Views of the BIDP II (Agri Track) Programme - from the UK, here

18 Dec 2013

December is a strange time – the days are getting very short in the northern hemisphere and always one of the busiest months; end of term, financial year for some, Christmas present and preparation… but a BIDP in Malaysia, I could not say No.

My journey to KL started at Gatwick airport via Istanbul this time, and arrived at ABI in Serdang where I was going to call “home” for the next 3 days. Somehow, there is something magical about 3… this cohort is my third cohort (see below). A few things stood out immediately in the first few moments:

-          A mixed group with a diverse technical background and 

           there is a Chemical Engineer(!);

-          Graduates from around the world;

-          Mix of participants from research institutes and the industry (>50%);

-          And a very responsive and lively group (except around 3pm)

I had made some minor changes to the course, adding a lot more fundamental theories (adsorption, nucleation, crystallisation, drying, etc) but also some practical examples to apply these theories in areas like scaling-up, estimation. I have always argued that this is necessary to truly understand Downstream Bioprocessing and be able to fully appreciate the implications of each model or equation. So a huge thanks for bearing with me whilst going through the derivations. I hope the Jaffa Cakes, After Eights and Haribo sweets (again the magical 3!) helped made it a bit easier and more bearable. As I walked around the class during our exercise and examples, I quickly appreciated that there is a lot of talent around…  and I am very excited about this.

Again, I would have to take my hat off to TalentCorp and HAT for all the initiative and efforts to train our next generation of scientists and engineers who in my opinion, will without doubt be Malaysia’s leaders in the bio-industry sector.

With the class participants outside the classroom

I felt this showed clearly in our last group activity – the role-play where we had:

The Company with a CEO, CTO, R&D Director and Security Head

The Investors with a Buffet philosophy

Local NGOs and Environmentalists

The Government with the PM himself and his trusted cabinet

Scientific & Academic Community – very typical of the Profs

Kampung, spokesperson for the village and chairperson for the Kelab Ibu-bapa (?)

I can only say - you all were fantastic!

On a personal note, I was also able to visit the Putrajaya area and it is fantastic to see the developments in Malaysia, and am always impressed with the progress our country is making. I also had the opportunity to enjoy some very delicious local delicacies, keeping me happy for the next phase until my next visit.

I am now awaiting my return flight to Heathrow via Singapore at KLIA. On a quick calculation, to include transit time, my total travel time for this trip is a total of 35 hrs (!). However, you all made my role as instructor an easy one and truly enjoyable, and all well worth it. 

So, thank you very much!

Do keep in touch and very best wishes in all your undertakings.

                                                                                     Written by: Jerry Heng

Blessed Christmas 2013 and Happy New Year 2014~!

May all of you have a great Christmas season and holiday to come !!

To all our BIDP and BIDP II participants and trainers, we thank you for your participation and partnership with us and more importantly the friendship, and the learning which we all have gained throughout the course of training. 

For the year ahead, we at HAT would like to wish you success in your work and projects, and for those who have classes to attend, please remember to come for them! :) We'll be looking forward to seeing you in class! 

Once again, a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year 2014~

A New Beginning!

The day we started yet another batch of BIDP training.. September 3rd, 2013.

This time, BIDP was held in Agrobiotechnology Institute (ABI), Serdang, Selangor. Named BIDP II Track II, this batch was aimed for the agriculture field and its players, but we had a mixed blend of participants from the pharmaceutical industry as well. That of course, was a warm welcome.

The day started with a simple welcoming by the organizers (HAT) and a few words by En Azhar Amin, the CEO of HAT.

After that, there was a break and some tea, coffee and snacks were served. 

We got right down to business after the simple refreshment time. The first trainer, Dr Leong Chuei Wuei started off Phase I of the training with an Introduction to Life Science and Chemistry.

The class during the first lecture by Dr Leong

The day went smoothly and classes will carry on until the modules are completed. It was a proud moment indeed, to see another BIDP class starting up! 

qPCR days in ABI

Next training session scheduled was qPCR. An extra machine was brought in all the way from Penang for our convenience and learning, so that we had a glimpse of two different types of qPCR instruments. 

