Symposium of Biomedical Science 2015

Over 140 participants converged at UTAR Perak Campus from 16 to 17 May 2015 for the 6^th Malaysian Symposium of Biomedical Science 2015 organised by the Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Science, UTAR.

Themed “Highlighting the future and diversity of Biomedical Science”, the annual affair was hosted by UTAR for the first time after being given the honour during the 5^th Malaysian Symposium of Biomedical Science in 2014.

Participating universities in this year’s symposium included the University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Management and Science University (MSU) and Asia Metropolitan University (AMU).

Present to welcome the participants was Organising Chairperson Angela Goh, a UTAR third year undergraduate, who is honoured to help organise this event. She said, “Ever since the first symposium, this annual event has been providing a platform for local Biomedical Science undergraduates to come together and share their research findings as well as their final year projects. This symposium highlights their work and provides more opportunities to exchange ideas and seek potential for further research collaborations. We hope that this will also encourage more students to pursue studies in the field of biomedical science.”

Head of Department of Biomedical Science, Dr Tan Gim Cheong, expressed his excitement to see the number of young talents who are so driven in their interest and pursuit for a career in Biomedical Science. He said, “We should continue to be proud and embrace the profession of Biomedical Science, be it as scientists or academics. Without us, there won’t be medication, vaccines and diagnostics. Therefore, we should re-evaluate and re-establish our roles, look into the needs of our country and subsequently, broaden the aspects of our roles.”

Invited to officiate the symposium was the Dean of Faculty of Science, Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, who extended his warm welcome to all. “The 6^th Malaysian Symposium of Biomedical Science 2015 is meaningful as it allows Biomedical Science students like you to come together and share knowledge. It is also through this that social connectivity is enhanced through face-to-face interaction. The faculty is proud to be part of this initiative to contribute towards progress in biomedical science. May this symposium bring out the best of everyone and I hope you will all continue to heighten the standards of health care,” he concluded.

Clockwise from top left: Goh, Dr Tan and Dr Lim

Besides the presentations of prolific speakers such as the UM Head of Research Business Unit, High Impact Research, Prof Dr Koh Chong Lek; Senior Lecturer of Department of Human Anatomy, UPM Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Cheah Pike See; and Chairperson of UTAR Centre for Biodiversity Research, Assoc Prof Dr Say Yee How; the two-day symposium also saw the participants actively engaging in discussions throughout including the presentations by fellow students.

AMU student Rohini Jayaraman expressed her delight to be at the symposium, “I’ve learnt a lot from this symposium and it’s a great opportunity for Biomedical Science students like me to interact with those from other universities. I’m really amazed by the different research topics presented.”

“One of the talks by the keynote speakers on ‘Molecular, morphological and behavioral characterisations of muscle weakness in mouse model of Down Syndrome’ really inspired me and I’m interested to go deeper into this research field,” added participant Kalshini Balachandran, also from AMU.

Symposium advisors Dr Phoon Lee Quen (in red blouse) and Yuen Hawk Leong presenting tokens of appreciation to keynote speakers (clockwise from top left) Dr Cheah, Dr Say and Prof Koh

Students actively discussing research topics during the oral and poster presentation sessions

The Symposium reached its end on 17 May 2015 with UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Assoc Prof Dr Teh Chee Seng gracing the closing ceremony. “I believe that through such a symposium, all of you are able to build friendships and network with one another. This is a good academic platform to share thoughts and knowledge. Research in Biomedical Science requires perseverance and dedication. Hopefully the 6^th Malaysian Symposium of Biomedical Science has inspired all of you in many ways,” said Dr Teh, who also congratulated the organising committee for successfully organising the symposium.

Dr Teh congratulating the organising committee

This was followed by the announcement of winners of the Oral Presentation and Poster Presentation. List of winners is as follows:

Poster Presentation winners:

-   Neuroscience and Immunology Category: Anis Ayuni Amin, USM
-   Community Health Category: Muhammad Yusof Bin Halimi, UKM
-   Toxicology and Pharmacology Category: Ong Ke Xin, UTAR
-   Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Category: Nor Zulaikha Binti Zulkipli, UKM
-   Infectious Disease Category: Lee Tz Jen, UTAR
-   Overall Best Poster Presenter: Lee Tz Jen, UTAR

Oral Presentation winners:

-   Neuroscience and Immunology Category: Syarina Nurrulfatin Bt Ab Rahman, USM
-   Community Health Category: Rebekah George, UTAR
-   Toxicology and Pharmacology Category: Siti Nur Farahana Bt Mohd Noor Azam, USM
-   Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Category: Faisal Malau Bin Ahmad, UKM
-   Infectious Disease Category: Lee Sze Li, UPM
-   Overall Best Oral Presenter:Syarina Nurrulfatin Bt Ab Rahman, USM

UPM was also announced as the host for the 7^th Malaysian Symposium of Biomedical Science 2016. This was followed by a handover ceremony with Goh officially handing over the scroll to UPM representative Nur Khalisah Bt Kaswan.

Goh (left) and Khalisah proudly displaying the scroll after the handover ceremony

The 6^th Malaysian Symposium of Biomedical Science 2015 was proudly sponsored by Glow Freight, Jananee Enterprise, MUDA, BV Vibrant, Domino’s Pizza, digi, hovid, Sweet Hug, Mohd Tamin Enterprise and Ginvera. The organising committee, on behalf of UTAR, thanks them for their support and contribution.

The Malaysian Symposium of Biomedical Science is an annual event which connects undergraduates of Biomedical Science throughout Malaysia. It is part of the advancement in education and is held to improve the essential skills of Biomedical Science graduates for their future career.

Guests, participants and organising committee giving their thumbs up

Participants exploring Perak Campus

Another group photo at the majestic Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik