Attentive: Undergraduates from various institutions paying rapt attention to one of the presentations

Members of the public listening to a student’s poster presentation

Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat presenting his keynote address

Kuala Lumpur, 27 March 2010 - UCSI University was the host of the 21st Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar this year. Themed New Generation Scientists for a High-Impact Knowledge Economy, the event was jointly-organised by UCSI University’s Faculty of Applied Sciences and the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. The Seminar saw the participation of 8 private and public universities and university colleges, comprising more than 500 students.

The Intervarsity Biochemistry Seminar plays a vital role in getting universities, interested members of the public and young minds to have a deeper understanding of biochemistry. The Seminar also aims to encourage learning from new findings, and for gaining new insights. Participants were able to exchange information and share knowledge while building a strong network with fellow researchers, students and lecturers in Malaysia.

According to Professor Dr. Shiela Nathan, President of the Malaysian Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, the Seminar is the best venue for the country’s best minds in the field to showcase advancements in biochemistry and molecular biology based on research conducted at the undergraduate level. “This includes students from both public and private varsities in Malaysia. The Seminar also plays a pivotal role in enhancing the nation’s prosperity and well-being, as it promotes a new breed of scientists from our local institutions of higher learning.” Prof. Dr. Shiela Nathan also added that this year’s theme of New Generation Scientists for a High-Impact Knowledge Economy reflects the society’s role in endorsing the importance of fundamental science and its contributions towards a greater understanding of the biochemistry and molecular biology field.

The Seminar featured 15 student presentations from various varsities, and also a keynote address by Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat. Datuk Seri Lim is the Publisher and Editor of Folia Malaysiana. The former chairman for the Malaysian Forestry Research and Development Board (FRIM), he is currently monitoring the survival of indigenous wild plants, covering Sumatra, Borneo and Thailand. At the Seminar, Datuk Seri Lim presented his views and findings on the current state of botanical research in Malaysia. He also spoke of bringing greater awareness towards the preservation of native flora and fauna.

The Seminar was officiated by UCSI Group President, Dato’ Peter T. S. Ng, who also gave a short speech.