The Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD) offers a dynamic internship program catering to students throughout the year, with the duration of internships tailored to individual course requirements and student preferences. In a recent collaboration, IBD welcomed three dedicated final-year students from the Diploma of Science program at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Tanjung Malim, Perak. These industrious interns embarked on a transformative journey with IBD, spanning an enriching three-month period from May 29th to August 18th, 2023.
Their internship experience was centered within the innovative domain of the Cosmeceutical and Fragrance Unit, where each student was entrusted with distinct tasks tailored to their areas of interest and expertise. The initiation of their internship adventure commenced with a comprehensive occupational health and chemical safety briefing conducted by Ts. Dr. Noorazwani binti Zainol, the diligent OSH-coordinator at IBD. This briefing served as a vital introduction to safety protocols within laboratory environments, equipping the students with essential knowledge to navigate real-world occupational hazards in their future careers. They also received in-depth instruction on safety data sheets (SDS) and the proper handling procedures for various chemicals.
The heart of their internship journey involved rigorous laboratory activities, commencing with in-depth literature reviews on cosmetic and personal care research, including the latest advancements in the field. Under the guidance of the experienced senior lab assistant, Ms. Azizah Ishak, the students honed their skills in basic cosmetic product formulation techniques. Moreover, they were presented with a creative challenge to conceptualize and develop innovative cosmetic and personal care products, spanning lip care, shampoo, hair cream, UV cream, face serum, and other items. Hands-on exposure to cutting-edge scientific equipment within the laboratory facilitated their understanding of essential laboratory techniques, encompassing precise weighing and pipetting. Furthermore, the students had the opportunity to engage in cosmetic product testing, delving into phytochemical and antioxidant properties, enhancing their practical knowledge.
Beyond laboratory work, IBD routinely hosts a diverse range of international and local visitors. During their internship, the students had the privilege of serving as facilitators, assisting researchers in accommodating and engaging these visitors. In a nod to the institute’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, an invigorating aerobic session was organized at IBD on August 7th, 2023. Here, the students took on the role of aerobic instructors, adding a fun twist to their internship experience.
The pinnacle of their internship journey was their participation in the Johor Innovation Invention Competition and Symposium 2023 (JIICas 2023), organized by the College of Computing, Informatics, and Mathematics at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Johor Branch, Pasir Gudang Campus, on September 3rd, 2023. The project titled ‘Development of Personal Care and Cosmetic Products Enriched with Essential Oils’ clinched a prestigious gold medal. This remarkable achievement underscored IBD’s commitment to nurturing and empowering young talents, paving the way for their future successes.
Aspiring interns interested in joining the IBD internship program are encouraged to submit their applications by sending an email to Dr. Nur Izyan Wan Azelee, Head of the Cosmeceutical and Fragrance Unit (nur.izyan@utm.my), with a copy to Research Officer ChM. Ida Madiha Yusoff (idamadiha@utm.my). Your journey to growth and innovation awaits!
Author:
ChM. Ida Madiha Yusoff (Research Officer, IBD, UTM)
Dr Nur Izyan Wan Azelee (Research Fellow, IBD, UTM)
