Hian Chuan Kai (left) and Tan Chern Meng from Perdana University – the collaborative partner for the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – enjoying the facilities in UCSI laboratory.

Students from Perdana University chose to pursue their internship in biotechnology at UCSI due to the academic expertise and facilities.

KUALA LUMPUR: Biotechnology, one of the fastest growing science-based industries in the world, is widely regarded as the new engine of growth for the global economy. UCSI University’s (UCSI) standing as the pioneer in Malaysian private higher biotechnology education was once again proven when the University was selected for external students Hian Chuan Kai and Tan Chern Meng to undergo their internship programme. 

Hailing from Perdana University (Perdana), the royal collaborative partner for the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, both Hian and Tan are medical students. They have been chosen to represent their university in the inaugural internship research collaboration between Perdana and UCSI. 

To Tan, the internship opportunity was a privilege. 

“We were able to expand our horizons through many hands-on experiments using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment available in the campus,” he said. 

He added that their experienced supervisor, Asst Prof Yap Wai Sum, further enhanced their experience in UCSI. 

Asst Prof Yap has published several research papers on matters related to plant biotechnology and actively participates in seminars such as the Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar. 

“Her friendly manner makes her approachable and she is constantly helpful when we are conducting our lab work,” Tan said with a smile. 

This emphasis on innovation and research when it comes to biotechnology is something that UCSI’s Faculty of Applied Sciences (FoAS) is well known for. 

UCSI is one of the first private institutions of higher learning to offer a home-grown BSc (Hons) Biotechnology. The University prides itself with having state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment as well as award-winning academicians. 

Designed with input from leading names in the biotechnology field, the three year programme helps to bridge the gap between industry and academia. The course content is aimed at providing students with a good foundation of knowledge and hands-on practical experience in the different fields of biotechnology for their future careers. 

UCSI’s experience and advantage in biotechnology is clear from the accolades that its students consistently win. 

Khong Mei Li was one of them. Currently pursuing her PhD on toxin research at Hong Kong University, the top Biotechnology student received the ‘Best Oral Presenter’ award at the 23rd Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar and is a two-time UCSI University Presidential Award winner.