UMBI DNA Day 2018

UMBI DNA Day was celebrated on 25th April 2018 this year. The event is our annual community service initiative to commemorate the discovery of the DNA double helix molecular structure by prominent scientists James C. Watson and Francis Crick 65 years ago. These findings have earned them the prestigious Nobel Prize and is the turning point for other findings in science. During this event, we share knowledge and experiments related to DNA with Form 4 school students, with the aim to increase the students’ interest in biology and other science subjects like genetics. Additionally, it will enhance the level of awareness and understanding of the concept of DNA, science and molecular medicine in everyday life. We hope that this program can be the catalyst for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical) culture in line with the 4.0 industrial revolution (IR 4.0) that aims to produce highly innovative students through science & technology.

During this year’s DNA Day, we are happy to have with us a total of 131 students from 6 schools:
1. Sek. Men. Keb. Bandar Tun Razak
2. Sek. Men. Keb. Seri Bintang Utara
3. Sek. Men. Sains Alam Shah
4. Sek. Dato Abdul Razak
5. Oxburgh Academy, Cheras
6. Sek. Men. Agama Majlis Islam Wilayah Persekutuan

Three schools, namely Sek. Dato Abdul Razak, Oxburgh Academy, and Sek. Men. Agama Majlis Islam Wilayah Persekutuan heard about our DNA Day by word of mouth, and approached UMBI to be invovled in the event. Officiation of the DNA Day was by Dr Hj. Zainal Aalam bin Hassan, Deputy Director (Development of Teaching Professionalism) of the Malaysian Ministry of Education. Guests who were present during the event include Prof. Datuk Dr. A Rahman A Jamal (UKM Pro Vice-Chancellor (KL Campus)), Associate Prof. Dato’ Dr. Hanafiah Harunarashid (Director of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Mukhriz, UKM Medical Centre), Prof. Dr. Shamsul Azhar Shah (UMBI Director), representatives from various UKM faculties and institutes, school principals and teachers.

We are happy that participation of the UMBI DNA Day has been very encouraging; this proves that the program is well received and rewarding for the students. We are committed to organize the DNA Day into the future and aim to expand participation from more schools, in our effort to bring the university community closer to the public.

Photos of the day can be accessed HERE