The QIU Intervarsity Science Symposium (QISS) 2024, marked another milestone in its history as a collaborative scientific forum with another successful iteration last weekend.
Jointly organised by Quest International University (QIU) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), the symposium embodied its theme, “Beyond Barriers: Interdisciplinary Approaches in Shaping the Future of Science.” This year, AIMST University joined as a partner institution for the first time, further expanding the symposium’s collaborative network.
QISS 2024 marked its return to QIU’s campus for a physical gathering after the virtual edition in 2022. The event provided a dynamic platform for the exchange of scientific findings, fostering partnerships among universities, research institutions, and industry stakeholders.
The symposium revolved around three key tracks:
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Green Chemistry, Technology, and the Environment
- Biotechnology and the Health Sciences
Over two days, participants engaged in oral and poster presentations, showcasing cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. The event featured the distinctive PechaKucha presentation format, challenging presenters to communicate their ideas concisely and creatively.
The program was enriched by keynote addresses and invited talks by esteemed experts:
- Day 1 Keynote: Professor Dato’ Dr. Amirul Al-Ashraf Abdullah, Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Day 1 Invited Speaker: Prof. Dr. Ho Chai Ling, Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Day 2 Keynote: Prof. Dr. Wickneswari Ratnam, Nomatech Sdn Bhd and Fellow, Academy of Sciences Malaysia
- Day 2 Invited Speakers: Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Wong Yee Shian, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, and Dr. Vinod RMT Balasubramaniam, Monash University Malaysia
QISS 2024 brought together a diverse range of participants, including undergraduates, postgraduates, academics, researchers, and industry professionals.
A total of eight institutions contributed to the symposium, including QIU, UTAR, AIMST University, and others such as the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). The support of industry sponsors—PLT Scientific Sdn Bhd, Gerhardt Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and Genomax Technologies Sdn Bhd—further underscored the event’s collaborative ethos.
QISS 2024 not only facilitated the dissemination of scientific knowledge but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships and interdisciplinary innovations. The symposium serves as a testament to the collective efforts of academic and industry stakeholders in addressing global scientific challenges.
As QISS looks ahead, it remains committed to its mission of nurturing budding researchers and fostering meaningful collaborations that transcend institutional and disciplinary boundaries
