USM PENANG, 10 February 2025 – The School of Physics at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) successfully hosted the Expert Industry Talk (EIT) 2025 with the theme “Working in Industries: Bridging Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Innovation.”

This academic-industry engagement, held on 15 January 2025 at Dewan Pembangunan Siswa 1, Kompleks Cahaya Siswa, brought together industry experts from prominent organisations to discuss technological advancements and professional opportunities in the fields of healthcare, manufacturing, and clinical physics.

In his opening speech, Dean of the School of Physics, Associate Professor Dr. Azhar Abdul Rahman underscored the critical role of academic-industry partnerships in equipping students with practical knowledge and preparing them for challenges in evolving professional landscapes.

The event welcomed 160 undergraduate and postgraduate students, demonstrating their strong interest in bridging academia and industry.

SESSION 1: B. BRAUN MEDICAL INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD.

The initial session featured Dr. Tan Aik Aun and Ang Woon Chau, directors at B. Braun Medical Industries in the Technical and R&D divisions.

Their presentation, "B. Braun Medical Industries and Career Opportunities,” covered the company's cutting-edge innovations and contributions to healthcare manufacturing, providing valuable insights into career opportunities within the industry.

The session also featured a brief experience sharing by Dr. Lim Shern Kwok (Senior Engineer in Product Competence) and Lew Yen Ling (Engineer in R&D Project Management) who spoke about their experiences and the excellent opportunities provided by the company.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, enabling participants to gain deeper understanding of the technical and operational aspects of the field.

SESSION 2: INTEL PRODUCTS SDN. BHD.

Anis Nabilah Shahrul Yazid, a Process Equipment Engineer at Intel, delivered an insightful presentation on “Artificial Intelligence in Medical Industries.”

She explored the transformative role of AI in healthcare applications, emphasising its integration into diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.

A subsequent Q&A session facilitated meaningful discussions on the intersection of AI and medical innovation.

SESSION 3: GLENEAGLES HOSPITAL PENANG

The final session was conducted by Noor Naslinda Noor Rizan, a Senior Medical Physicist at Gleneagles Hospital Penang.

Her presentation titled “Bridging Theory and Practice: Real-World Challenges in Clinical Physics,” provided a comprehensive overview of the practical challenges encountered in clinical physics and strategies for aligning theoretical frameworks with real-world applications.

Her session resonated with students aspiring to enter the field of medical physics.

CLOSING AND NETWORKING

The event concluded with closing remarks by Azhar, who emphasised the significance of fostering collaborations between academic institutions and industry players to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industrial practices.

An optional networking session provided an avenue for informal discussions, enabling participants to interact with the speakers and deepen their understanding of the topics discussed.

The Expert Industry Talk 2025, organised by the School of Physics, reaffirmed USM’s commitment to enhancing academic-industry linkages, equipping students with relevant knowledge, and inspiring future professionals to excel in healthcare, manufacturing, and innovation-driven industries.

Text: Dr. Ramzun Maizan Ramli, Profesor Madya Dr. Suhana Arshad, & Profesor Madya Dr. Nurul Zahirah Noor Azman, School of Physics, USM/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photos: School of Physics, USM