Mak completed his B.A.Hons in Linguistics and Sanskrit at McGill University (1996) and Ph.D. in Buddhist philology and literature at Peking University (2010). Since 2007, he conducted research at Hamburg University, Kyoto University and Kyoto Sangyo University in subjects including Prajñāpāramitā literature, Sanskrit manuscripts and Indian astral science (jyotiṣa). Among his publications include a new critical edition of portions of the Yavanajātaka. He previously Associate Professor at the Institute for Research in Humanities / Hakubi Center, Kyoto University, and is now Principal Researcher, Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum, Research Fellow, Needham Research Institute, and Bye Fellow, Robinson College, Cambridge University.