Biotechnology professionals in demand
MALAYSIA has identified biotechnology as a key driver of economic growth. Its rich biodiversity, strong governmental support and commitment in research and development as well as sound financial system provide a solid base for further developments in the biotechnology sector.
Biotechnology is here to stay and flourish given the strong political will of the Government. In 2009, the industry contributed 2% to the gross domestic product and created more than 54,000 job opportunities.
It is estimated that by 2020, the biotechnology industry will contribute RM48bil to the gross national income, creating 170,000 new job opportunities and capturing investments of RM50bil.
Perak is set to develop a strong biotechnology presence in the northern states and make the state a hub for such activities, including training and education.
Realising the great demand and job openings in the near future for biotechnology graduates, Quest International University Perak ( QIUP)’ s Bachelor of Science ( Hons) in Biotechnology aims to produce quality graduates with the right skill sets.
Assoc Prof Dr Vilasini Pillai, director of the Center for Graduate Studies and Research and head of biotechnology, has more than 30 years of experience in agriculture biotechnology and science- and technology- related policies and regulations, having worked in the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute ( Mardi) in the area of genetic engineering of crops.
Her previous position was as coordinator at the Asia- Pacific Consortium on Agricultural Biotechnology ( APCoAB) under the Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions ( APAARI) based in Bangkok, Thailand.
Assoc Prof Vilasini obtained her PhD ( Doctor of Philosophy) from The University of Nottingham, the United Kingdom, in the area of plant genetic manipulation.
Besides research in plant biotechnology, she has served in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Malaysia, in the area of biosafety and in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, assisting in developing policies and guidelines relevant to the development of science, technology and innovation in Malaysia as well as setting up the secretariat for the National Science and Research Council.
Assoc Prof Vilasini is confident that the QIUP’s four- year Bachelor of Science ( Hons) in Biotechnology with specialisations in agriculture, healthcare and industrial biotechnology will produce skilled biotechnology graduates that the nation needs to develop a fullfledged innovation ecosystem that will further amplify our economic transformation drive.
The QIUP biotechnology programme is modelled after developed programmes overseas and ensures that QIUP’s graduates benefit from a six- month industrial training stint and another half year carrying out a hands- on research project, thus equipping them with the right technical and soft skills needed in today’s workforce.
“The curriculum provides comprehensive knowledge in both basic and applied sciences coupled with relevant hands- on- training during laboratory sessions,” says Assoc Prof Vilasini.
“The value- added benefits include intensive training in language, presentation and communication skills, a solid grounding in the safe and responsible usage of modern biotechnology equipment, and sufficient exposure to business practices, ensuring our graduates will be able to use their knowledge via innovative applications encapsulated within appropriate bio- entrepreneurship ventures.
“Throughout the programme, students will gradually become aware of how to grow their emotional quotient to acquire a good understanding of human relations while taking on socioeconomic responsibilities towards good citizenship,” she says.
To deliver such wholesome human capital, QIUP has engaged highly qualified and experienced local and foreign faculty staff with a good research background.
QIUP’s continuous commitment to providing such excellent resources and other state- of- the- art facilities will ensure quality in the programme outputs.
Twelve newly renovated laboratories are in place to support the programme.
Without a doubt, employers of QIUP’s biotechnology graduates can be confident of getting well- trained employees to satisfactorily help them move their organisation forward.
There are two centres and four faculties at QIUP – Centre for Foundation Studies, Center for Graduate Studies and Research, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Integrative Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences and Faculty of Pharmacy – offering programmes at foundation, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
QIUP’s interim campus is strategically located in Ipoh, away from the distractions of city life and providing a lower cost of living. For more information, call 1800 88 QIUP ( 7487), e- mail enquiries@ qiup. edu. my or visit www. qiup. edu. my.