The Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (FRST) and the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC) joined together to successfully hold the FRST-IBEC Research Open Day, which was successfully held on the 29th of October 2024. The Research Open Day marked a special moment for FRST-IBEC, attended by YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, Professor Dr. Hj Ahmad Hata bin Rasit, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Associate Professor Dr. Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan, the Dean of the Faculty, and Prof. Dr. Mohd Azlan Jayasilan Abdul Gulam Azad, Director of the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC).
The opening ceremony was officiated by YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, who tapped an Iban traditional drum (Gendang Pampat) three times as the opening symbol of the research open day. Then, the crowd was entertained by talented students from SK Merdang, Kota Samarahan, who executed a spectacular performance using Orang Ulu’ Sape’ and Iban’s Gendang Pampat. A special video montage summarizing Borneo Satellite Network’s (BoSAN) journey was also presented. The event proceeded with a MoU handling ceremony between FRST and Lotus Farm Agritech Sdn. Bhd., highlighting the main event of the open day. This year’s open day theme, “BioAi: Frontiers of Science,” portrayed the fusion of artificial intelligence and biotechnology in paving the way for unprecedented scientific advancements. By harnessing the power of AI together with scientific knowledge, scientists can create innovative and sustainable solutions that significantly improve the quality of life on a global scale.
A total of 35 booths were set during the exhibition. 18 booths represented the faculty which included Science Avengers (5), FRST Postgraduate students (6), lectures (6) and Persaintifik (1) respectively. Others were booths from IBEC, ONE MAS Sdn. Bhd., WWF Malaysia, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Sarawak Forest Department, Mineral and Geosciences Department Sarawak, and Wildlife Conservation Society. In addition, the open day welcomed students from the local primary and secondary schools. The participating schools were SK Sibu Laut, SK Buso, SMK Muara Tuang, and SMK Lundu, which brought the total to 200 students. The outstanding support from local schools indicated the relevance of this event in promoting a community-driven university.
During the one-day event, various activities and scientific exhibitions took place in the crowd, with some booths performing on-site experiments, fun games, product exhibitions, surveys, and many more. All participants and visitors were able to enjoy the activities that were exclusively planned by their respective booths. Most importantly, exposure to the world of nature science was one of the objectives of this open day. As the open day went on, Professor Dr. Ramlah Zainuddin delivered her insights as a university professor during her afternoon talk entitled “Moment with Professor” session in the evening. The event continued with a session by Ms. Chritabel from Bioeconomy Corporation. Her session focused on exploring the career pathways in biotechnology and bio-based companies. The FRST – IBEC Research Open Day was successfully conducted, fostering meaningful collaboration among researchers and sparking engaging discussions. This significant milestone can only be achieved with continuous support from faculty members, higher management, and external stakeholders.