Industrial Seminar Series (ISS): Abcam, Nuevocor

Representatives from two companies, Abcam and Nuevocor, shared firsthand insights into the biotechnology sector for the fourth instalment of the ISS on 14 October. Some 60 undergraduate and postgraduate participants attended virtually, with the majority being Life Sciences students.

Dr Ryan CHONG, Commercial Director, APAC, at Abcam – a global life sciences company that develops and delivers high-quality biological reagents and tools – highlighted the company’s current push to expand the APAC team to better serve customers in the region. This translates to more opportunities for NUS Life Sciences and science students to join Abcam’s growing team.

Prior to joining Nuevocor, Dr Idina SHI was an Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) scholar. After completing her service commitment with A*STAR, Dr Shi joined local startup Nuevocor as an Associate Director for Operations and Business Development. Nuevocor seeks to harness the power of gene therapy to provide treatment for genetically-linked heart diseases. Dr Shi also shared that Nuevocor is currently hiring research interns to bring their therapeutics from the laboratory benches to the bedside.

The invited speakers both cut their teeth as researchers during and after their PhD studies in biomedical sciences, but have since transitioned to commercial roles in the biotechnology sector. Dr Chong and Dr Shi used their life stories to inspire our science students to look beyond careers in research and technical disciplines, to think about how they could contribute to commercial operations of the biotechnology ecosystem. They advised budding versatilists among the audience to keep an open mind, hone critical soft skills such as communications and networking, and always have the hunger to learn.

The ISS for Semester 1 will conclude with the final talk by QuantFood, a mala-themed Food & Beverage venture that is the brainchild of our science alumni. Look out for the registration link!