6 December 2022

Time : 10.30 am – 12.30pm (2 hrs)

Venue : D204 (2) lab

Speaker 1: Ms. Siow I Rene (Head of Herbal Industry Development Unit, Department of Agriculture, DOA)

Speaker 2: Ms. Angela Wong (Agriculture Consultants)

The technical talk was organized by Department of Bioscience, FOAS on 6 Dec 2022 to introduce agricultural sectors especially in the field of herbal industry, various edible flowers and plants. The speakers introduced various types of herb plants, demonstrated lab activities with fun quizzes and shared their expertise and scope of their background, career prospects in the field of agriculture. Two topics were covered by speakers which is Topic 1: Herbal Industry Developments by Ms. Siow I Rene and Topic 2: Amazing Edible Flowers and Plants by Ms.Angela Wong. The technical talk was attended by a total of 35 students and 5 lecturers comprising from Diploma in Science (DSC) and RBS (Bioscience with Chemistry) programme. The objectives of the technical talk was to give exposure to enhance students’ learning experiences about the various types of herbs, method of cultivation, edible flowers and plants. Besides that, this talk provides an interaction platform for industry partners to share their real-world experts and expectation in agricultural sectors. The Department of Agriculture also gave 8 sets of Agriculture Kits and “Dari Laman Ke Dapur” books to department and students. It was indeed an interesting talk for our students to consider venturing into agriculture field especially in the herbal industry.

30 November 2022

Presenter(s): Tit Tar Man Team

Time : 4 - 5pm 

Venue: Google Meet

Aim

1) To expose our students to different career paths in the industry

2) To provide knowledge to our students on the linkages between traditional medicine and modern medicine

Summary

The Tit Tar Man Team shared their knowledge to a total of 20 students from both the Diploma and Bachelor’s degree level. The team highlighted on the difficulty that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused towards the sporting sector due to the lockdown and how the company had to modify their operations to comply with the restrictions. They also introduced how traditional medicine has been integrated with modern medicine with application of cupping, acupoint massage, and acupuncture to modern medicine of sport taping, physical therapy and more. They also provided a brief introduction of their company and how it was developed followed with the different career opportunities along with industrial training placement.

1 October 2022

Company: LKE Group

Location: LKE Greentech Farm, LKE Group Show Farm (Manchis, Bentong, Pahang)

A field visit was conducted for students who were taking Behaviour and Physiology of Plants (BABS2233) subject. The aim was to enhance students’ exposure to current cultivation techniques in the industry and their potential applications. The visit also hoped to foster better relationships with LKE Group, honouring the MoU signed between both parties and looking forward for more collaborations. Both the LKE Greentech Farm and LKE Group Show Farm are located at Manchis, Pahang. A total of 20 students and 1 lecturer (Dr. Low Ying Chiang) have participated in this visit. All of us gathered at theYum Yum Café prior departure to destination at 7.00 a.m. via TAR UC bus.

Upon arrival at the LKE Greentech Farm at 9.30 a.m., we were met and welcomed by Kok Jian and Sky Ng. The fun field trip was immediately commenced by boarding into a Tuk Tuk for a short ride to LKE Group Show Farm (Figure 1). There, modern and well managed durian orchard equipped with irrigation (drip and sprinkler) and water reservation systems were demonstrated to students. Apart from various cultivars of durian (not limited to Black Thorn, Musang King, etc.), various fruit trees (guava, soursop, pulasan, rambutan, etc.) also benefited from this well-planned cultivation. Besides, we were also informed about availability of mini zoo, homestay, bed and breakfast and glamping facilities at the show farm. This has further enhanced students’ knowledge about agro-ecotourism and aimed to impart the ideas of upcoming trends of agriculture, not just limited to planting and farming.

The visit continued at the LKE Greentech Farm where students were briefed by Kok Jian and Jackson Lim about hydroponic cultivation of vegetables. This has included leafy vegetables cultivation via nutrient film technique (Figure 3), soilless cultivation of tomato, melons and ginger (Figure 4). The greenhouse was one of the highlights during the visit where nutrients (fertilisers) needed and temperature control were fully automated and closely monitored by computer systems. All these technologies have further enhanced students understanding about modern cultivation techniques and their limitless potentials.

