The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Department of Biosciences, organized a successful Industry Connect session on December 12, 2024, as part of the ongoing Faculty of Science Industrial & Innovation Showcase (SIIFS 2024). The event took place at the Auditorium Al-Razi, T02, and ran from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Alumni Speaker: Dr. Mohd Waznul Adly bin Mohd Zaidan

The session featured an engaging talk by Dr. Mohd Waznul Adly bin Mohd Zaidan, a Senior Research Officer at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). Dr. Waznul, a proud UTM alumnus with a B.Sc. in Industrial Biology (Class of 2004), brought valuable insights from his extensive experience in the Agri-Omics and Bioinformatics Programme under the Biotechnology & Nanotechnology Research Centre at MARDI.

Key Themes of the Presentation

Dr. Waznul’s presentation, titled “Shaping Academic Excellence with Alumni Perspectives,” provided students and researchers with valuable industry insights and career guidance. The key areas of his talk included:

  • Personal Journey & Career Path: Reflections on his career progression and experiences.
  • Current Role at MARDI: Responsibilities and contributions in agricultural research and biotechnology.
  • Role of Biotechnology in Agriculture: How biotechnological advancements are revolutionizing the agricultural sector.
  • Career Insights and Tips for Students: Practical advice for those looking to transition from academia to industry.
  • Ethical Considerations and Social Responsibility: The importance of ethics and responsibility in scientific research.

Bridging Academia and Industry

The Industry Connect session aimed to strengthen the bridge between academia and industry by giving students a real-world perspective from accomplished alumni. Dr. Waznul highlighted how academic excellence, coupled with industry awareness, can prepare future graduates to excel in their careers and contribute to national development.

Inspiring Future Researchers

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students engaged with Dr. Waznul to gain deeper insights into career opportunities and the future of biotechnology. This initiative reinforces the Faculty of Science’s commitment to preparing students for impactful careers and fostering strong connections with industry.

For more information about SIIFS 2024 and upcoming events, visit science.utm.my/utmfsresearch.

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