MSM in collaboration with IMU proudly presents the Malaysian Society for Microbiology Postgraduate Seminar (MSMPS) 2021. MSMPS2021 was held virtually from 9 to 10 June 2021, participated by more than 100 participants. Unlike traditional “sit, listen, and leave” conferences, the MSMPS virtual symposium provided an interactive experience that produced valuable, and actionable outcomes. Participants could actively engage with the experts that sparked new productive ideas, activities, and alliances during the two-day event.
We were delighted to have Professor Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, Pro-Vice Chancellor of IMU for his key-note presentation entitled ‘Mainstreaming Infectious Disease as Health Security Agenda: Issues and Challenges’ in MSMPS2021. Based on his vast experience serving the Ministry of Health for 32 years, and having retired in 2017 as Deputy Director General of Health (Public Health), his informative talk addressed the underlying root causes of infectious disease in Malaysia. Further information about the speakers can be accessed here (http://imu.edu.my/irdi/staff/lokman-hakim/).
Understanding the struggle of postgraduate students during their candidature, we invited Dr. Polly Yap Soo Xi from the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, a YSN-ASM Chrysalis finalist to share her struggles as a Ph.D candidate and what she had learnt from the YSN-ASM Chrysalis. Her talk entitled ‘Transcending the conventional PhD research: What YSN-ASM Chrysalis has taught me’ was moderated by Dr Ng Siew Kit, Co-Chair of Science Leadership working group within Young Scientist Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
Last but not least, the interactive nature of MSMPS encouraged postgraduate students to share their findings and be critically reviewed by independent microbiologists. In this context, the postgraduate students gained valuable experiences in science communication. The MSMPS showcased some exceptional science communicators among the students and three best presenters were awarded during the closing ceremony.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Peat Organics, Agensi Nuklear Malaysia and Biolution Resources for sponsoring MSMPS2021.