LKE Group has also hosted us light refreshments at the café of LKE Greentech Farm with spectacular unobstructed nature scenery of Manchis. Prior to departure, students were given the opportunity to purchase fresh produces of vegetables and melon. The visit was concluded with group photo at the entrance of LKE Greentech Farm (Figure 5) and we started our journey back to TARUC main campus at 1.00 p.m. All of us arrived TARUC main campus safely at 4.00 p.m., marked the end of the field visit.

Heartfelt thanks to TARUC, Faculty of Applied Sciences and LKE Group for allowing this meaningful event to take place. All students enjoyed this trip and brought home not only freshest produces but knowledge they have picked up during this trip. Looking forward to more collaborations in near future.

27 – 28 September 2022 

Venue : Yum Yum Café 

Food and Science Roadshow 2022 is an event integrates the knowledge of science, business, and entrepreneurship in student soft skill training. The event aims to expose students to equipment, accessories and consumables used in food science research and different business natures in food industry. To achieve this objective, six companies, namely Nestlin Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Signature Market, IRA Noah PLT, Empire Bioscience Sdn. Bhd., Orbiting Scientific & Technology Sdn. Bhd. and WeShare Berhad were invited to participate in this event. Empire Bioscience Sdn. Bhd. and Orbiting Scientific & Technology Sdn. Bhd., which are the laboratory supplies companies exhibited diverse range of new products and consumables that are popularly used for food safety and quality analysis in food industry. Meanwhile, the other companies exhibited and sold their products at promotional price. The theme of foods sold in the event was ‘Health Food’. Various health foods, such as nuts, dried fruits, plant-based burger, edible bird’s nest essence, probiotic juice, kombucha and many more were sold during the event. Apart from that, the two iSpark team from FOAS were also successfully launched the first market testing of the project during the event. Besides, the RFN1S2, RFN1S3 and RBS3S1 students were also organized an interactive knowledge sharing session to deliver their scientific knowledge in food analysis and biotechnology to students in attended the event. Different games were designed to attract student participation. 

Furthermore, this event was also provided an entrepreneurial platform to students, whereby the committees of Food Science Society and Chemistry and Biology Society carried out their fundraising activity by selling different foods, such as brownies, cheesecake, sandwich, sparkling drinks, and so on. This faculty event was in line with TAR UC ‘Beyond Education’ aspiration and compliant with the SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by engaging the food industry in student soft skill training activities and introducing health food choices in the current food market.

24 September 2022 

Time: 7.00am – 8.30 pm

Venue: TARUC Johor Branch Campus and C&C Mushroom Cultivation Farm (M) Sdn. Bhd. Tangkak, Johor                    

Department of Bioscience organized the Mushroom Cultivation Workshop with collaboration with Aquaculture Society, TARUC Johor Branch to educate students in growing organic mushroom. The study trip was part of the learning activities of the courses AACB3214 Biodiversity and Ecology and BABS1223 Ecology and Biodiversity to give exposure to the students with the practical skills in growing organic mushroom in line with SDG2 (End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture) and to expose the operation of mushroom industry and also internship and job opportunity. 

A total of 42 students from various programme (DSC2, RBS1, RBS2, RBS3 & RAN) with Ms.Selvi Chellappan (Programme Leader) and Ms.Chia Meow Lin (Principal Lecturer) joined the study trip. The Mushroom Cultivation Workshop was conducted at TARUC Johor Branch Campus which was facilitated by Dr.Hoe Yin Chen, Senior Lecturer teaching Aquaculture programme with the help of Aquaculture Society students. The students anticipated with the practical workshop on how to prepare the mushroom substrate bag with the following steps such as storage, mixing and bagging, steaming, cooling, mushroom seed inoculation, and incubation / spawn running. All the students were given a bag of mushroom substrate to cultivate the mushroom at home. To give a better exposure in mushroom industry, students were given an opportunity to visit one the largest mushroom farm, C&C Mushroom Cultivation Farm(M) Sdn. Bhd. at Tangkak, Johor. At the farm, we were welcomed by Mr. Chew Swee Ong founder and CEO and TAR Alumni. Students were given a tour around the farm from the processing, preparation, seed inoculation, incubation, and packaging. The concept of “waste to zero waste” is also applied in the processes in farm which in line with sustainable development goals.  

