Quest International University Perak has appointed two industry advisors for its biotechnology programme. They are Dr Mahaletchumy Arujunan and Arni Balkish. Their appointment is in line with the university’s commitment in ensuring that its programmes are industry-relevant and students are ready for the job market once they graduate.
Mahaletchumy and Arni’s experiences will contribute immensely to the development of the Bachelor of Biotechnology (Hons) programme under the Faculty of Integrative Sciences and Technology. They will advise the faculty on relevant matters to stay abreast with industry practices in order to maintain the programme’s practicality.
Mahaletchumy was listed as one of the 100 most influential people in the field of biotechnology by the 7th edition of “The Scientist American Worldwide View: A Global Biotechnology Perspective Journal”. She is the founder of the country’s first biotechnology newspaper, ‘The Petri Dish’.
Mahaletchumy is well versed in biotechnology laws and regulations and is mentioned in the Biotechnology Law Report, a journal devoted to the evolving body of law and government regulation concerning biotechnology.
Arni is the Vice President of the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation, Malaysia. She has almost 10 years of experience in developing talent specifically in the biotechnology industry. Arni’s areas of expertise include module development and enhancement; graduates career coaching; creative career and skills promotional initiatives; and educational product marketing.
A coaching studio, known as STUDIO 1310 and organised by the Bioeconomy Academy is available for biotechnology and science students. The studio is specifically created to prepare participants for the biotech industry. They will be taught interview techniques and grooming skills by leading career coaches to make them more employable.
