USM PENANG, 22 July 2022 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) via the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM) recently signed a Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA) with VANZO Asia Sdn. Bhd. which adds another significant milestone towards closer research collaborations.

Signing on behalf of USM is the Director of INFORMM, Associate Professor Dr. Aziah Ismail and on behalf of VANZO Asia is the Chief Executive Officer, Ng Yee Heng.

The collaborative effort between USM and Vanzo Asia is aimed at establishing cooperation to develop, support and enrich research activities in the project relating to ‘The Biochemical Properties of Essential Oils in Environmental and Healthcare Applications’.

According to Aziah, in her welcoming speech, she said that the field of biotechnology is undoubtedly one of the critical technologies that can propel research and innovation to greater heights.

“I understand that to launch the research collaboration between VANZO Asia and INFORMM, cytotoxicity and immune modulation properties of, and the potential active compound in selected essential oils will be studied,” she said.

Aziah further added that she is looking forward to increase the number of collaborations between USM and the local industry, training providers together with international partners to nurture the next generation of innovation and technology talents for the country.

Meanwhile, according to Yee Heng, through this RCA, they have affirmed this partnership with modalities of cooperation and types of activities that will be completed by USM and VANZO, so as to work together more closely towards a common goal through different types of research.

“Our company’s mission is to provide air fresheners that are free from harmful chemical and of high quality to the consumers, as I am convinced that this collaboration will demonstrate a spirit of unity and coordination and mark a new beginning for us to work together to bring improvements in the future,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were the Dean, USM School of Chemical Sciences, Professor Dr. Rohana Adnan; INFORMM Senior Lecturer, Dr. Ong Min Thong; USM School of Chemical Sciences Senior Lecturer, Dr. Lim Jin Keat and VANZO Asia Managing Director, Wong Liang Tzer.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Ahmad Anas Hamka Ayob (INFORMM)