The study trip was indeed an eye-opener and exposure to the students of the theories learned in undergraduate and how to apply the sciences in research, industrial and commercial sectors. 

10 & 11 September 2022

Time: 11.00am – 7.00 pm

Venue: Wangsa Walk Mall

Faculty of Applied Sciences organized Mid-Autumn Festival in collaboration with Wangsa Walk Mall, MCL Land Company as part of community service events. The event was coordinated by the Chemistry & Biology Society, Food Science Society and Sport Science Society. The event aims to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with the community through learning and playing the traditional board game “Weiqi”, to create awareness and educate the public on the benefits of 3R (reducing, reusing and recycling) materials to save the environment, and to showcase the baking skill in making healthy mooncake. This event also provides exposure to students to enhance their social, interpersonal and leadership skills when engaging with the community and organizing the events. Besides, the event complies with the SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by engaging various activities of the two day events. 

Chemistry & Biology Society and Food Science Society with the theme “Be the Change, Start Today with Mid-Autumn Festival” organized various activities such as Mid-Autumn Lantern Making Contest using recycled materials, DIY Mooncake Box Design Contest, Creative Soap Carving Contest, Making Lantern Fest Theme Fan & Paper Bag Craft using recycled materials, Art and Craft Workshop for kids with recycling theme and Snow Skin Mooncake making workshop. On the other hand, the Sport Science Society organized Weiqi workshop and competition with the theme “Conquer the Mid-Autumn Festival with Weiqi” in order to create awareness among people of the traditional board game “Weiqi” as a mental sport for mental wellbeing. To further highlight the event, the Tzu Chi Foundation also joined the Mid-Autumn Festival to promote public awareness about protecting the environment.

The two days events were participated by various groups of people from young children, students and adults. Wangsa Walk Mall organization sponsored the gifts, hampers and vouchers for the winners of the competition organized by the students. The Mid-Autumn Festival was an eye-opener for our students in line with the TAR UC tagline ‘Beyond Education’ aspiration to give exposure to students to enhance their social and interpersonal skills when engaging with community. 

9 September 2022

Three students from BSs (Hons) in Applied Physics (Instrumentation) led by Mr Chong Nyok Kian (programme leader) visited Excel Test Sdn Bhd at Petaling Jaya on 9 September 2022. The company provides validation & calibration in health & pharmaceutical related industries. The objective of the industrial visit was to provide the students an insight regarding the internal working of companies which provides them a practical perspective on the world of work.

3 September 2022

An online forum titled “Gen Z Chemist: Our Future” was held on 3 September 2022 online via Zoom. TARUC was one of the co-organizers of the forum (International Medical University, IMU was the main organizer). The objective of the forum was to develop interest in young people, especially Gen-Z Chemists, to explore the opportunities and challenges facing by mankind currently. A total of 19 students from TARUC participated the forum.

17 August 2022

An educational talk titled “My Career Path as a Physicist: Successes, Failures and Lessons Learned” by Dr Iavn Scivetti, a computational scientist from Science and Technology Facilities Council, University of Liverpool was held online via Google Meet on 17 August 2022 to students as well as lecturers from FOAS and FOET. The objective of the talk was to expose TARUC students to career path choices and possible research area in contemporary science. A total of 25 students and lecturers attended the talk. The talk lasted about 1 hour and 15 minutes including a question-and-answer session where a few students and staff took the opportunity to ask Dr Ivan about his research.

