The Second Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing Symposium 2017 (BBS 2017) was successfully organised by the Bioprocessing & Biomanufacturing Research Centre (BBRC) and the Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), with joint collaboration with the Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on 12th December 2017. In conjunction with the theme ““Pursuing Innovation in Bioprocessing”, the two-day symposium was held at the Auditorium Murad Mohd Noor, Sains@USM Complex, Bukit Jambul, Penang, with the aim to continue on the foundation laid by the inaugural seminar series back in 2015 that deliberates on pertinent issues related to the advancement in bioprocessing and biomanufacturing field.

The symposium was graciously officiated by the member of USM Board of Governors, Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal whom attended the ceremony on behalf of the USM Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation). Among those present were the Dean of Faculty of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Science, which also the Head of BBRC Research Centre, Professor Dr. Arbakariya Ariff and the Dean of USM School of Industrial Technology, Professor Dr. Azhar Mat Easa.  

Addressing the opening ceremony of BBS 2017, Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Shukri spoke on meeting the market requirements for quality bioproduct that are being manufactured for consumption while at the same time retaining their affordability, safe to be consumed/used and environmental friendliness, and further stressed on hope of seeing more collaborative efforts in research, development and innovation among young researchers from both USM and UPM working closely with the industry to come out with new discoveries leading to better products that can improve the quality of life and well-being of the society. On the other hand, Head of BBRC, Professor Dr. Arbakariya Ariff said that BBS 2017 aims to continue and expand the level of dialogue of the first symposium, and seeks to find possible solutions for achieving a sustainable bioprocessing and biomanufacturing technology.

This second edition of bioprocessing and biomanufacturing symposium has attracted more than 70 local and international (Argentina and Thailand) participants ranging from university researchers, postgraduate students, local and multinational industry players, which included two keynote speakers and six plenary speakers. Among interesting topics discussed during BBS 2017 for this year covered issues such as the current state and challenges of biofuel processing, biomaterial development for biomedical uses, biomanufacturing of biological cells and metabolite, advancement in nanobiomaterial, enzyme and microbial bioprocessing, and downstream processing technology.

Prepared by:

Dr. Mohd Shamzi Mohamed

Chairman

BBS 2017 Organizing Committee

Date of Input: 10/01/2018 | Updated: 11/01/2018 | hirfarizan