Merck Young Scientist Award (MYSA) 2008

In the rapidly changing and complex environment of scientific research, researchers have constantly been left unrecognised by their contributions towards the development of science. This is more so in Malaysia, where few researchers are given the recognition they deserve in breaking new ground and pushing the frontiers of science. Internationally, various awards have been set up by which we celebrate their contributions.

On the 5 th of August 2008, young researchers in the areas of proteomics, protein expressions, cancer, diabetes and inflammation study were given due recognition as they were honoured in an awards ceremony held in the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC). The 2008 Merck Young Scientist Award Ceremony was graced by Higher Education Director General Prof Dato' Dr. Radin Umar Radin Sohadi, who represented Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung.

MYSA was established to encourage and honour home-grown research and developmental excellence in the biosciences. The initiative, undertaken by Merck Sdn Bhd and co-sponsored by US-based EMD Chemicals Inc. (both companies are affiliates of Merck KGaA, Germany), was endorsed by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The MYSA 2008 program launched in February was open to all post-graduate Malaysian research students in biosciences based in local institutions of higher learning. MYSA is the first bioscience award in the country organized by the private sector. Entries came mainly from the Klang Valley, but there were also submissions from other regions in the country including Penang, Kelantan, Johor and Sabah.

In an interview after the awards ceremony, general manager of Merck Sdn Bhd's Chemicals Division, Mr. Stanley Hoh mentioned that, “MYSA 2008 criteria of entry were very stringent. Not only does the research have to be in the field of proteomics, protein expressions, cancer, diabetes and inflammation study, the paper must have been published or accepted for publication in an established scientific journal in 2007. At the closing, the number of entries received was very encouraging despite the tough pre-conditions. We were very delighted with the interests shown, thanks to the support rendered by the two ministries, media, academia and MABIC during the launch campaign.”

The MYSA initiative is fast catching on in other countries in the Asia Pacific realm. “Malaysia is the pioneer and at this juncture, up to six countries in the region, including Japan, have rolled out the award program.” noted Mr. Hans Ahl, Senior Sales Director, EMD Chemicals Inc.

The judging process of the award was overseen by chief judge, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic & International Affairs, Prof Datin Paduka Dr. Khatijah Yusoff. She was joined by Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Abdul Jamal, Director of UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Prof Dr. Rahmah Noordin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Research in Molecular Medicine of USM, Prof. Dr. Sazaly Abu Bakar, Head of Medical Microbiology Department, UM, and judges from EMD Chemicals Inc, USA - Dr. Chandra Mohan, Dr. Ralf Koenig and Dr. Scott Hayes. Five finalists were shortlisted from the entries, and each then went through an oral presentation before the judges for the final placement of the winners.

The first place was awarded to Dr. Puteri Shafinaz Akmar Abdul Rahman from UM whose research titled “Expression of high abundance proteins in sera patients with endometrial and cervical cancers: Analysis using 2-DE with silver staining and lectin detection method” impressed the judges sufficiently to allow her to walk away with the coveted Merck Young Scientist Award (MYSA) 2008 trophy and RM5,000 cash. The second prize award of RM3,000 went to Dr. Chang Li Yen, also from UM, for her paper on “Human Neuronal cell protein responses to Nipah virus infection”, while Chin Chui Yoke from UKM took home the third prize of RM1,500. Consolation prizes worth RM500 cash went to Tang Kah Fai of UPM and Ramapraba Appanna of UM.

When contacted, Dr. Puteri Shafinaz expressed her surprise at the victory as the competition was close. “I entered the contest with no thoughts of winning. In fact, when we (the contestants) met during the presentations, we were on a very friendly basis with no thoughts of competition. It was an exchange of thoughts and ideas, and the prize was the last thing on our minds.”

On whether Merck would continue with the awards and future plans, Mr. Justus Krause-Harder, Managing Director of Merck Sdn Bhd mentioned that he would like to ensure the effort is continued for the coming years, as he believes that it is important to encourage young scientists. “The competition has the underlying core value concepts of quality, innovation and integrity. By organising the awards, we hope to build up such a culture within research scientists while providing a platform for up-and-coming researchers to recognise their potential,” he commented. “However, a concept can only fly with the support of all stakeholders. We are only able to pull our weight with the endorsement of the ministries and support of the academia. With such encouraging feedback, we hope to see more entries in the coming years.”

By K. C. Liew for MABIC