29 October 2024 - The Biotechnology Translation Programme for Material Analysis with Vocational College Lecturers was successfully held from 21 to 24 October 2024 at the Institute of Bioscience (IBS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This inaugural programme was organised through the collaboration of three entities within IBS: the Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory (NaturMeds), the UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory (CANRES), and the Microscopy Unit (EM). 

The programme brought together seven lecturers from vocational colleges under the Biotechnology programme, including one from Lahad Datu Vocational College (Agriculture) in Sabah, three from Teluk Intan Vocational College (Agriculture) in Perak, and three from Chenor Vocational College (Agriculture) in Pahang. 

The event was officiated by Associate Professor Dr. Ina Salwany Md Yasin, Deputy Director of IBS. Following the opening ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Chia Suet Lin, Head of CANRES, introduced the participants to IBS and CANRES on the first day. On the second day, Associate Professor Dr. Siti Munirah Mohd Faudzi, Head of the NaturMeds, delivered an informative session about the laboratory and its facilities. This was followed by a detailed briefing on the third day about the Microscopy Unit (EM) by Mr. Rafiuz Zaman Haroun, Science Officer of the EM. On the final day, Madam Julia Abd Aziz guided participants through the tissue culture facilities.

Over the course of the four days, participants delved into both theoretical and practical aspects of using advanced biotechnological tools. They were trained in the use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for detecting porcine residues in food, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) for material identification, CHARM II for detecting agricultural chemical residues, as well as the Electron Microscopy for material imaging for herbal applications and commercialization. They also gained insights into Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS).

The programme concluded with a visit to Farm Fresh at UPM’s Ladang 16, where participants observed agricultural technology in an industry setting. Also present was Dr. Nor Asma Ab Razak, Director of this Biotechnology Translational Programme.

Date of Input: 21/11/2024 | Updated: 21/11/2024 | azah