Horizon Campus gears up to be a leading force in Bio Technology Education in the country
View(s):Horizon Campus with their vision of establishing itself as a leading institute in the country in bio technology education,has strengthened their ongoing relationship and affiliation with the Nilai University in Malaysia. Nilaiis a highly respected and internationally recognised University for their unique programmes thatdraws on world-leading academics and industry champions to deliverin-depth multidisciplinary curriculums to meet the evolving needs of the bio tech industry.
Dr.NgShee Ping, Head of the Department of Applied Science at Nilai University,on a recent visit, cited their future plans with Horizon Campus and the extension of activities over the next one year.
The names under the picture should go as Dr. Lekha Wanasakera (Dean Faculty of Science Horizon Campus), Dr. Ng Shee Ping (Head of Department of Applied Science Nilai University), Prof. S. J. B. A. Jayasekera (Vice-chancellor Horizon Campus).
She said that their affiliation has encouraged research collaborations that has leveraged the strengths of both the University and the campus. “When universities and institutes such as us ours work together in this manner, we will help to push the frontiers of biotechnology based knowledge, to become a powerful engine for innovation”.
Learning Outcomes: She said therefore that the main focus over the next one year would be based ongearing student knowledge with the latest biotechnology discoveries and trends and developing a solid foundation in research and innovation at the Campus.
She explained “our latest degree programmes are designed todevelop students understanding of biotechnology theory and research, biomedical product development, clinical trial research, tissue culture, nanotechnology, current industry practices, biotechnology innovation and molecular biology techniques.Students will gain experience in experimental and case study design, scientific data analysis, writing and communication, strategies for research and development management and entrepreneurship within the biotechnology and biopharma industries.They will undertake research projects which requires an understanding of a wide range of techniques and published literature, originality in the application of knowledge, and some degree of self-direction.Business components and soft skill development arealso included in the programme to train well-rounded scientists who are also business savvy and socially confident.In particular, students will understand the process of transforming solutions, discoveries and ideas into marketable productsand will be able to communicate by formal reports and oral presentations at a high standard.”
Cutting edge facilities:As a part of the high quality standards expected by Nilai of their partner institutes, Horizon Campus has invested in state-of-the art Biotechnology laboratories that include some of the best equipment for carrying out research in antibiotic discovery, biomedical sciences, microbiology and genetic engineering. These labs will allow staff and students from the Biosciences department to use industry-standard equipment to facilitate new and exciting research.“By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure, we ensure that students and faculty can make important breakthroughs in high-quality biotech research and help foster a proactive approach to translating research results into economic and social added value”, said Dr.Ng.
Hence, Horizons Campus’s overall aim and long-term solution over the next year istwofold.One is to effectively strengthen the knowledge of their students in bio technology to be on par with global standards and requirements.The second is to offer modern facilities and labs that are fully-equipped for young researchers to advance in their fields through cutting edge research and innovation, as well as to support the creation of optimal environments for biotech entrepreneurs taking their first steps into the industry.
With such a roadmap in place, Horizon Campus looks well geared to supportlocal companiesby providing ‘future ready’ talent to take the industry forward in the field of biotechnology and be a leading force in delivering top notch bio technology education to the country.