Overcoming problems through optimism and patience

In spite of that, she was able to overcome these problems due to her optimism and patience.

At the end of internship, Poi Yi was able to gain her supervisor’s trust to let her handle small projects individually as well as being able to capture high resolution images using confocal fluorescence microscope.

Siew Thong mentioned that she was fortunate to have the opportunity of handling a small project working on the construction of NS5 plasmid of ZIKV as well as its mutant strains.

Throughout the three-month internship, she was able to learn new lab skills such as molecular cloning, protein expression, western blot and immunofluorescence assay.

In addition, she has also mentioned that the most challenging task would be data analysis using new software.

Although she has faced challenges such as data presentation during lab meetings as well as slow adaption with the new lab’s environment, Siew Thong was able to overcome all of them – thanks to the guidance of her supervisor and lab members.

Both Poi Yi and Siew Thong agreed that the modules of MB programme have prepared them well for their internship, as the earlier semesters are mainly focused on the fundamental knowledge which helps before moving on to the application part.

Not only that, the packed MB schedule has also trained them to work better under stressful condition, despite having heavy workload and tight deadlines.

All in all, both Poi Yi and Siew Thong think that their experience in Academia Sinica, Taiwan have been wonderful and precious. This precious opportunity has allowed them to apply what they have learnt in IMU in the real life working environment.

The experience has allowed them to discover more of their abilities as well as helping them to gain confidence in stepping into their future path.

They were also grateful to their lecturers who prepared them well throughout the 3-year study in IMU.

At the IMU, the curriculum of its medical biotechnology degree is developed to meet international standards and is accepted by renowned international Partner Universities (University of Newcastle, Australia or University of Strathclyde, UK) for credit transfer into relevant programmes.

Students can also complete the entire degree at IMU. Graduates of these degrees can undertake postgraduate degrees in any related disciplines.

Commencement of this programme is in July and September. If you have pre-university qualifications and have an interest in Medical Biotechnology, apply online now and join the University in your pursuit of a promising and rewarding career.

If you have just completed your SPM and do not have pre-university qualification, consider enrolling in the one-year IMU Foundation in Science (FiS), the preferred foundation and direct route for entry into any of the University’s degree programmes.

For more information, please refer to www.imu.edu.my or email: start@imu. edu.my or call IMU at 03 – 2731 7272.