Putrajaya, 14 November 2025 — The Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), proudly announced the success of two of its researchers who were honoured at the Festival of Ideas (FOI) 2025, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). The prestigious event celebrated recipients of the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and Prototype Research Grant Scheme (PRGS).

Dr Kumitaa Theva Das received the PRGS award for her groundbreaking project, “CRISPR-Based HIV Therapy: Monitoring the Dosing and Safety Profile In Vivo”, with a grant allocation of RM202,000. Her research focuses on harnessing CRISPR technology to develop innovative HIV therapies, with emphasis on safety and dosing in preclinical models.

Associate Professor Dr Oon Chern Ein was awarded the FRGS grant worth RM152,820.00 for her project, “Elucidating the Role of BZD9L1 Sirtuin Inhibitor in Autophagy Regulation in Colorectal Cancer”. Her study aims to uncover new insights into cancer biology and explore potential therapeutic pathways for colorectal cancer treatment.

The awards were presented by the Director General of Higher Education, Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, together with the USM Vice-Chancellor, Profesor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, FASc., and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Profesor Dr. Habibah A. Wahab, in recognition of the recipients’ outstanding contributions to advancing Malaysia’s research excellence.

This recognition highlights INFORMM’s commitment to nurturing excellence in research and innovation, while empowering its scientists to address pressing health challenges and inspire the next generation of Malaysian researchers.

Sekolah Kebangsaan Rahmat, Rantau Panjang, 28 July 2025 — With declining enrollment in science courses posing challenges to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Pelan Hala Tuju Teknologi dan Produk Nano Negara 2021–2025, the Science Made Fun (SMF) programme continues to play a vital role in sparking student interest in STEM education.

This year, SMF2025 was held at Sekolah Kebangsaan Rahmat, Rantau Panjang, in collaboration with Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah (PPD) Pasir Mas and directed by En Muhammad Izzat Hakim Ab. Kadir. The programme aimed to provide health education exposure through interactive activities, strengthen ties between industry and community, and cultivate early interest in science and innovation among Kelantan’s young learners.

The event began with an opening speech from SK Rahmat’s representative, followed by remarks from Dr Khairul Mohd Fadzli Bin Mustaffa, project advisor from INFORMM. Students then joined a light aerobics session before diving into hands‑on experiments, including Aiskrim Goyang (shaking ice cream), density demonstrations, pipetting techniques, and the Maths Ninja challenge. An exhibition on Food and Water Borne Diseases featured 3D models and interactive videos, teaching students about hygiene, safe food handling, and the importance of clean water.

With support from more than 20 committees, the programme was hailed a success, receiving positive feedback from teachers and students. INFORMM reaffirmed its commitment to continue SMF annually, expanding its focus on biomedical and health sciences to empower STEM education nationwide.

Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Rual, Jeli, 26 June 2024 — The Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the USM Genome Association, successfully organized the Science Made Fun programme at SK Sungai Rual, Jeli. Specially designed for Orang Asli students, the initiative aimed to foster curiosity and inspire interest in science through fun, hands‑on activities.

Led by Miss Husna, a PhD student, and supported by INFORMM students and staff, the one‑day programme featured interactive experiments and demonstrations. Activities included pipette‑based colouring, making ice cream shakes, building volcanoes, balloon experiments using Bernoulli’s principle, and constructing colourful liquid towers with different densities. An exhibition of genetic materials allowed students to explore scientific concepts up close, while facilitators encouraged active participation and questions to make learning engaging and effective.

The programme received enthusiastic feedback from teachers, parents, and students. Sir Zul of SK Sungai Rual noted that the initiative not only increased students’ interest in science but also inspired them to pursue ambitions in science and technology. Parents expressed joy at seeing their children involved in meaningful activities and called for more programmes of this kind.

With the success of this event, INFORMM and the USM Genome Association plan to expand Science Made Fun to more schools nationwide, empowering the younger generation to embrace science with excitement and confidence.

INFORMM Health Campus, July 4, 2024 — The Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), successfully organized the Young Scientists Explorace 2024, welcoming members of the Little Thobib Club from Al‑Amin Tropicana School. A total of 18 students and four teachers participated in the one‑day programme designed to inspire interest in science and technology through interactive learning.

The event began with a visit to the Medical Science Interactive Gallery (SPICES), where students explored specimens and cutting‑edge technologies such as augmented reality and 3D mapping. This was followed by a talk on laboratory safety and ethics delivered by Mr. Badrul Syam, Science Officer at INFORMM, emphasizing the importance of responsible scientific practice.

The highlight of the programme was the Explorace challenge, featuring four engaging tasks: testing acidity and alkalinity of liquids, pipette‑based colouring, constructing a density tower, and solving an anatomical model puzzle. Students demonstrated enthusiasm, teamwork, and creativity throughout the activities.

Teachers and students expressed strong satisfaction with the programme, praising its educational value and interactive approach. INFORMM affirmed that the Young Scientists Explorace achieved its goal of encouraging curiosity and strengthening students’ interest in science and technology, with plans to continue similar initiatives in the future.