Once told that his rural upbringing and financial limitations would hold him back, the 44-year-old Diplomatic and Administrative (PTD) officer, currently posted at the housing and local government ministry, defied the odds.
Today, he stands as the only Malaysian to graduate in Atmospheric Science from the world-renowned institution.
“Most Malaysians can only dream of doing their degrees in Cambridge. I too had the dream but thought it was beyond me because of my estate background. However, it was my father who kept reminding me, and my siblings, that nothing is impossible.
“Motivated and with the encouragement of my family members and friends, I secured a government scholarship to pursue my PhD in Cambridge. My journey showed that with resilience and perseverance, anyone can succeed,” he told FMT after his graduation ceremony two weeks ago.
Jayaprakash said his distant dream would not have become reality if not for the Malaysian government scholarship and the recommendation of the Public Services Department.
His doctorate in Chemistry (Atmospheric Science) from the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, at the University focused on one of Malaysia’s most pressing environmental challenges – the transboundary haze crisis.
Jayaprakash’s research combined atmospheric modelling, satellite imaging of biomass fluxes, statistical analysis and big data analytics of air pollutants.
His research modelled how particles from biomass burning in Sumatra in Indonesia move across national borders, affecting air quality in Malaysian cities, particularly the Greater Kuala Lumpur region.
Upon Jayaprakash’s return to Malaysia, he was able to present the country’s first AI-based proof-of-concept tool for forecasting air pollution during transboundary haze to government agencies.
The project, his brainchild, integrates big-data analytics from multiple government departments, machine-learning expertise from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and data infrastructure from the department of environment. It represents a potential regional benchmark and positions Malaysia to lead Southeast Asia in AI-driven haze forecasting.
Guidance under world-class scientists
“Being at Cambridge was a dream come true,” Jayaprakash shared.
“It was more than an academic experience, it was a way of life that celebrated curiosity, respect, and intellectual diversity. The friendships I built there reflected not just brilliance, but compassion. It reminded me that science and humanity can thrive together.”
Jayaprakash said it would not be fair to attribute his success solely to his efforts as it was also made possible working under the guidance of three world-class scientists.
They were Professor Alex Archibald, an internationally recognised atmospheric scientist; Professor Chiara Giorio, a leading atmospheric chemist; and Jennifer Schooling, a distinguished researcher in smart-city innovation.
All three were full of praise for their student who they said had immense passion for the subject.
Archibald, who was his PhD supervisor, said Jayaprakash showed remarkable resilience, balancing demanding research with family life, including caring for a special-needs child, and supporting his father in Malaysia through illness.
“Despite these challenges, Jayaprakash remarkably completed his PhD within the time-frame, and his research has provided vital insights into regional air quality.
“His innovative use of satellite data has made a real contribution to understanding transboundary haze in Kuala Lumpur and Southeast Asia,” Archibald told FMT.
Giorio, his co-supervisor, said Jayaprakash demonstrated exceptional scientific rigour and creativity in addressing a pressing environmental issue in Malaysia, adding that his work not only advances atmospheric science but also informs practical policy solutions for cleaner air in the region.
His tutor Schooling said Jayaprakash had shown remarkable commitment to using science for societal benefit, particularly towards smart-city planning policies within Kuala Lumpur.
“Jaya’s dedication to both his family and his research has been truly inspiring, bringing up a young family while meeting the rigours of a PhD, and doing it all far from home, is a huge achievement,” Schooling said.
Jayaprakash said his dream has always been to use science for people, to turn research into real action for cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable Malaysia.
“I do hope to leverage my new skills in coding, modelling, and big data analysis to support the exciting growth of AI policies for the Malaysian government,” he said.
Jayaprakash, a Chevening scholar, also holds a Master’s in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.