During my university days, I have learned and heard about qPCR but I never had the chance to use it. The first day of qPCR training, I was so enthusiastic as I knew I finally had the chance to learn how to operate a qPCR instrument.  As I walked in to the class, the trainer greeted me with a friendly smile and he introduced himself. The trainer name is Chor Ee Tan and he is from New Zealand. He is currently working in Wellington Hospital as Molecular Scientist. His job scope is mainly utilizing qPCR to do disease screening for Wellington Hospital. He shared a lot of real-life experiences, which made the training interesting.  The most interesting part was that he gave out New Zealand chocolates whenever the trainees participate in the class. As a result, the trainees gave their fullest attention and participated actively. This was the first time the atmosphere of the class become lively and fun. 

The class in progress

After 2 days of theory training, the class was assigned into smaller groups with different tasks to be completed. Meanwhile, each group was arranged to enter the laboratory to have hands on experience on qPCR instruments. When my group entered the laboratory, we were briefed on the tasks we were required to complete and had some experiences on the qPCR instrument. The tasks we were required to do were to develop an assay with full validation process using qPCR technique. Besides that, the practical session was about detection of porcine DNA contamination in different types of sample.

While we were busy working on our assignments and tasks, new trainees were also enrolled in the program. It was hard at first to blend in with the new trainees but when we get to know about them, the class atmosphere became more cheerful and lively. With the new addition of trainees, the tasks given were completed earlier as we expected. After that, we also did a presentation on our newly developed assay. The presentation was interesting as each group was given different scenario and I realized that qPCR has a wide range of applications.

In the lab, having briefings on the qPCR instruments

Unfortunately time flies when we are having fun. During the last day of qPCR training, Chor Ee arranged breakfast for the class as a token of appreciation in giving our fullest attention and active participation during the training.  All Thanks to Azlan and Hafis who took the trouble in preparing the breakfast for the class. During the closing of the training, Chor Ee gave out chocolates again to the class and I really enjoyed the chocolates!

In class for presentations 

In these 2 weeks of qPCR training with Chor Ee, I really gained a lot of in-depth knowledge on qPCR applications. Although I may not have the chance to use qPCR in my workplace, I really appreciated the knowledge and experiences shared by Chor Ee. Most importantly, I really had a great time and enjoyed every single moment with every trainee.  Finally, I would like to thank all of the BIDP organizers in hosting such wonderful program. 

For those who don't know what this training is, Bio-Analytical Industry Development Program (BIDP) is a program to develop technical expertise and talents in Bio-analytical field for young-working adults/ just-employed-fresh graduates. Besides, the main objective of this program is to help fresh graduates to fill the competency gap between tertiary education and industry needs. This program covers many areas such as technical softskill, research methodology, and instrumentation techniques. Among the courses, the course I have enjoyed the most so far is quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

                                                                                                              Written by : Xian Hui 
                                                                                                               Edited by : Melanie Ann

GEL ELECTROPHORESIS TIMES

Have you watched forensic dramas like CSI, Hawaiian Five O and NCIS?? If your answer is “Yes”, then you might have wondered how they managed to find the culprit behind all those cases, right?

DNA TECHNOLOGY has the answer for it! It allows us to study the sequence, expression, and function of a gene. Genomics is a term that is used in DNA technology, which involves the study of whole sets of genes and their interactions. Meanwhile, GEL ELECTROPHORESIS is a lab technique that is used to separate primarily DNA and macromolecules such as proteins, on the basis of their size and charge with the use of an electric current.

Figure 1: Gel electrophoresis diagram

Gel is used as a medium for DNA’s movement. The gel allows smaller molecules to move easily, compared to larger fragments of DNA, thus the fragments are separated by size. That is why shorter molecules travel faster and thus farther. When the current is turned off, the DNA molecules are arrayed in “bands” along a “lane” according to their size.

Okay, now let’s relate this with the crime scene investigation cases. Imagine there was a murder case. The victim is found dead inside the house and there are blood stains on the victim’s clothes and also on the wall. Police have a list of suspects but they can’t nab the culprit.

The blood stains will then be sent to the lab for testing. Gel electrophoresis is implemented to find the culprit. How are the results revealed? The bands of blood stains from clothes and wall samples will be used as references while the suspect’s blood (DNA) sample will be compared. The higher similarity between the reference and DNA samples show who the murderer is. Case solved!

Figure 2: Gel electrophoresis bands.

Result indicate that suspect #2 was probably involved in the crime scene 

So.. we learned all this, and more in class. We had a very able lecturer, Prof Mokhrish from UPM School of Veterinary Sciences, who thought us all we needed to know about this lab technique and much more side knowledge which was a privilege to obtain. 

