top of page

SLC 2024: The Global Hub for Innovation in the Life Sciences

UM Research


The Selangor Life Sciences Convention (SLC) 2024 which was held on the 16 to19 October 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has redefined the future of life sciences. The event brought together over a hundred organisations, representatives from twenty-five nations, and a number of ground-breaking inventions. Global leaders in pharmaceuticals, biotech, academia, and policymaking gathered at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from16 to 19 October for the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) hosted by Invest Selangor Berhad. It raised the bar for innovation in the life sciences sector, highlighted game-changing discoveries, and sparked revolutionary partnerships.



Promoting UM Research to visitors via interactive games and activities.
Promoting UM Research to visitors via interactive games and activities.

 

Universiti Malaya, through its various departments and institutes, continues to lead the way in global innovation. There were six (6) projects participated in the SLC showcase and exhibition.

Professor Ir. Dr Fatimah Ibrahim, representing the UM Faculty of Engineering, has revolutionised low back pain rehabilitation by monitoring smart wearable devices and enhancing patient care and mobility. Professor Dr Mohd Rafie Johan of NANOCAT has introduced a ground-breaking diagnostic tool—the 7-in-1 Halal PCR Test Kit. The unveiling of xLr®: An ACE Tech Innovation by Professor Dr. Fung Shin Yee demonstrates cutting-edge biotechnology applications in the medical field. The pioneering research of Faculty of Science member Associate Prof Dr Hairul Anuar Tajuddin on Upscaling Nanographene has significantly benefited the electrical and optical sectors. Associate Prof Dr Najihah Hashim, on behalf of CENAR and the Faculty of Pharmacy, has developed UM x CENAR Botanical Personal Care and Food Products, which combine science and nature to offer healthier alternatives for everyday life. Last but not least, NeoGuard, developed by Dr Saw Shier Nee of the Faculty of Computer Science and Technology, is an innovative AI prediction model that can identify preterm newborns early on and provides a state-of-the-art interactive dashboard for continuous fetal monitoring. These innovative breakthroughs are a testament to UM's unwavering commitment to addressing social issues and advancing human knowledge in all fields, and they should make us all proud and inspired.


Professor Dr. Fung Shin Yee’s team members presented their product called xLr®: An ACE Tech Innovation.
Professor Dr. Fung Shin Yee’s team members presented their product called xLr®: An ACE Tech Innovation.
Dr Saw Shier Nee and her team showcased their product called NeoGuard.
Dr Saw Shier Nee and her team showcased their product called NeoGuard.
Upscaling nanographene for electrical and optical industries by Associate Prof Dr Hairul Anuar Tajuddin.
Upscaling nanographene for electrical and optical industries by Associate Prof Dr Hairul Anuar Tajuddin.
Team members of Professor Ir. Dr. Fatimah Ibrahim showcased a smart wearable device designed for monitoring low back pain rehabilitation.
Team members of Professor Ir. Dr. Fatimah Ibrahim showcased a smart wearable device designed for monitoring low back pain rehabilitation.
Team member of Associate Prof Dr Najihah Hashim presented their UM x CENAR Botanical Personal Care and Food Products.
Team member of Associate Prof Dr Najihah Hashim presented their UM x CENAR Botanical Personal Care and Food Products.
The 7-in-1 Halal PCR Test Kit by Professor Dr Mohd Rafie Johan.
The 7-in-1 Halal PCR Test Kit by Professor Dr Mohd Rafie Johan.

At the SLC event, a significant milestone in industry-academia cooperation was celebrated with a ceremony. Universiti Malaya (UM) and AEON Bank as well as other reputable industry partners marked this occasion by signing a unique Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an Agreement. Our collaboration, distinct in its focus on bridging the gap between academic research and industry practices, aims to foster innovation and economic advancement.

The partnership, which was prominently featured on the 22nd October by the Islamic Financial News and other media, is strategically working to advance financial education and industrial research. This unique connection, crucial in fostering industrial-academic links and accelerating innovation and information transfer, was underscored by Harian Metro (21st October ) and Rama Rama (19 October).

According to 1side (19 October) and Dagang News (18 October), UM and AEON Bank are working towards a common goal: developing programs that bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry needs. Media sites like Utusan Malaysia and Wiser have highlighted the partnership's aim to facilitate collaboration between academics and companies, particularly in the financial services industry. This will be achieved through student involvement in research projects and industry-specific classes in Islamic banking, risk management, and financial technology.

As Prebiu stated on 18 October, this collaboration demonstrates the commitment of both parties to the future of education, research, and professional growth. The MoU not only sets the stage for productive collaboration but also cements UM's position as a university leader in fostering significant partnerships that drive innovation and societal progress, with students reaping the practical benefits and a promising future. Other industry partners involved in the signing MoU/MoA with Universiti Malaya are Calisto, China State Construction, Medika Natura, Nutrigene Modern Sciences, Prasarana. Kibing Solar, Hirose Electric Co. Ltd., TOMEI, PETRON, and PMB.


Professor Ir. Dr. Ramesh Singh Kuldip Singh, UM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) with industry partners in MoA/MoU exchange.
Professor Ir. Dr. Ramesh Singh Kuldip Singh, UM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) with industry partners in MoA/MoU exchange.

There were various talks conducted by various industries at the SLC event throughout the three (3) days of event:

 

First Day: A Customised Future in Precision Health

The first day's topic, "Beyond One-Size-Fits-All," emphasised the potential of customised healthcare in the longer term. Professor Dr. Roberto Grobman of Germany's Longevity Labs gave the keynote address on Cell Metabolism and Precision Health. The panels discussed new developments in pharmacogenetics, genetic testing, and nutrigenomics. The Selangor Lab Partnership Programme was established to promote strategic partnerships through the use of cutting-edge facilities and the sharing of success stories.