29 July 2022 – 16 December 2022

Coffee Table Talk Series 2 is a monthly event organized by Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Empire Bioscience Sdn. Bhd., Nestlin Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Aji-No-Riki (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Hybrid Allied Dairy Company Sdn. Bhd., Everest 23 Professional Solutions Sdn. Bhd. and Signature Market Sdn. Bhd. The event with the theme ‘Trust your food: The role of scientist, industry and government’ comprised of six talks as follows: 

(1) ‘Advanced analytical techniques in food safety and quality control’ by Ms. Chow Ming Foong from Empire Bioscience Sdn. Bhd.

(2) ‘Food safety and quality control systems in production line: Case study of edible bird’s nest production’ by Datuk Sia Swee Seng from Nestlin Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

(3) ‘Risk of acrylamide contamination: Safety and quality control in coffee’ by Ms. Hoo Mei Yee from Aji-No-Riki (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. 

(4) ‘Cold chain management in food safety and quality control’ by Dr. Thomas Ong from Hybrid Allied Dairy Company Sdn. Bhd. 

(5) ‘Halal foods for all’ by Mr. Chandraprasad from Everest 23 Professional Solutions Sdn. Bhd.

(6) ‘Holistic view of “Better for you” segment in FMCG’ by Mr. Edwin Wang from Signature Market Sdn. Bhd. 

The event aimed to increase the exposure of students to the contemporary issues of food safety and quality management in the present food industry. Through this event, the students had the opportunity to directly interact with the food industry players to obtain first-hand industry relevant information about the practice of current industry in managing food safety and product quality aspects. 

This event was conduct in either virtual (Google Meet) or physical mode. Each talk was attended by approximately 30 – 100 participants, who are mostly students from food science programme and some of them are from other programmes in TAR UMT. A total of 48 participants were attended at least three talks of this event and eligible to be awarded with soft skill points. 

At the end of this event, the participants gained knowledge about the scientific techniques used in the food industry to monitor safety and quality of production in production. Besides, the participants were also exposed to the advanced technology in edible bird’s nest processing for premium raw edible bird’s nest production. Besides, the issue of acrylamide contamination in roasted coffee was also discussed and awareness towards the safety of roasted coffee beans had been created. Furthermore, the participants were also exposed to the knowledge of cold chain management system in the dairy industry and sales and marketing strategies in health foods industry. Last but not least, the halal food issue was also discussed. Participants who joined all six talks are expected to gain a simple overview on the food safety and quality management in different food industries.  

28 July 2022

Time: 11.00 am to 12.00pm; 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm 

Venue: Auditorium, Bangunan Tun Tan Siew Sin, TAR UC

On 28th July 2022, the Department of Bioscience organized an academic talk and a research talk. The speaker of the talk was Professor Dr. Kevin Burgess (Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University).  The objective of the talk was to expose students and lecturers to different teaching and learning approaches in addition to introduction of different research areas to students and lecturers. The talks were attended by a few lecturers (Dr. Low Ying Chiang, Ms. Selvi A/P Chellappan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Pei Ling, Ms. Lim Lee Chang and Dr. Ong Yien Yien), and 142 students from Science, Food Science, Bioscience, and Analytical Chemistry programmes.

First academic talk focused on psychological approaches to learning chemistry. The talk covers interesting theories and methods to aid students in mastering chemistry particularly at undergraduate level. Prof. Kevin shared some dos and don’ts in learning chemistry. The interesting and informative lectures captured the student’s attention making the lecture sessions interactive and lively. The activity has given students a new perspective of learning chemistry. 

The second talk was a research talk covering the progression of research in tumor-seeking dyes. Prof. Kevin introduced the small molecules designed to track tumor and the efficiency of the small molecules was shown. The tumor seeking dyes is useful as a precious tool for in vivo optical imaging of the tumor tissue. The talk explored  the diversity of chemistry research and introduced the relevant application of the research outcome to instill research culture in students.

