PENANG, 17 November 2016 – With the theme "Ensuring Sustainability through Innovative Regenerative Technologies," this conference reflects the commitment of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in promoting innovations and scientific achievements through sustainable approaches.

This was stated by the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dato' Dr. Muhamad Jantan today at the "6th Malaysian Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Scientific Meeting (6th MTERMS) 2016" in conjunction with the 2nd Malaysian Stem Cell Meeting held here.

According to Muhamad, USM welcomes the organisation of such initiatives as the scientific meetings and discourses would allow for continual updating of knowledge and in keeping the researchers at the knowledge forefront in their research pursuit. Such discourses would allow for debates to occur and would open up minds to the diversity of perspectives in viewing the same issue; it is believed only under such an environment that good science can prosper.

"I believe that the two-day programme is specially planned to cover various aspects of interest to all and that it would cover areas related to stem cells and regenerative medicine, gene therapy and reprogramming, biomaterials and tissue regenerative therapies.

"Recent development in material engineering has enabled 3D printing of biocompatible materials, cells and supporting components to be made into complex 3D functional living tissues, which will also be of interest to participants," said Muhamad in representing the USM Vice-Chancellor.

In his official opening speech, he added that the clinical success in translating from bench to bedside requires deep understanding of the basic knowledge in biology of the stem cell niche and in the coordination between stem cell biologists and those in other fields of regenerative medicine.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the 6th MTERMS 2016 and 2nd Malaysian Stem Cell Meeting, Associate Professor Dr. Badrul Hisham Yahaya said that, the 6th MTERMS 2016 aims to provide a platform for researchers, scientists and other experts to come together and discuss about current issues on the topic of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

"Leverage this platform and open the doors for global collaboration and cooperation in this 2-day programme," he said to the 130 participants.

Some 20 oral papers and 60 posters will be presented throughout these 2 days, together with an exhibition showcasing items from 10 companies as well.

Also present at the opening ceremony were the Acting Director of USM Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Associate Professor Dr. Bakiah Shaharuddin; the Advisor of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society of Malaysia (TESMA), Professor Dato’ Dr. Ruszymah Hj Idrus; and the President of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society of Malaysia (TESMA), Dr. Thamil Selvee Ramasamy.

The 6th MTERMS 2016 and the 2nd Malaysian Stem Cell Meeting was jointly organised by USM AMDI, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society of Malaysia (TESMA) and the Malaysian Society for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (MSCRT).

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah / Photo: Dzulfikar Azmi Muhamad Aripin @ Isa