The Star, 21 January, 2007

Options galore in biotech

ENCOMPASSING fields from medicine to agriculture, bio-information to marine studies, and even touching ethical, legal and safety issues, biotechnology certainly offers a vast area of study. 

“It is an interdisciplinary science that not only involves biology, but also has elements of physics, chemistry and computer science,” said Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (Mabic) biotechnology information officer Joel William. 

He was speaking at the Star Education Fair 2007's Career Talk on Biotechnology.  

With so many different specialties available, students who want to go into biotechnology are advised to identify their area of interest and focus on it. 

Another speaker, Malaysian Palm Oil Board senior research officer of biotechnology Dr Meilina Ong Abdullah, said: “Biotechnology is a very wide field. There are so many things you can do; you have to choose what best suits you.” 

She said that biotechnology graduates need not be based solely in the lab doing research, but can also do fieldwork, teach or go into complementary fields like bio-information and bio-statistics. 

“Believe it or not, it is very difficult to get good statisticians. We need people who understand biology so that they can translate the biological findings into maths,” she said. 

Fellow presenter, Universiti Malaya biotechnology lecturer Prof Dr S. Chandran added: “In Malaysia, the focus is on medical and plant biotechnology because health and food always gets attention. 

“But if you choose something less popular, you may end up more in demand because less people are doing it.” 

With employability being a major concern nowadays, students should also look into acquiring additional skills or knowledge that can complement their biotechnology degree. 

Said William, who graduated with a biotechnology degree two years ago: “I didn't just focus on biotechnology; I also minored in computer science, which led me to my current job as an information officer. 

“So I would encourage students to not only concentrate on research, but to develop other skills as well.” 

For example, he said, developing writing skills could lead to a job as a science communications writer, computer science to bio-information, law to patent agents, entrepreneurship to business and finance to venture capitalism. 

Prof Chandran agreed: “Students need to equip themselves with extra skills. Currently, the skills most required are proficiency in English and an ability to communicate your ideas clearly to others.” 

Dr Meilina also emphasised the need for students to undergo industrial training during their degree programme. 

“It is very important for you to do practical training during your programme as this will help you to identify the skills that you lack and need to improve before graduating.”