                                             Written by: Siti Kauthar
                                                  Edited by: Mel Ann

Birthday Surprises :)

Suddenly, there were two lil cupcakes sitting on the table in front of the class. Then, two individuals were called up to stand in front for all to see. Who were they? 

Mr Tan Ja Houng and Ms Tan Chern Huay!

On the 31st October, the both of them made it past another year of life.. all grown up now.. :P

The class made a fuss out of it, and it was a sweet gesture of them to get the pretty cakes with candles lit and singing the Birthday song to the both of them. 

May the bond of togetherness and friendship last among this class of friends as time goes by! And to the both of you, a very Blessed Birthday and Best Wishes for the years to come.. :D

The Birthday girl and guy being well wished! ^_^





                                                                                                                                        Written by : Mel Ann

Friendships that Last 

How long has it been since we first started out as a class of BIDP trainees.. ?

It’s been almost two years now, since then. And Yes, we still do keep in touch! The feeling is really warm when we meet for a simple lunch / work in the lab together / share stories of projects and difficulties at work places.. or even to recall memories of our class and trainers ~

The friendships made, are truly cherished! Moving forward, may we continue to stay close and united!

Having a Mexican lunch together! :D

Having a yummy dinner @ Pen Mutiara ~ 

Steamboat dinner to show off our cooking skills! :P 

Cheers to the many more meet-ups we will have! All the very best to every one of you in your projects and work places.. Remember, we are always there for each other! 

                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                 Written by: Mel Ann

Dear friends and colleagues who are celebrating, we at HAT would like to wish you all a very 

Selamat Hari Raya Haji! 

Views of BIDP... 4 Oct 2013

When Dr Leong made contact to ask if I was happy to come back to deliver the Downstream course again this year, I quickly jumped at the opportunity to participate yet again in this BIDP programme together with HAT and Talentcorp Malaysia. 

I was looking forward to this trip all summer for some proper warm weather (note the grey skies…), the yummy food and especially as my family was coming back to Malaysia too! But most importantly, the course…

This year, I decided to pack a bit more Mathematics (apologies Mar) into the course. This, I felt was necessary, so that one is able to describe and understand Downstream Bioprocessing unit operations from fundamental principles to include an appreciation for the assumptions and limits of given models.  So, my “itchy fingers” set off to work to update the slides. So, Day 1 – I arrived at IPharm and this was going to be my “home” for the next 3-days. 

IPharm, Penang!

Right from the onset, I immediately felt a warm welcome and connection with this cohort – not only because of my namesake. The diverse background (biotechnology, biochemistry, engineering, microbiology, plant biology, etc) and industrial participants made up an interesting cohort. Over the next three days, we went on a journey from an overview (insulin as a case study), some basic chemical engineering principles (fluid mechanics and heat & mass transfers) to downstream bioprocessing (cell disruption, filtration, centrifugation, chromatography, crystallisation, drying) and wrapped up with discussions about sustainability! I personally enjoyed the derivations but I guess I am only speaking for a select few (hopefully more). So, I am very appreciative (a big thank you!) to all of you for bearing with me and following step-by-step along the way - hopefully the key concept is registered and cemented in your mind now.  

Honestly for me, the most important aspect of this whole programme is you, the participants! 

BIDP II Batch 1 - Pharma track 

In the short space of the 3 days we interacted, I quickly appreciated TalentCorp and HAT’s initiative – to train our next generation of scientists and engineers who would be leading our bio-industry in Malaysia. You have the talent and ability plus the opportunity.  As they say, the world is your oyster! 

In summary, you all made my role as instructor an easy one and very enjoyable (and also a great family holiday). So, thank you very much!

Unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end… and I am now back in London – early signs of the autumn now.

Do keep in touch and very best wishes in all your undertakings.

Written by:  Jerry Heng

Words from Wellington, New Zealand for BIDP II !

Wellington, New Zealand 

Greetings from the shaky city of Wellington, New Zealand.

It is always a privilege to write for the BIDP blog. If there is one word I could use to describe this group of BIDP II students it would be “hospitable”. From the first day until the last, I felt welcomed, included and very much a part of the BIDP II community. So maybe to start of this blog, I should really thank them for making me feel welcome and for taking me out to lunch. I especially enjoyed the Chicken Rice near Sunshine Square.

