By Nur Merlisa Natasya, Internship Programme student from Kolej Vokasional Pertanian Chenor (KVPCH).

Stepping into a molecular laboratory at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) was a new and meaningful experience for me as a Diploma in Biotechnology student from Kolej Vokasional Pertanian Chenor (KVPCH). As the only student from my institution participating in the training, I was excited to learn but also challenged to become more independent. The programme was not merely a technical workshop but a learning journey that connected theory with practice and built my confidence to work independently.

During the training, I had the opportunity to carry out DNA extraction, perform PCR, and conduct agarose gel electrophoresis. At first, I only observed, but later I was given the chance to perform each step myself, from preparing the agarose solution to visualizing DNA bands under the UV transilluminator. This experience taught me that every procedure requires precision, patience, and attention to detail.

In addition to technical skills, I also learned about laboratory safety aspects such as chemical and clinical waste management, the use of autoclaves, and the importance of aseptic techniques in maintaining a clean and controlled laboratory environment. All of this increased my awareness of responsibilities in biosafety and reinforced the importance of discipline in conducting molecular research.

The training also helped me understand how these techniques can be applied to current challenges in Malaysia’s aquaculture industry. Through the pathogen detection manual, I learned about the importance of aseptic sampling, selective culture, and multiplex PCR in identifying foodborne pathogens such as Vibrio, Salmonella, E. coli, and Klebsiella. This gave me a broader perspective on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and how inappropriate or excessive antibiotic use can contribute to the development and spread of drug-resistant bacteria, posing challenges to food safety and public health.

As the sole participant from my institution, the experience challenged me to become more independent, learn from each step, and develop confidence in performing laboratory techniques. This training gave me a strong foundation for future learning in aquaculture pathogen detection using multiplex PCR and strengthened my interest in molecular diagnostics and food safety.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Norfarrah Mohamed Alipiah for her guidance and encouragement throughout the training. Her patience in explaining the procedures and allowing me to perform the techniques independently greatly contributed to my learning and confidence in the laboratory. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Aquatic Animal Health and Therapeutics Laboratory (AquaHealth) for providing me with the opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory experience and exposure to molecular techniques in an aquaculture research environment.

Tarikh Input: 03/09/2026 | Kemaskini: 03/09/2026 | azah