The University of Dundee and the British High Commission supported this event that focused attention on the career opportunities in the Life Sciences.
Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band with Dr Kim Dale (UoD), Linda O' Neil (UoD) and Dr Phelim Yong (TU)
The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at Taylor’s University in partnership with the University of Dundee in Scotland hosted a "Science is GREAT: Life Sciences in Focus” event at the Lakeside campus. The event was supported by the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to help raise the visibility of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in schools. Datuk Dr. Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah, the Malaysian Deputy Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation opened the event.
He not only stressed the importance of STEM education in Malaysia, but as an alumnus of the University of Dundee spoke passionately about his experience studying in the UK. Dr Kim Dale, who is the Group Leader in Cell & Developmental Biology, within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, has visited Taylor’s University on many occasions and noted that, “we have established an excellent working relationship with Taylor’s University which we hope to develop further in regards to student exchange and research collaboration”.
Dr Phelim Yong Voon Chen, Head of the School of Biosciences at Taylor’s University added that, “last year we were pleased to host two science students from the University of Dundee who spent their summer holiday in the laboratories at Taylor’s University conducting some experiments”. The day’s event was kicked off with a rousing welcome of Scottish pipes and drums performed by the Shikh - Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band.
This was followed by a welcome from the Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr Paul Rennie OBE, and a presentation from Professor Daan van Aalten, from the University of Dundee who spoke about, "A new type of intellectual disability: sugars, CRISPrs and drugs". This was then followed by a distinguished panel, with participants from Malaysia and the UK, sharing their experience and knowledge on different STEM career paths. After the talks, the school students were engaged in a series of activities and experiments which included Edible water bottle & Elephant’s Toothpaste.
The students from the following schools in KL attended the event – Kolej Mara Banting, International School ParkCity, Nexus International School, Tenby International School, INTEC, KTJ (Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar) and Alice Smith School. The event was co-ordinated for Taylor’s University by Dr Adeline Chia, who said, "It is very encouraging to see that young people have such a positive view about science lessons and enthusiastic to build a science career. It is our responsibility to create a global science education and to continue to inspire the next generation of scientist and science teachers. - (Global Matters 2018)
