Learn all about a career in biotech and medicine
PETALING JAYA: Keen to learn about the evolution of biotechnology in Malaysia and ready to quash your misconceptions about the field?
Head over to the Star Education Fair 2019 this weekend to find out more about the programme and other courses.
Manipal International University department of Biotechnology lecturer Pratheep Sandrasaigaran will highlight how biotechnology is evolving in the fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0), how biotechnology graduates can prepare themselves to face IR4.0, the misconceptions about the field and its career prospects on May 25.
His talk is titled “Biotechnology and the fourth industrial revolution is shaping the world of tomorrow”.
The Star Education Fair will take place on May 25 and 26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
“Biotechnology is a fast-evolving field which tackles problems such as a cure for cancer, personalised genomic medicine to treat illnesses, cleaning ocean and land pollution, increasing food productivity and safety.
“Development of products and processes via genetic manipulation of living things and the integration of technologies will improve various aspects of human life besides ensuring long-term sustainability of resources.
“Currently, there are shortages of homegrown talents and expertise,” Pratheep said.
Among the misconceptions Pratheep will address are the common thought that graduates must work in the laboratories and that it is hard to secure a job in the field due to limited career options.
“Biotechnology is an integration of advanced technology with biology that generally requires laboratory skills and practices.
“However, a Biotechnology graduate may choose not to work in the laboratories. Sales and marketing, product specialist, quality assurance, medical writer, manufacturing executives, health and safety officer and science journalist are among the jobs that either require minimal time spent in the laboratory or not at all,” he said.
Separately, Melaka Manipal Medical College consultant neurosurgeon, department of surgery head and chief clinical coordinator Prof M. Nachiappan will speak on careers in medicine, and the journey from undergraduate studies to post-graduate training, with the intention of becoming a specialist in their chosen field of practice.
Prof Nachiappan described medicine as a fulfilling and satisfying job where one is able to contribute positively to the promotion of health, bring comfort and relief to the ill.
“There is a false perception that there is a glut of doctors in the country.
“This perception is due to several months of waiting before appointment as house officers at entry level, due to limited positions for house officers in public hospitals in the country.
“However, there is an acute and chronic shortage of medical specialists in Malaysia and in almost all developing and developed countries.
“We need specialists in clinical medicine, in clinical support specialities, in preventive medicine, in medical education, and in both clinical and nonclinical research specialities,” he said.
Students interested to know about the implications of big data on pharmacy practice can catch AIMST University deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs) and faculty of pharmacy dean Prof Dr Mohd Baidi Bahari at his talk on May 25.
Students unsure of what to do next can meet experts on pre-university education and representatives from colleges and universities at the fair.
They will brief students and parents on a wide range of certificate, foundation, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well as professional qualifications.
The biggest exhibitors are Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Manipal International University and Management & Science University with 18, eight and six booths respectively.
The fair is also an avenue to seek out various scholarships, bursaries, fee waivers and discounts.
Students can also source for tips from the various education and career talks.
The Star Education Fair will take place at Halls 4 and 5 at KLCC from 11am to 6pm on May 25 and 26. Admission is free.
For details, call 03-7967 1388 (ext 1097/1505) from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm, e-mail edufair@thestar.com.my or visit thestar.com.my/edufair and facebook. com/stareducationfair.