologists (FEMS2013), Leipzig, Germany.
Tsang, W.K., Bandara, H.M.H.N., Samaranayake, L.P., Tsang, P.C.S. and Fong, W.P. (2012) “Purpurin-induced changes in the proteome of Candida albicans.” In The 26th International Association for Dental Research, South-East Asia Division Annual Scientific Meeting, Hong Kong.
Tsang, W.K. and Fong, W.P. (2012) “Effects of purpurin on proton-pumping ATPase and morphological transition in Candida albicans.” In The 18th Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology, Berlin, Germany.
Bandara, H.M.H.N., Samaranayake, L.P., Tsang, P.C.S. and Tsang, W.K. (2011) “Purpurin alters the biofilm architecture in Candida albicans.” In The 25th International Association for Dental Research, South-East Asia Division Annual Scientific Meeting, Singapore.
Tsang, P.C.S., Tsang, W.K. and Chan, A.K.Y. (2011) “Aspirin as an antifungal lock therapy agent.” In The 25th International Association for Dental Research, South-East Asia Division Annual Scientific Meeting, Singapore.
Tsang, W.K. and Kang, K. (2010) “Biacalein inhibits energy-dependent efflux pump activity in Candida species.” In The 24th International Association for Dental Research, South-East Asia Division Annual Scientific Meeting, Taiwan.
Tsang, W. K. (2010) “Antifungal activity of compound #205 and its acyl-derivatives against Candida species.” In Health Research Symposium 2010: “Improving Health and Recognising Excellence”, Food and Health Bureau, Hong Kong.
Kang, K., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2010) “Mechanistic studies on the metergoline-induced death in Candida krusei.” In The 2nd International Conference on Drug Discovery & Therapy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Wong, K.S., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2009) “Engineering substrate binding pocket of D-amino acid oxidase for industrial applications.” In Biotrans 2009 – The 9th International Symposium on Biocatalysis, Berne, Switzerland.
Kang, K., Samaranayake, L.P., Fong, W.P. and Tsang, W.K. (2009) “In vitro synergistic effects of metergoline and antifungal agents against Candida krusei.” In The 17th Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology, Shinjuku, Japan.

PATENTS

Wang, J., Tsang, W.K., Yap, H.K., Chen, J.M, Siu, Y.L.P. and Tsang, S.Y. (2010) Two-step enzyme method for preparing 7-aminocephalosporanic acid. US Patent 2010/112633 A1.
Wang, J., Yap, H.K., Tsang, W.K., Lui, Y.S.R., Siu, Y.L.P., Tsang, S.Y. and Yau, M.H. (2008) Recombinant D-amino acid oxidase. US Patent 2008/0009052 A1.
Wang, J., Tsang, W.K., Yap, H.K., Liu, Z.M., Siu, Y.L.P. and Tsang, S.Y. (2008) Escherichia coli expression vector and the uses thereof. European Patent Application EP1925670 A1.
Wang, J., Yap, H.K., Tsang, W.K., Lui, Y.S.R., Siu, Y.L.P., Tsang, S.Y. and Yau, M.H. (2007) The use of recombinant D-amino acid oxidase. WO 2007051355 A1.