The annual International Postgraduate Conference on Pharmaceutical Sciences (iPoPS), first established in 2012, is a key platform for research and collaboration in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. This year, the conference was organised by the IMU School of Pharmacy from 21 to 24 June 2022, via virtual platform. The conference was co-organised with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan and the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Malaysia.
Bu Huey Enn, Lai Jia Hui, Ung Ser Ming, and Wong Yi Hang, students of the IMU MSc in Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (MAPC) took the opportunity to participate in this international conference. Apart from the keynote addresses, invited lectures and plenary sessions, the other highlight of the conference was the scientific presentations.
Bu Huey Enn, Lai Jia Hui, Ung Ser Ming, and Wong Yi Hang presented their MAPC research in the scientific presentation poster session, under the category of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry.
| Name | Title of Presentation | Supervisors |
|---|---|---|
| Bu Huey Enn | Synthesis of new eugenol derivatives and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activity | Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika (IMU) |
| Lai Jia Hui | Repositioning of FDA-approved drugs as inhibitors of porphyromonas gingivalis gingipain k, a causative agent for Alzheimer’s disease: in silico and biological evaluation | Dr Cheong Siew Lee (IMU) Dr Sheri-Ann Tan Shu Wei (TAR University College) |
| Ung Ser Ming | Synthesis of new antibacterial eugenol derivatives | Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika (IMU) |
| Wong Yi Hang | Identification of novel drug-like matrix metalloproteinase-2 (mmp-2) inhibitors using machine learning techniques | Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika (IMU) |
Bu Huey Enn:
I am truly thankful for the opportunity to participate in this conference. The sharing sessions were insightful, constructive and highly motivating. All the information shared had broadened my views and bring to me a new perspective to the research field, especially towards the field of medicinal chemistry.
The iPoPS conference undoubtedly served as a stepping stone for us to gain new knowledge and experience as we have the opportunity to present our research project to the international audience. Besides that, I was delighted to join the student organising committee of the conference. The overall success of the iPoPS conference is due to the continuous effort and support of my committee teammates and the organising chair. Personally, my teamwork and problem-solving skills were further enhanced. Undeniably, the sense of achievement is indelible!
Lai Jia Hui:
I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in iPoPS. Attending this event has allowed me to know about the latest research trends in pharmaceutical sciences. It was indeed a good way for me to learn new things. Yet, iPoPS has also provided an excellent platform for us to present our on-going research. It was my first time presenting at an international conference, I believe this experience will build and strengthen my confidence for future presentations.
Ung Ser Ming (in the photo above):
As a MAPC student, it was a privilege to be part of the iPoPS conference as a participant, poster presenter and also the organising committee. It was a humbling experience that gave me insight into the world of scientific research and how each research presented plays an equally important a role to make significant changes towards the society. Through this conference, I was able to present my research to a larger, international audience in the form of a poster. As a part of the sponsorship committee, I was able to aid in the designing of the virtual booth with guidance from the sponsorship lead. Overall, it was a rewarding experience and was the first of its kind experience for me throughout my academic journey as a student in science.
Wong Yi Hang:
I am working on machine learning based hit discovery, although machine learning based drug discovery is a hot topic, it’s unfortunate to have not much of such research being carried out in Malaysia. This event has given me the pleasure and opportunity to share and hear works being carried out currently worldwide.
We, as researchers, usually work in highly individualised environments, almost akin to silos, and it is platforms like this that allow for ideas to be exchanged and to inspire the next generation of research questions. Attending the iPoPS had given me a bigger picture of what other fellow researchers are working on, and the techniques they used. This had sparked several ideas that might develop into my next research question.
Out of all the poster presentations, Bu Huey Enn, Lai Jia Hui, and Wong Yi Hang were among those selected by the judges to win the best poster awards. Congratulations!
Congratulations also to Bu Huey Enn and Ung Ser Ming on their excellent work as the Sponsorship Lead and members of the student organising committee. The conference would not have been possible without the contribution, commitment and efforts of the student organising committee.
