6 April 2015 – 29 May 2015 – An International Medical University (IMU) medical biotechnology student, Chan Hong Hao, had the opportunity to do his internship at the Faculty of Dentistry (FOD), National University of Singapore, under the supervision of Dr Toh Wei Seong. Describing his eight-week experience in Singapore, Hong Hao said, “On the first day of internship, I was invited to attend their group meeting where the other research interns presented their current research findings. I was then given my first task, which was performing immunohistochemical staining on tissue samples. After that, I was expected to work independently with minimum supervision.”
“During these two months of internship, it certainly help to deepen my knowledge on stem cells. Besides, I have had opportunities to work and communicate with other research interns and postgraduate students to further improve my knowledge, laboratory skills and also communication skills, which are vital as a future research scientist”
While in Singapore, Hong Hao frequently met up during lunch and dinner time with his course mates who were also doing their internship in Singapore to share their experiences. He also spent most of the weekends exploring the modern city-state and visiting tourist spots, such as Universal Studio Singapore, Orchard Road, Garden by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and Chinatown.
Hong Hao added, “In a nutshell, I appreciate this once in a life time opportunity to have my internship overseas, which enlightened and enriched my life experience and also allowed me to make friends from other countries, such as Singapore, China and Indonesia. Most importantly, I would like to thank my supervisor and lab members for giving me this opportunity to be involved in their research projects.”
“A million thanks to all lecturers, particularly the IMU Medical Biotechnology lecturers for training and embedding us with the knowledge and laboratory skills required for my internship. Last but not least, thanks to the IMU Student Mobility Programme for the sponsorship, which allowed me to have a chance to go abroad for my internship.”
