THAILAND, 11 December 2022 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has been chosen as the host for the 14th Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle University Network (IMT-GT UNINET) Bioscience International Conference, to be held in Penang in 2024.

This was mentioned during the closing ceremony of the recent 13th IMT-GT UNINET Bioscience 2022 International Conference which took place at the BP Samila Beach Hotel and Resort Songkhla, Thailand from 8-9 December 2022.

It also marked the handing over of the IMT-GT UNINET Bioscience conference flag to the representative of the next host, USM.

The Director of the USM Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Professor Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai was present to receive the conference flag on behalf of USM.

Aside from the anchor universities, Prince of Songkhla University (Thailand), Universitas Syiah Kuala (Indonesia) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (Malaysia); various notable individuals delivered their keynote and plenary speeches, in addition to researchers and students from other institutions who also participated in this conference and presented their findings and research.

During her closing speech, Associate Professor Dr. Anchana Prathep, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkhla University, reiterated the importance of collaboration and understanding amongst the member countries and continuous support of the bioscience disciplines to progress.

As the event of the 13th IMT-GT UNINET Bioscience International conference came to a close, Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat (exercising the function of the Vice-Chancellor of USM) wrapped up the conference and extended her warm welcome to the delegates who will be attending the upcoming 14th edition of the conference.

In her pre-recorded speech that was beamed to the audience, Narimah said, “This regional concerted effort by all researchers from different fields to improve and manage our natural resources should be lauded. I strongly believe that this conference is an extraordinary testimony to our capacity-building at the regional and local levels.”

 

“I also believe that a significant information system, multidisciplinary and transboundary research for global transformation work is important to achieve the goal of environmental sustainability,” she added.

The conference with the theme ‘BCG Economy towards SDGs for the Benefit of Mankind’, also saw students from USM emerging as Best Presenters in several categories.

Best oral presentation for Medicine and Health was awarded to Sanggari Anamalai, and Biowastes & Food Science and Technology to Georgia Mori Aggo, both hailing from the School of Biological Sciences.

In the categories of Aquaculture, the best presenter was conferred to Mathan Ganasan and Climate Change & Environment to Lim Er Vin from CEMACS.

The member countries will reconvene once again in two years’ time in Penang, as they continue with the sharing of knowledge and scientific discussions.

As the host of the 14th IMT-GT UNINET Bioscience International Conference, USM is looking forward to welcome participants for this upcoming event in Penang, 2024.

Source: Prof. Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin