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

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