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