Dr Saunthari Somasundaram is a physician by training, and cancer control advocate for more than twenty years, with extensive experience in national, regional and global roles. She currently serves as the President of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) and as Co-Chair of NCD Malaysia as well as a board member of the global NCD Alliance. 

Besides being one of the key figures in shaping the cancer landscape in Malaysia with her work in awareness, prevention, early detection and survivorship initiatives; Dr Saunthari’s career has included multiple roles including in various advisory capacities to the Ministry of Health, Malaysia and other government institutions. She is also active in the civil society sector, serving on the board of MyWATCH (Malaysian Women’s Action for Tobacco Control and Health), the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control and the City Cancer Challenge Executive Committee for Greater Petaling, Malaysia. In the international arena Dr Saunthari has served in numerous capacities including as a long-serving member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

In addition to her medical degree, Dr. Saunthari holds an MBA from the University of Bath, UK. For her services in cancer and NCD, Dr Saunthari was knighted and awarded The Most Illustrious Order of the Perak State Crown which carries the title Dato’.