By Ilyna Billy, an Internship Programme student from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan.

My time as an intern at Universiti Putra Malaysia Microbial Culture Collection Unit (UPM-MCC) was insightful and life-changing, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the real-world applications of microbiology. Operating within a Higher Centre of Excellence (HICoE) like the Institute of Bioscience (IBS) was a privilege, especially understanding UPM-MCC transformation into Malaysia’s first National Depositary Authority (NDA) on 2024.

Throughout the internship, I participated in a variety of lab activities that enhanced my technical expertise. These hands-on experiences were incredibly rewarding as they allowed me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world investigations. I moved from basic laboratory housekeeping to understanding complex preservation protocols, such as freezing and freeze-drying method. I learned the intricacies of freeze-drying, focusing on the principle of sublimation to preserve cell integrity in glass ampoules. Besides, I supported the UPM-MCC services, including assisting with Antimicrobial Properties of Compound using both well and disc diffusion method to measure of zone of inhibition. My technical scope expanded to include determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for identifying the ability of sample to inhibit or kill specific bacteria.

My laboratory work was mainly the pursuit of analytical precision through quantitative microbial assessment. I became proficient in performing Colony-Forming Unit (CFU) calculations to precisely quantify microbial populations. These calculations were vital for conducting viability tests, which were performed both before and after the preservation process. By executing serial dilution protocols, I was able to assess the condition and concentration of microbial strains, ensuring that the preservation methods maintained the necessary viability for future revival and research.

This internship was also an excellent opportunity to refine my soft skills, especially in communication and teamwork. Serving as a technical facilitator for training programs and an operational facilitator for visitors allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and manage logistics and technical support for others. Attending professional seminars and sharing sessions in IBS broadened my understanding.

Overall, the supportive environment at UPM-MCC made this experience truly enriching. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, Puan Musliyana, for her unwavering support. I am also deeply appreciative of the guidance and patience from Puan Umaira and Puan Ainaa, as well as the encouragement from Prof. Dr. Zunita and Prof. Dr. Ina Salwany. It has been an honour to contribute to UPM-MCC as it solidifies its impact as a national leader in microbial curation, and I eagerly anticipate seeing this "living vault" continue to thrive in the future.

Tarikh Input: 07/07/2026 | Kemaskini: 07/07/2026 | azah