7th International AEM Seminar deepens understanding of electron microscopy

It was another insightful session at the Biomedical Instrumentation Seminar Series (BISS) III 2025: 7th International Seminar on Advanced Electron Microscopy (AEM) and Hands-On Workshop on SEM (Model JSM-6701F): Sample Preparation, Imaging, and Analysis, held from 12 to 13 September 2025 at UTAR Kampar Campus and via Zoom.

Organising Chairperson Dr Annaletchumy Loganathan kick-started the workshop with an opening remark, citing, “Last year, we witnessed vibrant discussion and significant knowledge exchange, and we are glad to be organising this seminar again as a continuous effort to expand in scope and impact. The BiSS Seminar Series is indeed an important platform for fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and students, both locally and internationally. This year, we bring together five distinguished speakers from Malaysia and India, sharing expertise in advanced electron microscopy techniques, imaging innovations, and practical approaches to sample analysis. We are excited to facilitate discussions on cutting-edge developments, reflecting our shared commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening scientific collaboration across borders.”

Meanwhile at the webinar, Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research (CBNR) Chairperson Dr Eddy Cheah Seong Guan said in his opening remark, “Our primary aim is to broaden participants’ understanding of the fundamental principles and diverse applications of advanced electron microscopy techniques, equipping undergraduate and postgraduate students, academics, and researchers with both foundational knowledge and practical skills. We hope participants will be able to explore the operating principles of advanced electron microscopy, advanced imaging techniques, sample preparation methods, as well as the analysis and interpretation of electron microscopy images, with particular emphasis on scanning electron microscopy. By honing these skills, participants will be better equipped to select appropriate advanced electron microscopy and sample preparation techniques, correlate imaging findings with their research objectives, and communicate their results effectively in scientific writing.”

Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng highlighted the importance of hands-on learning, saying, “A highlight of this seminar is the hands-on workshop with the JSM-6701F Scanning Electron Microscope. This training opportunity embodies the very essence of experiential learning, enabling participants to gain practical mastery of advanced techniques — from meticulous sample preparation to precise data analysis. Beyond technical skills, such experiences cultivate new ways of thinking, offering participants the intellectual tools to interrogate nature at its most fundamental level. I am deeply proud that our faculty continues to provide a platform where knowledge is shared, collaboration is fostered, and young researchers are nurtured. It is my sincere hope that this seminar will inspire participants, strengthen academic and professional networks, and further advance the pursuit of scientific excellence.”

The first speaker, Mr Patchamuthu Ramasamy, a former laboratory manager, delivered a presentation titled Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis in the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) enlightened participants on his five-decade experience in electron microscopy. He highlighted his extensive work with Light Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis, sharing insights gained from decades of hands-on practice. He also spoke about his long-standing role in training and knowledge transfer, recalling the many workshops and technical presentations he has delivered across public and private universities, research institutions, and manufacturing industries. His talk underscored the significant impact these efforts have had in cultivating microscopy expertise and strengthening research and industrial capabilities in Malaysia.

With 15 years of experience as a laboratory manager in the Department of Laboratory Management, Safety and Administration (LMSA) of UTAR FSc, the second speaker, Mr Ooh Keng Fei detailed his pivotal role in spearheading safe, efficient, and highly organised laboratory operations. Titled SEM Parameters and Sample Mounting, he shared his deep technical proficiency gained through more than 12 years of hands-on work with a suite of advanced analytical instruments, including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). A key part of his presentation focused on knowledge sharing, underscoring his active involvement in delivering training sessions and workshops on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging and analysis. His talk emphasised how these efforts have significantly contributed to building technical skills and cultivating expertise among students and staff, thereby strengthening the institution’s overall research capabilities.

In her talk titled Principles of Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, Prof Dr P. Lalitha shared her over 20 years of pioneering research in nano-synthesis, material characterisation, and analytical chemistry into a masterclass on electron microscopy. As the Director of R&D & Coordinator of Bharat Ratna Prof. CNR Rao Research Centre, School of Physical Sciences and Computational Sciences at Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women (Deemed University), Coimbatore, India, she illuminated the core principles of these techniques by drawing on her vast hands-on experience. She also provided a unique perspective on how electron microscopy serves as a foundational tool for ground-breaking scientific discovery.

In his presentation titled Application of SEM and TEM in Biological Sciences, Prof Dr K. Govindaraju, from the Centre for Ocean Research, National Facility for Coastal and Marine Research at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India, showcased how these powerful imaging techniques are pivotal to modern biological research. Drawing from 16 years of interdisciplinary work in Nanotechnology, Climate Change, and Marine Biotechnology, he illustrated their critical role in his own ground-breaking studies. He further grounded his talk in practical experience, highlighting the successful completion of 14 funded research projects, thereby demonstrating the real-world impact of SEM and TEM in advancing biological sciences.

The final speaker, Assoc Prof Dr Sinouvassane Djearamane from the Department of Allied Health Sciences (DAHS), Faculty of Science, presented on Application of Electron Microscopy in Biomedical Science. He discussed how advanced imaging techniques are critical to progress in biomedicine, drawing on his 15 years of research experience in biochemistry and green nanobiotechnology, particularly in antimicrobial, anticancer, and wound-healing applications. His presentation highlighted the indispensable role of electron microscopy in driving discovery from the laboratory to potential clinical applications.

The collective presentations showcased the importance of electron microscopy as a cornerstone of modern scientific advancement. By bringing together top experts, the event also inspired participants, and highlighted the need for advanced technology to train future researchers, solve real-world problems, and build a brighter future for everyone. 

Biomedical Instrumentation Seminar Series (BISS) III 2025 was jointly organised by the Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research (CBNR), the Department of Allied Health Sciences (DAHS), the Department of Laboratory Management and Safety Administration (LMSA), UTAR Faculty of Science, UTAR; along with Hi-Tech Instruments Sdn Bhd Malaysia; INTI International University, Malaysia; Quest International University, Malaysia; Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; Voorhees College, Vellore, India; Sharda University, Greater Noida, India; Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences, Chennai, India; Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Puducherry, India; Sri Venkateshwaraa College of Paramedical Sciences, Puducherry, India; Dr Kalam College of Pharmacy, Thanjavur, India; PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, India; and Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), India.