Penang, 30 Jan 2013 – The organisation of the 4th International Conference for Young Chemist (ICYC) 2013 is seen as an important field in cultivation young world-class scientists.

Student Affairs and Development Division (BHEPP) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Prof. Adnan Hussein, said that the effort is in line with the desire of USM to deliver human capital that is not just excellent academically but alsoable to apply their expertise and ideas in their career field.

He said that the conference is very suitable as a basis, not only for research practices but to produce scientists who are able to produce the ideas of quality in science and chemistry.

“USM as a Research University offers educational and research opportunities to all including its staff who has potential, in line with the steps taken towards empowering lifelong learning.

“We're trying to transform higher education through efforts that spawn quality human capital that is capable to contribute to the development of the country,” he said.  

 In the meantime, the biennial conference adopted the theme "Chemistry: Empowering Sciences Beyond Boundaries" targeting participants among graduate students in various chemical sciences-related fields.

The conference, completely organised by School of Chemical Sciences students, was accompanied over 250 participants representing over 10 countries including Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, Russia, Nigeria and France.

According to Damien Khoo Yi Yuan, a USM Masters student in Chemistry who is also the Executive CommitteeChairman for this conference which, for the first time, received sponsorship that promoted the event and also an encouraging number of participants.

This conference also offers an attractive prize for the poster competition winner and it shall be presented during the closing ceremony next Friday. Text: Nor Rafizah Md Zain / Photo: Mohamad Danial Shahri / Translation: Yong Check Yoon