Professor Cheong is the Deputy Chief Scientific Officer at Cancer Research Malaysia. Her research aims to improve the management and survival of cancer patients through the molecular understanding of cancer development that has led to the development of novel treatment approaches for head and neck cancers.  These include the development of immunotherapy based on cancer antigens and the identification of novel targets for head and neck cancer using CRISPR-Cas9 functional screens. Professor Cheong has received grants from national and international funding bodies including the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund, Newton Fund Impact Scheme, Global Challenges Research Fund and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation SMART Fund, amongst others. In recognition of her research contributions, she has received several national and international scientific awards, including the L’Oreal For Women in Science Award and President’s Award by the International Association of Oral Maxillofacial Pathologist (IAOP). Professor Cheong was one of the inaugural co-chairs of TWAS Young Affiliate Network (TYAN).