Even as each person is unique, the combination of these unique individuals causes the entire group have its own character and personality. One thing that really stands out to me is how inquisitive this group is. Their eagerness to learn and to experiment sometimes got them into trouble, but perhaps a little mischief does make life more interesting. Perhaps even this could be an indication of a greater level of intelligence needing to be fed and guided. I have to say, intelligence was definitely not lacking amongst the BIDP II group.

It has been 4 months since I was with the BIDP II class over in Penang, and much has happened since then. I hear that they have since completed Phase I successfully, so a big congratulation goes out to each and every one of them. From the limited time we spent together, I know that they will do well in wherever the careers take them. I believe that they have what it takes to become successful, to tackle the challenges that their generation faces in building a better nation, and to build bridges/networks amongst individuals and communities at home and abroad.

If I can indulge in one piece of advice, it would be this: Do not take lightly the relationships you have formed with your fellow BIDP II classmates. Success is a team effort, built of lifting each other up. Think of a human pyramid. The person at the apex can only be there because of those who are underneath, sharing the load and carrying each other. The achievements of your tomorrow and built on the networks of your today. 

Times with the BIDP II group 

                                                                                      Written by: Chor Ee Tan

Best BBQ Time Ever

It was the day before the start of bulan Ramadan. Where the weather was perfect, we organized a unique pool-side Barbeque Party!!! Venue being U-Heights Apartments, where a few of us were staying. All of us were super excited especially Mr. Khoo (distinct in the picture). For the first time, Mr Khoo skipped his “ju ga fan” (home-made dinner) with his parents and joined the greatest BBq party of the year (or so I think) J

We even had our trainer for the week to join us! Mr Ivan Chin was a real sport to come along to join in the wackiness of the evening filled with jokes, laughter and food! 

The excitement and joy of the evening was felt everywhere

All of the ingredients and hard work of marinating were prepared by our mysterious chef-in-charge Kak Norji (Najiha, mysterious because we couldn’t capture a single photo of her!) with the help from her ‘minions’ Mar from Arbentin, Stella, and Mr Khoo. The others.. well…. They just wondered around, did some initial clean up, while Azim and Vincent tried their best to start up the fire (A round of applause to everyone….)

From preparing to cooking

One of our youngest members of the class, Miss Shun Ying was always beside the “compact” and “cute” BBQ stove… I guess she was really hungry then.. or maybe she just loves keeping warm…..

Here are the others hungry members and minions after long preparation. The girl on the floor is Miss SY who is still not willing to leave the stove even though she knows the chicken won’t be ready yet. (Salute her determination to persevere in getting the meat cooked faster that way  =P)

                                  This was the clearest picture so far of our chef-in-command, Kak Norji

                   Love was in the air while waiting for our delicious foods….

There was enough to go around and satisfy everyone who were present. The crowd around the stove maintained that great number that never died out .. :P

Who's hogging the stove !

We decided to deep fry our chicken to quicken the cooking process…

If you asked me how was the night and taste of the food and satisfaction level of the members?? I think this could be the answer…

Lastly, a group picture before we returned! 

                                                                                     Written by: Vincent Ho

                                                                                       Edited by: Melanie Ann 

 Hari Raya Aidilfitri Greetings!! 

To all trainers, trainees, friends, and colleagues who are celebrating this festive time of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we at HAT would like to wish you all a wonderful time of balik kampung and celebrating with family and friends at home! 

Be safe on the roads and may your time of gatherings be sweet this festive season! 

~ The hike we made ~

Kerachut beach scenes

Our first hiking trip was to Kerachut beach, one of the beaches located in Penang National Park, north-east of the island. It was a beautiful morning on the 17th June when the four of us set out to conquer the little hill to reach the beach! 

Why hike there? It was more of a challenge and adventure rather than having to ride a speedboat which would take away the fun of aching limbs. And, we would have to pay for the ride, while using our legs is free! 

Along the track, we passed a path that was created by the laborers during the colonization period of the British. The track lasted for a few feet into the hiking path. 

We managed to capture a few pictures there for memory's sake. 

Picture taking along the way 

We finally arrived the beach after 1-2 hours of hiking. A breath-taking sight awaited us as we crossed the Kerachut beach bridge... the meromictic lake, where there are two distinct layers of water (fresh water fed from surrounding streams on top kept cool, and the lower layer of salt water kept warm). 

