Murder scenes and a hidden meth lab created quite a sensation at IMU University on 18 August 2025 as they became the centrepieces of an exciting workshop titled “Forensic Approaches in Crime Scene and Clandestine Drug Laboratory Investigation”, jointly organised by the Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, and the Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Sciences.
Designed to provide insight into key forensic principles, techniques, and interdisciplinary roles, the workshop attracted over forty participants, including students, postgraduate trainees, and professionals from biomedical science, pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry—both from Malaysia and abroad.
The day began with a warm welcome from Prof Sharifah Sulaiha Binti Syed Aznal, Dean of the School of Medicine.
Three distinguished experts in forensic science and narcotics investigation then shared their professional experiences, covering topics such as
- biological trace evidence collection,
- blood pattern analysis, and
- drug crime scene investigation.
Participants later put theory into practice, testing their forensic skills in three simulated crime scenes meticulously created by the organising team.
Participant feedback indicated that the workshop was not only educational but also highly engaging and enjoyable.
Organising Committee of the Workshop
School of Medicine
Dr Sameera Anuruddha Gunawardena
(Co-Chair)
A/Prof Sunil Pazhayanur Venkateswaran
School of Health Sciences
A/Prof Lim Chooi Ling (Co-Chair)
Dr Tan Boon Hooi
Dr Lim Wui Zhuan
The organising committee extends its sincere appreciation to IMU University leadership, the Deans of the Schools of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Departmental Heads, the IMU Centre for Lifelong Learning and the student assistants from the Biomedical Science programme for supporting and managing the execution of the workshop.
Much appreciation also goes to the moulage artists from the Clinical Simulations and Skills Centre, Jacintha Anita Aroksamy and Pirakavie A/P Moneymaran whose creativity truly brought the simulated crime scenes to life.
Discussions are already underway as to how IMU could transform such immersive experiences into formal educational programmes in forensic science and crime scene investigation.
Written by Dr Sameera Anuruddha Gunawardena
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