USM PENANG, 17 April 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), advanced its industry engagement through INFORMM Open Lab Day 2026, a focused platform connecting research capabilities with real-world application.

The event drew over 100 participants from industry, academia and the research community, reflecting increasing demand for applied and collaborative research.

It signals a deliberate move towards a more structured and industry-facing research ecosystem, aligned with INFORMM’s role as a High Institution Centre of Excellence.

Officiated by Deputy Director Dr. Eugene Ong Boon Beng, the programme also marked the launch of INFORMM’s Price List and Capability Brochure for Research and Technology Services, introducing greater transparency and reinforcing INFORMM’s readiness as a professional research partner.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed noted that the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to advancing research that is both academically rigorous and relevant to national needs, positioning USM as an institution that translates knowledge into meaningful impact.

Director, Associate Professor Dr. Aziah Ismail highlighted INFORMM’s translational focus in bridging scientific discovery with clinical and technological application, particularly in molecular diagnostics and biosensor innovation.

The programme featured expertise pitching, industry forums, consultation sessions, and live laboratory demonstrations, alongside technology sharing by leading providers including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Chemopharm Sdn. Bhd., Anton Paar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and Straits Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd., enabling direct engagement across the research and industry ecosystem.

Industry representatives emphasised the need to better align research outputs with practical application, particularly in addressing scalability and implementation challenges.

Associate Professor Dr. Leow Chiuan Herng noted that INFORMM’s postgraduate-focused structure supports high-impact research, while acknowledging the need to bridge gaps between laboratory work and industry use.

Beyond advanced facilities, INFORMM offers integrated support including contract research, co-development and advisory services in intellectual property, regulatory compliance and certification frameworks such as halal and HACCP, reinforcing its role as a comprehensive research partner.

INFORMM Open Lab Day 2026 reflects USM’s commitment to enhancing research visibility, deepening industry collaboration and accelerating the translation of knowledge into tangible impact.

Text: PrivinKumar Jayavanan, Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC)/Editing: Associate Professor Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail, Senior Editorial Consultant @ MPRC USM/Photo: Neoh Yong Jun & Jiang Jiaying, Interns@MPRC