Enlightening foreign forum

A MEDICAL Biotechnology final- year student, Foo Keat Hong presented his final year project outcomes at the 33rd Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research ( AWCBR).

This conference was supported by the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand and held from Aug 29 to Sept 2 at the Copthorne Resort Hotel, Queenstown, New Zealand.

“Scientific communication is important in both written and oral forms, especially when delivering the information professionally,” said Foo.

“Besides gaining the latest neurosciences- related information, I also learnt the way the researchers presented their research outcomes.

“This experience would be useful for me in the future as I plan to further my studies to Master and PhD levels.

“What impressed me the most was that the speakers were able to capture the audience’s attention and some even included neuroscience jokes in their talks.”

Foo further reflected that the plenary lecture on “Deciphering Brain Connectivity and Function with Rabies Virus and Light” by Professor Ed Callaway, from Salk University, the US, has particularly gained his attention.

This was because the study provided a new insight to neuroscience by using the recombinant rabies virus system to understand the connection within the brain region, decode the mechanism of brain function upon the defect of the connection.

The outcomes of this study would bring brain- related research to the next level through better understanding of underlying mechanisms in neurological diseases.

Foo was given the opportunity to present his poster titled “Neuroprotection role of Centella asiatica extract on hydrogen peroxide- induced SH- SY5Y cells” on Aug 31.

Feeling proud, he said, “I realised that most of the presenters were either postgraduate students or neuroscience researchers.

“As an undergraduate student, this was a great moment for me to communicate with them, to enquire about the findings of their research projects and most importantly, to enhance my research interest as well as to stimulate more research ideas on neuroscience.

“Some scientists have shown a deep interest in my research findings, too. I am glad to be able to share my research outcomes with them while learning from them as well as to establish possible collaborations in the future.”

At 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.

IMU is also the first Malaysian university that provides a complete and specialised undergraduate training in Medical Biotechnology. Graduates of these degrees can undertake postgraduate degrees in any related disciplines.

The Medical Biotechnology programme in IMU exposes students to industrial attachments locally or abroad, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable industrial experience and required skills to be immediately ready for employment.

This would also give them a distinct and added advantage in their career.

The commencement date for this programme is this month.

Those with pre- university qualifications and have an interest in Medical Biotechnology can apply online and join the university in their pursuit of a promising and rewarding career.

Those who just completed their SPM and are without a pre- university qualification, can 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 local degree programmes.

For details, refer to www. imu. edu. my, e- mail start@ imu. edu. my or call IMU at 03- 2731 7272.