Dr. Tay Ai Chen obtained her Bachelor of Science in Environment in 1999 and Master of Science in Environmental Chemistry in 2002 at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Doctor of Philosophy in Science specializing in Plant Ecophysiology in 2006 at Nara Women’s University, Japan. Her master research focussed on characterization of acid deposition by evaluating the physico-chemical properties of soils at Pasoh Forest Reserve and Sepang fire-peat swamp. Her Ph.D. research was on the ecophysiological role and function of vines related to the constriction effect on host plant, stomatal distribution and diurnal gas exchange.
She worked in Chemsain Konsultant Sdn Bhd conducting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) projects for 8 years, then shifted to academic career at Curtin University Malaysia for 10 years before joining Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak as a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science in July 2025. She is actively doing research including hornbill monitoring, vegetation growth, biodiversity protection, and teaching innovation. She has strong project collaboration with industries and government agencies, such as Eco-ideal Consulting Sdn Bhd, OCIM Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Energy Berhad, Sarawak Forestry, Department of Agriculture, and Natural Resources and Environment Board.