13 – 15 June 2022

Presenter(s): Republic Polytechnic, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Tianjin University of Sport

Theme: Major Games Preparation

Time given: 9:00 am to 5:30pm

Venue: Zoom

Aim

1) To broaden students’ horizon and global cultural awareness in sports science through interaction with students in Malaysia, Singapore and China

2) To promote cross cultural relationship among students of Tianjin University of Sport (China), Republic Polytechnic (Singapore) and TAR UC (Malaysia)

The 3-days program consisted of 12 students representing each institution of higher learning on the theme of “Major Games Preparation”. The 3-days program consisted of a Facilities and Campus Tour of each institution along student-led activities and cultural sharing. In each day, there was a staff sharing session by each institution that was centered around the theme of Major Games Preparation. TAR UC students were also involved in leading the whole of the 2nd day of the events as each day was led by each respective institution. Each day was concluded with a 3-hour problem-based case study where students were divided into breakout rooms and were to work together to identify issues and provide a solution for a specific case study theme. A presentation by each group was done on the last day to demonstrate their understanding and solutions.

For TAR UC, AP Dr Kok Lian Yee shared her experience and knowledge on “Examining the Coach Development Pathway for Malaysian Coaches”. AP Dr Kok pointed out education process of a Malaysian coach and the importance of matching coaching levels with athletes’ levels of development. 

22 April 2022

Time : 4 – 5.30 pm (1.5 hrs) 

Venue : Through GOOGLE MEET

Speaker : Mr. Kelvin Lim Huah Seng (Assistant Vice President, HR Charoen Pokphand

Foods Group Malaysia Aquaculture)

The Industrial Career talk was organized by Department of Bioscience, FOAS to introduce Asia Aquaculture (M) Sdn. Bhd (CP Malaysia) on 22th April 2022, Friday (4.00 – 5.30pm) via virtual platform Google meet. The online talk was attended by a total of 62 students comprising from RBS (Bioscience with Chemistry) & RFN (Food Science) programme. The objective of the Industrial Career talk was to give an exposure to our graduating batch and upcoming internship students about the company background and scope of their core business in the field of Animal, Agro & Aquaculture Food Manufacturing Industry. Besides that, Mr.Kelvin Lim was delighted to offer a very good apprenticeship programme related to career prospects for fresh graduates and internship placement programme at Asia Aquaculture. It was indeed an eye opener for our students to consider venturing into aquaculture field which requires many potential fresh graduates from the field of Bioscience and Food Science.

21 April 2022

Time: 3.00pm to 5.00pm 

Venue: D104, Block D, TAR UC

On 21st April 2022, the Department of Bioscience organized a technical talk on Technology Advancement in Microbiological Analysis from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The speaker of the talk was Ms. Manida Chap Kiau (Assistant Technical Support Manager) together with another 2 demonstrators, Ms. Chevy Teoh (Assistant Sales Manager) and Mr. Andrew (Technical Support Executive).  The objective of the talk was to equip student with current advanced technology in microbiological analyses which are applied in the industry. The talk was attended by few lecturers (Dr. Low Ying Chiang, Ms. Selvi A/P Chellappan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Pei Ling and Dr. Ong Yien Yien), and students from Diploma in Food Science and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Food Science programme.

This technical talk was held to provide the staff and students the updated information about the current methods used in identification and quantification of food spoilage microorganisms and food pathogens which are important in the quality assurance and quality control of food production. The talk covers theory and demonstrations about conventional methods, film/enzymatic methods, lateral flow methods, ELISA, PCR. The talk provided great exposure for students to know more about the current application of methods in the field of food safety and allow them to experience with hands-on demonstration.

9 March 2022 to 1 April 2022

A Joint Lecture Series was organized with collaboration between Department of Bioscience, FOAS and Universitas Ciputra, Surabaya through virtual Zoom and Google Meet platform on month of March and April 2022. The lecture series were attended by Bachelor programme students from Food Science and Bioscience with Chemistry from both universities. The lecture covers the Basic Biochemistry and Basic Microbiology for Food Science, which involves exchange of lecture among Assoc. Prof Dr.Loh Khye Er and Ms. Selvi Chellappan from TARUC and Dr. Joko Sulistyo, Dr.Masdiana Padaga and Dr. Tatas H.P.Brotosudarmo from Universitas Ciputra. It was indeed a good exposure for our students to learn and understand different point of idea, view, illustration and explanation from this joint lecture series. 

