The Medical Biotechnology Day 2025, an annual student-led flagship event, concluded with resounding success on 27 May 2025. Organised by the dedicated students of the Medical Biotechnology programme (MB123 and MB124 cohorts), this year’s edition, themed “CrimeLab – DNA Edition” which spotlighted the fields of forensics and bioinformatics, attracted over 160 participants from international schools across the Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur.
Gracing the opening ceremony was Prof Dr Ian Martin Symonds, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), who officiated the event with warm and insightful remarks.
Prof Ian applauded the students’ initiative and stressed the importance of such engagements in nurturing curiosity and raising awareness about the booming biotechnology industry in Malaysia.
He also remarked that Medical Biotechnology Day serves as an exciting platform that unites aspiring young minds and provides them with a clearer view of future career prospects within the field.
Event Chairperson Melanie Ng Mei Zhe then welcomed attendees with a passionate address, highlighting how biotechnology connects diverse disciplines, from forensics and bioinformatics to real-world applications, emphasising the importance of innovation, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility in this evolving domain.
The first session featured an electrifying talk by Dr Sameera A Gunawardena from the Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, IMU. In his interactive and gripping presentation, he guided the audience through the captivating realm of forensic science. Vivid imagery of crime scenes, forensic tools, and case studies kept participants on the edge of their seats, immersing them in the investigative world where science meets justice.
After the plenary, the hands-on excitement began as participants were divided into groups and ventured across various IMU zones to participate in a wide array of immersive activities and workshops.
At the atrium, a series of interactive booths allowed participants to explore biotechnology up close:
- Who’s Your Real Family?
- A fascinating introduction to DNA profiling and short tandem repeats.
- Microbes in Action
- A microscopic look at Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as the growth of microbes on agar plates.
- DNA Peel
- Extraction of DNA from strawberries and bananas, unlocking the code of life with their own hands.
- Blood Pattern Detective
- An activity where observation and deduction met biology in analysing blood splatter patterns.
Adding further value, Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSBMB) hosted a booth promoting student memberships, upcoming scientific seminars, and career networking opportunities — inspiring the next generation to be active contributors in Malaysia’s scientific landscape.
A crowd-favourite was the CSI Simulation Challenge, conducted in the PBL rooms. Each room presented a unique crime scene complete with manikins, murder weapons, fake blood splatters, and fingerprints. Participants became forensic investigators for a day, solving mysteries by applying critical thinking, observation skills, and scientific reasoning.
Meanwhile, Eppendorf Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd. hosted a workshop in the ICE Training Room, offering two skill-based challenges:
- Centrifuge Adventure
- Participants used real Eppendorf centrifuges to separate simulated blood samples, discovering how this tool plays a key role in forensic analysis.
- Precision Pipetting Challenge
- Students practiced pipetting to create colourful ombré gradients in 96-well plates, gaining appreciation for accuracy and consistency in laboratory work.
Another highlight came from the IMU Foundation in Science students (FIS 224 cohort), who presented a series of creative videos exploring how genetic tools can solve real-world problems. These weren’t your average presentations as they were filled with sketches, analogies, and dramatisations, they impressed the audience with both scientific depth and entertaining delivery.
The excitement crescendoed in the Bioinformatics Quiz, where participants battled in the computer lab to showcase their knowledge and practical skills. From DNA sequences and databases to real-world applications, students raced against the clock to prove their prowess. The room was filled with intense focus — everyone hoping to bring pride to their school.
The day concluded with a prize-giving ceremony celebrating the best performers:
IMU FIS224 Category (Video + Bioinformatics Quiz):
Champion:
Group 19: Ker Zheng Yi, Lim Yung Zhen, Lim Zhe Wei, Ng Zheng Yi, Yong Zhe Yi, Zara Kaur Gill
First Runner-up:
Group 16 : Cheah Xin Ru, Lai Xin Lei, Neo Yee Cheng, Tam Xue Ying, Wong Xin Yi, Yau Xin Lin
Secondary School Category (Bioinformatics Quiz):
Second Runner-Up:
Tzu Chi International School
Chong Yong Zheng. Gan Ern Hui, Lim Yu Zen, Ng Yee Tong
First Runner-Up:
HELP International School
Jae Won Ha, Jared Du Joon Hoe, Daniel Yeoh Zhe Hong, Reyanraj Kumaran
Champion:
Pin Hwa High School
Abigail Teh Ning, Evangeline Ting Yee Joy, Lee Xin Yu, Yap Chee Wee
In a heartfelt closing speech, the event Advisor Dr Lim Wui Zhuan encouraged all participants to stay inspired. “Forensics and bioinformatics are just the beginning,” he said. “There’s a whole world of biotech waiting for future scientists like all of you to explore. We truly hope this won’t be the last time we meet, our doors at IMU are always open.”
The success of Medical Biotechnology Day 2025 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Eppendorf Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, MSBMB, Bio3 Scientific Sdn Bhd, Biolution Resources, and Biotek Abadi Sdn Bhd.
Medical Biotechnology Day 2025 was more than just an event — it was a spark, igniting curiosity, connection, and the pursuit of science. And for every student who walked through the doors of IMU that day, it was a step into a future where science makes a difference.
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