Beyond the lake, a white, sandy beach lay stretched ahead with the ocean waves lapping against it. 

Along the seaside, there were many big rocks where the hikers could take a break, have their breakfast or snacks and enjoy chatting with friends on them. There were trees as well, where we found monkeys swinging around. We had a good rest on the rocks and met another group of hikers. We asked for their help to take a group photo of the four of us. We didn't forget to go along the waves to have a stroll before heading to our next destination - the suspension bridge. 

On the suspension bridge! 

It was an exhausting journey, but this experience of visiting the national park and having first hand sights of Mother Nature, was definitely worth the tiredness. :)

                                                                                        Written by Shun Ying

                                                                                        Edited by Melanie Ann

A New Beginning!

15^th April 2013

It’s time! Another group has come, with the lost looks and weary feelings of being in a new environment. This day starts a new batch of BIDP students. Oh how the memories of the first batch returns.. J

But their uneasiness did not last long as we had an ice-breaking session soon after breakfast was served! The participants were very cooperative then, to mingle around and make the effort to get to know others in the little activity planned out by the coordinators.

Ice-breaking session underway

After the fun time of the games and laughs, we all adjourned to the allocated training room for a time of familiarization and briefing from the organizing committee. Mr Tay Eng Su, Quality Director of Agilent, was also present to say a few words of welcome and encouragement to the new batch of students. Introductions of people in charge in were given and then it was time for lunch! 

Briefings from the respective people in charge 

Lunch was prepared in the premise’s cafeteria and was enjoyed by everyone. After that, there were a few more pep talks and sharing by Mr Azhar, CEO of HAT, Mr Steven Ng representing the operations team, and Ms Khairul Azreena, Business Development Manager of Agilent.  A tour of the facility buildings and training lab followed, to end the day of the BIDP II Orientation.

Lunch time and briefing continues in the class

It was great knowing the new trainees, and awaiting the arrival of a few more from various companies in the next few days. They seemed more at ease and ready for the training to come after the day was over. Hope they’re as excited as we are! 

Written by: Melanie Ann

BIDP 1 training Closure: Wishing All the Very Best!

Dr. Leong Chuei Wuei and En Azhar giving their opening talk

Opening talks by Mr Azhar Amin, CEO of Human Architecture Technologies Sdn Bhd and Dr Leong Chuei Wuei, consultant and trainer for HAT and BIDP.  They gave words of encouragement to all those present, to use the knowledge and skill that we have gained through the training modules and lab sessions, in our jobs and future career advancements. With their vast knowledge and experience in the industry, we certainly gained much insight and idea to what are the options for us out there, and not to only have one track to success in mind.

Then came the time when each of us had to show forth our projects through a 5 minute presentation in class. We were nervous and jittery, excited and scared, but all in all, we just wanted those 5 minutes to pass by as smoothly as possible. There were too many of us to get through before lunch, so by drawing lots, the once who were to present first were ready.

It was a very advantageous time for each of to learn of what the others were working on, and how our training has been very helpful through the process of our planning as well as experiments.

Presentation times expressions

Since everyone had been fed with the food for thought and much information in the first half of the day, the time came to be fed physically. Yup, it was lunch time, finally!

Lunch and mingling-around time~

Then, it was back to work, after enjoying the variety of good food, with even better friends around. The next batch of presenters was given their time to awe the crowd with their projects.

Expressions..  second half of presentations

At the end of the nerve-wrecking presentation time, it was time for the presentation of certifications. All smiles as usual (who doesn't like certs), we received our Completion and Competency certs from the different VIPs (Mr Eng Su from Agilent, Prof. Habibah from IPharm, and Lynn from TalentCorp). All our presentations were videoed and the many pictures taken were saved for each one of us.

After the formalities, we were given a free-for-all time to mingle and to say our Goodbyes, snap our memories of that day with each other, and exchanging future plans with each other.

It was a great time for all of us, in this Phase II and III, and we will certainly cherish the wonderful times of bondings that we have had with friends from various fields of work, companies, and states. Memories will last forever, and I do hope that our friendships will do also!! 

To all my friends and fellow classmates, Thank You for your amazing support, enthusiasm and participation in the class, lab sessions, and also all our amazing times of sports, food times, and outings. I wish you all the very best in your future job scopes and projects! God bless!!