9 & 11 March 2022

Venue:  Rehabilitation Department, Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital

Sport Medicine Specialist: Colonel (Dr) Mohd Fazlizam bin Ahmad

Aim

To expose students on the daily tasks performed in the hospital rehabilitation department.

To provide our students new knowledge in modern rehabilitation treatment modalities.

The field visits were successfully conducted on 9th March 2022 and 11th March 2022 involving sixteen (16) students and one (1) lecturer (Dr Ebby Waqash bin Mohamad Chan) from the Department of Sport Science. Students were welcomed by Rehabilitation Department staff and given a briefing by Col. Dr Mohd Fazlizam bin Ahmad, Head of Rehabilitation Department. In the field visit, students were exposed to the sub-divisions of the rehabilitation department which include physiotherapy and occupational therapy. 

In the physiotherapy department, students were briefed on pain management modalities which include cryotherapy, hydrocollator ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), infrared therapy, spinal traction, shockwave diathermy, and hydrotherapy. Students were also shown a demonstration of hands-on physiotherapy treatment for in-patients who had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. They also had the chance to use the Alter-G Anti-Gravity treadmill, which was an unforgettable experience for them. 

In the occupational therapy department, students were shown tools and instruments used to help disabled patients adapt to their disabilities, such as paraffin wax, splinting, and an active daily living (ADL) room. They were also given the opportunity to visit a relaxation room, which has special visual, sound, and smell effects that allow patients with psychological issues to relax and rest.

In addition to the traditional rehabilitation department, students were shown a functional isokinetic machine that could be used for training and testing of specific functional and sports skills. This provided students with a better understanding of their role as sports science practitioners on the sports medicine team.

The visitation concluded with all students and staff safely arriving at the TARUC main campus in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur.

28 January 2022

Coffee Table Talk Series is a monthly event organized by Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences in collaboration with Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine (GXUCM), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJLTU), University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), The National University of Malaysia (UKM) and CAIQTEST Malaysia. The event with theme ‘Journey to Health and Wellness: The Functional Food Fad’ comprised of six talks as follows: 

(1) ‘Marine medicinal diet and functional product development’ by Prof. Dr. Hao Erwei from GXUCM

(2) ‘Marine medicine and functional food safety and quality analysis’ by Prof. Dr. Hou Xiaotao from GXUCM

(3) ‘Is functional food equivalent to dietary supplement?’ by Dr. Ma Zheng Fei from XJLTU 

(4) ‘The safe use of medicinal plant in functional food’ by Dr. Teh Lai Kuan from UTAR 

(5) ‘Advanced technologies in functional food development’ by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Seng Joe from UKM 

(6) ‘Future perspective of functional food product’ by Dr. Ch’ng Soo Ee from CAIQTEST Malaysia 

The event aimed to increase the level of knowledge and understanding of students and researchers on the state-of-the-art of functional food research and current functional food market. Besides, this event also provided an interaction platform for researchers from local and oversea institutions to share their knowledge about functional food, hence enhance students’ learning experience and future career planning. 

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, this event was conducted on Microsoft Teams platform. Each talk was attended by approximately 50 – 150 participants, who are students and researchers from TARUC and the collaborators. A total of 109 participants were attended at least three talks of this event and eligible to be awarded with certificate of participation and soft skill point for TAR UC students. 

At the end of this event, the participants gained knowledge about the goodness and value of marine resources for modern functional food product development, scientific techniques to assess quality and safety of functional food, the differences between nutraceutical and pharmaceutical, advantages and limitations of medicinal plant in functional food product development, modern and green technologies in functional food production and market potential of functional food in local and global food systems.