We’re proud to report that our Biotechnology and Master of Science students from Quest International University’s Faculty of Integrated Life Sciences dominated the winners’ podium at the recently concluded UTAR Intervarsity Science Symposium 2025 (UISS). Their stellar presentations impressed a panel of judges composed of noted experts in their fields.
Our undergraduate students especially showcased their dominance in the Biological Sciences (Undergraduate) category, routing the competition and securing all three podium finishes. We also featured on the podium in the Agriculture and Food Science (Undergraduate) & Chemistry and Biochemistry (Postgraduate) categories.
The symposium drew delegates from national and international institutions of higher education, including Ludong University (China), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), and INTI International University.
Our award-winning presentations highlighted cutting-edge and sustainable biotechnological innovations with the potential to revolutionise life sciences. Specifically, the presentations focused on three major dimensions: a multifunctional and eco-friendly Bioactive Wound Patch; Endophyte-Derived Therapeutics that have emerged as new sources of anti-cancer and anti-fungal metabolites; and an innovation in Betalain Pigment, uncovering a callus-derived variant which exhibits strong antioxidant potential.
This research harmonises with QIU’s mission to produce science graduates who pursue excellence, acknowledge the urgency of sustainable ideas and solutions, and desire to become virtuous agents of social change.
Without further ado, here are our winners:
Category | Award | Student | Programme |
Biological Sciences (Undergraduate-Oral Presentation) | Champion | Dharisheny Kalai Selvan | Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biotechnology |
1st Runner-up | Harini V. Nachiappan | ||
2nd Runner-up | Joshua Chai Yeet Sun | ||
Agriculture and Food Science (Undergraduate-Oral Presentation) | 1st Runner-Up | Deepa Murugan | |
Chemistry and Biochemistry (Postgraduate-Oral Presentation) | 2nd Runner-up | Rajarajeswari Pathmanathan | Master of Science |
UISS 2025 was organised with the theme ‘The Science Nexus: Exploring Fundamentals, Pioneering Innovation for a Resilient Future’. The symposium has traditionally served as a platform for intervarsity students to showcase their research findings and exchange ideas of a socio-scientific nature.
Many congratulations to the winners and their academic supervisors on their success at UISS! We look forward to seeing them blossom into top-tier professionals who make their mark in the world of biotech-driven solutions.