325 primary & secondary students take part in genetics workshops
325 students from 16 primary and secondary schools experimented with genetics science at the Penang Science Cafe at Wisma Yeap Chor Ee. Sponsored by B. Braun Medical Industries, the genetics workshops held from 7th to 11th August 2017 were taught by a team of scientists from the Science Bridge initiative of the University of Kassel in Germany.
The students learnt about the effects of inherited family genes, extracted DNA from fruit and their own mucosal cells, amplified their own DNA fragments using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to examine their individual genetic fingerprints and even identified a “murderer’ in a simulated crime scene investigation.
Ms. Anna Maria Braun, Management Board Member of B. Braun Melsungen AG and President of B. Braun Asia Pacific, said, “For 45 years, B. Braun has grown together with the people of Penang. We want to do our part to contribute to its continued progress and development, especially in nurturing the young. It is B. Braun’s privilege to help to build new generations of innovators and thinkers with a deep interest in the Sciences for the country.
Mr. Ooi Peng Ee, CEO, Penang Science Cluster (PSC), said, “The core aim of the PSC is to ensure that our future generations are highly proficient in their knowledge of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S. T. E. M) subjects. We are delighted to support B. Braun Medical Industries, the Pillar Lead for Life Sciences and Medical Health under the PSC, to organize these workshops to build a strong interest in the Genetic Sciences.”
Invited with the support of the Penang Science Cluster, the 325 students participating in the genetics workshops were from SK Convent Light Street, SK Francis Light, SK (P) Methodist, SK St. Xavier Cawangan, SMK Penang Free, SMK St George, SMK Bukit Jambul, SMK (P) Cina, SMJK Chung Ling, SMK Heng Ee, SMK Chung Ling Butterworth, SMK Convent Butterworth, SMK St Xavier, SM Sains Kepala Batas, SMK Tinggi Bukit Mertajam and SMK Jit Sin Bukit Mertajam.
Genetics is one of the most important scientific fields of study to safeguard the future of the human race. The study of genetics yields answers on how we can cure diseases, improve human health, manage environmental challenges; as well as develop innovative agricultural solutions to continue feeding the world’s population. Well-trained biologists are crucially needed in the fields of biomedicine, agriculture, animal breeding, material science and biodiversity management.
For more information, please contact:
Joanna Ng
joanna.ng@bbraun.com
P: +604 632 4399, M: +6012 889 8911