 

Day 2: Generative AI–Where Innovation and Healthcare Intersect

On the second day, we delved into the topic of AI's revolutionary effects, discussing "The Generative AI Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities." An AI-driven medical breakthrough was the subject of a keynote speech Dr. Le Lu of Alibaba DAMO Academy gave. Industry executives were given practical insights at forums covering essential themes like bioinformatics, AI-driven diagnostics, and tailored medicines.

 

Third-Day: Eco-Friendly Partnerships for the Future of the Life Sciences

Day three focused on sustainable innovation, with the subject "Building Resilient Futures through Life Sciences." Panel topics included sustainable agriculture, biofuels, and international investment possibilities. Nanyang Technological University Professor Dr Miao Chun Yan highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in long-term healthcare. Innovations in smart agrotech and eco-solutions from Korea and Malaysia showed the promise of sustainable, resilient futures.

 

Afternoon 4: Exhibit and Strategic Collaboration

Participating stakeholders were invited to the grand finale for networking events, seminars, and exhibits. This dynamic platform's influence, which allowed for the sharing of information, the display of innovative solutions, and the sparking of partnerships, did not stop with the event.

 

Not only that, Universiti Malaya also participated in the sharing session at the mini stage Hall 6C, level 1:

  1. Introduction to NeoGuard - Talk about the importance of NeoGuard for early-detection of Small-for-Gestational-Age babies by Dr Saw Shier Nee, Faculty of Computer Science and Technology, UM

  2. Resilient Health with xLr®: An ACE Tech Innovation - Educational presentation & animation on how xLr® works, and why it is important, and how the ACE technology can do the same for other medicinal mushrooms and other natural produce by Mr Tan Hao Dong, Faculty of Medicine, UM

  3. Sharing session with strategic partnership – Insights  from research findings and engagement with communities and agencies by Assoc. Professor Dr Najihah Hashim, Centre for Natural Products Research and Drug Discovery (CENAR), UM

  4. Demonstration session Pulih by Nonivasi x CIME by Mr. Joe Lim, Nonivasi Care Sdn. Bhd.

 

Prominent People Who Worked Together

The SLC 2024, hosted by Invest Selangor Berhad, has an outstanding roster of esteemed speakers and contributors from several domains. The Chief Minister of Selangor, YAB Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, the ambassador of Korea to Malaysia, and Invest Selangor Berhad CEO, YBhg. Dato' Hasan Azhari Bin Hj. Idris is among the notable speakers. Renowned experts from various fields will speak at the conference on precision health, regulatory pathways, and artificial intelligence in healthcare. Among them are Professor Dr Roberto Grobman from Longevity Labs in Germany and Precisya Global Inc. in the USA, Dr J.S. Rajkumar from Lifeline Hospitals in India, and Radhakrishnan S from Precisya Global Inc. in the USA. Dr Madan Mohan of MGM Healthcare in India, Professor Dr Chong Pei Pei of Taylor's University in Malaysia, officials from Novartis Malaysia, and the Alibaba DAMO Academy are among the other significant contributors. Personalised healthcare and innovation in the life sciences will be the topics of panel discussions with Singaporean and Malaysian business magnates like Ms Shivani Narasimhan and Dr Anna Hoo, as well as UAE and Malaysian academics.

 


Universiti Malaya booth during SLC 2024.
Universiti Malaya booth during SLC 2024.

Participating organisations

More than a hundred organisations showcased state-of-the-art life science solutions, including global powerhouses like Novartis Malaysia, Ricca Pharmaceuticals, and Universiti Malaya. Launch of the Event and Important Results YBhg Dato’ officially opened the convention. Invest Selangor Berhad's Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Hasan Azhari Bin Hj. Idris. The Chief Minister of Selangor, YAB Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, made a memorable speech emphasizing the state's dedication to promoting international collaborations and accelerating innovation in the field of life sciences.

 

Programme for Selangor Lab Partnership: Promoting Innovation and International Cooperation

The Selangor Lab Partnership Programme's live demonstrations displayed innovative capabilities and state-of-the-art facilities. Multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to develop relationships to promote future innovation, facilitating strategic collaborations during the event. With thousands of participants from more than 25 countries, the program's worldwide reach was making an impression.

 

A Vision for a Global Impact

Health problems, sustainable development, and food security were among the pressing issues that SLC 2024 brought together academics, businesses, and politicians to tackle. The significance of interdisciplinary innovation was highlighted during the conference, further establishing Selangor as a world leader in life science innovation. Shared wealth and long-term progress were envisioned as outcomes of the event, which sparked innovative solutions. Worldwide, the scientific and healthcare communities will feel its effects, leading to more cooperation and innovation.

 

"Selangor is leading the way in life sciences, fostering innovations that address global challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and technology." YAB Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari says. Delve into the realm of life sciences' far-off future right now. To network, share ideas, and work together, visit the website of the Selangor Life Sciences Convention!

7 views0 comments

Comments


Join our mailing list

Research Services Division, Department of Research Management (JPP), Universiti Malaya

Tel: +603-7967 4525/ 4651/6289

Created with Wix.com

The UM Research Bulletin highlights the latest research and innovation news and updates at the Universiti Malaya.

FOLLOW UMRESEARCH

  • White Facebook Icon
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
bottom of page