22 June 2023

Dr Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi, the Former Director of Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre at the Malaysia Palm Oil Board, or MPOB. She led the MPOB Oil Palm Genome Project, decoding the oil palm genome and discovering economically and environmentally important genes. She has published extensively, including in Nature, and holds numerous patents. Her innovative solutions to environmental challenges have earned her prestigious honours and awards. The presentation will discuss the global significance of oil palm in meeting food and fuel demand. Despite deforestation concerns, the oil palm remains the most productive oil crop, supporting economic development and alleviating poverty, especially among smallholders. Exploring the oil palm genome has led to groundbreaking discoveries, improving yield and addressing environmental issues. These breakthroughs were published in Nature, validating their importance. One key finding is the SHELL gene, controlling oil yield. Planting DNA-tested seeds or seedlings with this gene can optimise land use, generate significant economic gains, and increase productivity.

Dr Lim Po Teen is an associate professor at the Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya. He specialises in researching Harmful Algal Bloom, or HAB for short. His work has led to the discovery of novel harmful algae species and the understanding of HAB mechanisms in Malaysia. Dr Lim holds leadership roles in international HAB networks and has been recognised with prestigious fellowships. Members of the audience, Dr Lim has had three harmful algae species named after him. In this FAScinate series, Dr Lim Po Teen will present his research on Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, exploring the mechanisms behind toxic algae blooms in tropical estuaries. He will also discuss benthic toxic algae in Pulau Perhentian and the increased risk of ciguatera fish poisoning due to coral reef degradation. His talk will emphasise the use of eDNA and metabarcoding for improved monitoring and risk assessment in HAB research. To date, Dr Lim’s research team has discovered no less than 15 novel harmful algae species from Malaysian waters.

Dr Aslina is an accomplished Associate Professor at Sunway University, known for her innovative work in technology. With extensive experience in academia, industry, and research, she has made significant contributions in the field of Information Technology. Her achievements include multiple academic achievements, memberships in prestigious organisations, and numerous awards. With her unwavering commitment to innovation and education, Dr Aslina paves the way for future generations, leaving an indelible impact on the world. Immersive technology, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, has emerged as a promising tool for biodiversity management. It improves data collection, analysis, and engagement, revolutionising traditional methods. User Experience (UX) is crucial for enhancing immersive technology's potential and addressing technical, social, and ethical considerations. This technology enables more efficient and sustainable biodiversity management and may inspire larger-scale projects like autonomous vehicles for forest monitoring and digital twin technology for forest simulation and management.