26 August 2026 – The Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) successfully organized the STEM Outreach Program: Biochemistry and Medicine 2026 at the Preclinical Block, UKM Faculty of Medicine. The event hosted a delegation of 32 STEM Club students from Forms 1 to 3, accompanied by 4 teacher escorts from Sekolah Menengah Integrasi Sains Tahfiz (SMISTA).

Initiated by the Department of Biochemistry, the program aimed to provide early exposure and practical, hands-on experience in basic medical sciences, while fostering interest among the younger generation in biochemical research and healthcare careers.

The program commenced at 2:00 PM with the arrival of participants at the Level 2 Skybridge, Preclinical Block. The opening session featured a welcoming address by the Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Prof. Dr. Suzana Makpol.

Participants then attended an insightful lecture titled “The Future of Medicine: Opportunities and Career Paths” delivered by Dr. Nuraqila Mohd Murshid, Lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry, in Lecture Hall 2. The session highlighted the vital role of biochemistry in modern medical science and explored future prospects in scientific careers.

Following a briefing on safety and program procedures by Mr. Wan Junizam Wan Yusof, Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist, the students were split into smaller groups for practical research activities at the Level 11 Laboratories.

During these sessions, students participated in three interactive laboratory stations:

• Station 1 (Cracking the Genetic Code: DNA Extraction): Hands-on experience with DNA extraction techniques from biological samples.

• Station 2 (DNA Under Attack: Exploring DNA Damage in Cells): Insights into cellular mechanisms and the impact of DNA damage.

• Station 3 (Mission: Keep the Cells Alive!): Basic principles and techniques for maintaining cell cultures in a laboratory environment.

To complement the laboratory activities, the students visited the Anatomy Museum on Level 3 at 3:30 PM to examine various human anatomical specimens at close range.

The program concluded at 3:45 PM in the Preclinical Block Lobby with a certificate presentation to the student representative, food pack distribution, and a photo session, before officially adjourning at 4:00 PM.

The Department of Biochemistry, UKM Faculty of Medicine, extends its sincere appreciation to SMISTA for the active participation of its students and teachers. It is hoped that this exposure inspires the students to pursue further studies in science, biochemistry, and medicine.