Johor Bahru, 20 February 2025 – The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), IPASA, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), and ACS Malaysia Chapter successfully organized a Joint Seminar on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, EduCity@Iskandar, Johor. The seminar brought together leading experts from medical, biological, and environmental sciences to address the urgent issue of AMR and its impact on global health and ecosystems.
The full-day event, which ran from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, provided a platform for researchers, students, industry professionals, government officials, and community representatives to exchange knowledge and discuss strategies for tackling AMR. The seminar featured a series of keynote talks, case studies, and a roundtable discussion on collaborative research directions.
Event Highlights and Programme
Opening Session
The event began with registration at 8:30 AM, followed by opening remarks by:
- Prof. Dr. Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika, Dean of Research, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, Dean, Faculty of Science, UTM
- Prof. Ts. Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor, Director, Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA), UTM
A short break followed before the technical sessions commenced.
Keynote Presentations and Technical Sessions
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Session 1 (10:00 – 10:45 AM):
“Empowering Local Waterborne Disease Surveillance and Protection”- Speaker: Prof. Claire Walsh (School of Engineering, Newcastle University, UK)
- Discussion on AMR surveillance in waterborne diseases and its impact on public health.
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Session 2 (10:45 – 11:30 AM):
“Tentative Suspected Screening and Identification of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products Leading to the Appearance of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Green Lipped Mussels”- Speaker: Ts. Dr. Yong Ee Ling (Faculty of Civil Engineering & IPASA, UTM)
- Highlighted how pharmaceutical waste contributes to antibiotic resistance in aquatic ecosystems.
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Session 3 (11:30 AM – 12:15 PM):
“Antimicrobial Resistance in Clinical Settings: Case Studies in Myanmar and Malaysia”- Speaker: Prof. Dr. Edmund Liang Chai Ong (Department of Medicine, NUMed & Newcastle University Medical School, UK)
- Explored real-world case studies on AMR challenges in hospitals.
A lunch and prayer break followed from 12:15 to 2:00 PM at Garden Cafe.
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Session 4 (2:00 – 2:45 PM):
“Genetics of Antimicrobial Resistance”- Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roshan Mascarenhas (Department of Biomedical Sciences, NUMed)
- Discussed the genetic mechanisms behind antimicrobial resistance.
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Session 5 (2:45 – 3:30 PM):
“Impact of Poor Sanitation on River Water Quality: Case Study from the TMDL of Skudai River”- Speaker: Ts. Dr. Nur Syamimi Zaidi (Faculty of Civil Engineering & IPASA, UTM)
- Investigated the role of environmental pollution in the spread of AMR.
After an afternoon break (3:30 – 4:00 PM), the seminar concluded with a Roundtable Discussion (4:00 – 5:00 PM), focusing on:
- Research collaboration between UTM and NUMed on AMR
- Future research directions and funding opportunities
Key Takeaways and Impact
The seminar underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in tackling antimicrobial resistance, with discussions highlighting the role of engineering, medical sciences, and environmental research in mitigating AMR threats. Participants engaged in networking and potential research partnerships for future projects.
The Joint Seminar on AMR marked another milestone in the commitment of UTM, IPASA, and NUMed towards scientific innovation and sustainable solutions for antimicrobial resistance.
For further updates on AMR-related research and collaborations, visit UTM Faculty of Science Research.
