A Faculty for Biotechnology.

The Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science is relatively new in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Formed on the 1st of August 2004, the faculty is a merger of two former departments (the Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies and the Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology) and is reflective of Malaysia and UPM’s commitment to the development of biotechnology. UPM is the only public universiti in Malaysia with a faculty devoted for biotechnology.

       
During its open day on the 4th of August recently, the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science demonstrated its readiness and zeal in providing education on discipline supporting biotechnology. The programmes offered for undergraduate students are designed to provide sturdy knowledge of theories and applications in biotechnology. Likewise, the research facilities supported by the faculty ensure a conducive and cutting-edge environment for post-graduate research. The open day was officiated by the Minister of Higher Education, Y.B. Dato’ Dr. Hj. Shafie b. Hj. Mohd. Salleh.
  
Picture 1: Display of tissue cultures

This shows the commitment and drive behind the faculty’s R&D activities which is mainly focused on agrobiotechnology. Methods are being sourced to enhance agricultural, livestock and aquaculture production, increasing the value of the output and its contribution to the economy. Similarly, the faculty has also been pooling its resources in other biotechnology related fields, namely food, environmental and industrial biotechnology. The faculty has been focusing on the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, bioremedial methods in utilizing biowastes and develop novel and more efficient bioprocesses to synthesise bioproducts.

Speaking to Dean of the UPM Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, Prof. Dr. Abu Bakar Salleh regarding the prospects for biotechnology graduates in the job market, he professed great optimism. With the Government’s recent emphasis on the biotechnology industry, he predicted major developments and greater collaboration between industrial and commercial players, and academics.

“As biotechnology is a R&D orientated field, the industry should focus their resources on being equipped to provide and handle cutting-edge developments in the industry,” noted Prof. Dr. Salleh. “This focus may further enhance what we have now and give us an edge against our competitors.”

However, he warned against our shortcomings where the culture of R&D is relatively weak in biotechnology, compared to that of other industries. Similarly, there is a lack of the transfer of research in the industry. Generally, communication between academics should be encouraged further to minimize overlapping research and induce greater collection of intellect when approaching a problem. Similarly, a more pressing concern would be the lack of funding for research as there is a lack of financial contributions in Malaysia.
“However,” he added optimistically, “we will be able to run in the forefront of our field if we can fully utilize our resources and enhance upon our current technologies.”
   
By K. C. Liew for MABIC