We’re thrilled to announce the outstanding achievement of a final year student from the BM1/21 cohort at the 14th Malaysian Symposium of Biomedical Science (MySYMBIOS) 2024. The symposium, themed “Bridging Gap, Breaking Boundaries,” took place from 21 to 22 June 2024, hosted by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). It brought together final year biomedical students from various local and private universities across Malaysia to share their valuable insights from their final year projects, spanning natural products, non-communicable diseases, therapeutics and diagnostics, and related scientific fields.
Representing IMU University was Yong Qiao Ru, a final-year biomedical science student of the BM121 cohort, who clinched the first prize for her poster presentation in the Non-Communicable Diseases category. She showcased her knowledge and research findings from her final year project titled “Melatonin Regulates Pyroptosis by Targeting the caspase-1/caspase-4/caspase-5/GSDMD/HMGB1 Pathway in HepG2 Cells.”
Her research unveiled the potential of targeting the inflammatory cell death programme to combat liver cancer cells using the hormone produced by the pineal gland, offering a promising avenue for cancer treatment with minimal side effects compared to conventional therapies.
From a wider viewpoint, the student’s accomplishment at IMU underscores the university’s commitment to offering cutting-edge laboratory facilities and environments for addressing diverse healthcare issues. The Biomedical Science Programme at IMU not only imparts students with essential research skills but also cultivates their abilities in science communication, preparing them to contribute significantly as biomedical scientists in the healthcare field. The acknowledgment received by our student aligns with our mission of leveraging science and technology for the advancement of society.
The programme also provides many opportunities for the students to have laboratory and professional practices, supporting our goal of improving nation’s health and wellbeing. We always believe and trust our students can stand out in research and development, becoming valuable contributors to society with their professions and skills. Therefore, we commend and encourage our student to take advantage of opportunities to expand their horizons and explore potential paths beyond academia.
Qiao Ru conveyed her appreciation upon winning the first prize for Poster Presentation in the Non-Communicable Disease category, expressing, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition for my work. I am thankful for the support and guidance provided by my supervisors, A/Prof Dr Chye Soi Moi and Dr Koh Rhun Yian, which has made this achievement possible.”
Her enthusiasm was palpable in her remarks, reflecting the commitment poured into crafting an engaging presentation.
She added, “Presentation serves as a primary mode of teaching and learning at IMU, often involving oral presentations with PowerPoint slides. However, there’s limited opportunity for students to utilise scientific posters. Recently, I experienced an inaugural attempt at designing and presenting a scientific poster, showcasing my final year project findings. This process unveiled the challenge of condensing vast information into the poster’s limited space. During the presentation, I applied techniques acquired at IMU to effectively communicate the project’s outcomes.”
“Moreover, I gleaned insights from fellow presenters, observing diverse poster designs and presentation styles, which I intend to integrate into my future academic endeavours. I received constructive criticism from judges, recognizing the value of exploring adjacent scientific domains rather than solely focusing on trendy topics. This underscores the importance of fostering interdisciplinary exploration in university education.”
Qiao Ru’s dedication, perseverance, and extensive research efforts have culminated in this remarkable and unforgettable achievement. Special thanks to A/Prof Dr Chye and Dr Koh for their supervision, guidance, and invaluable support throughout the journey.
Once again, heartfelt congratulations to Qiao Ru, and best wishes for her future endeavours.
