Monash Science Symposium 2025 – Innovating for Tomorrow: Scientific Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The Monash Science Symposium (MSS) 2025 was a dynamic three-day international academic conference held from 15 to 17 July 2025, organized by postgraduate students from the School of Science, Monash University Malaysia (MUM). This year’s theme, “Innovating for Tomorrow: Scientific Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” brought together emerging scientists, established researchers, and industry leaders to share their work, spark collaboration, and explore sustainable solutions to global challenges. The event aimed to provide a platform for young scientists and postgraduate students to showcase and discuss their research, foster local and international academic networking, and highlight research at Monash University Malaysia aligned with the Monash Impact 2030 strategic goals.

The symposium featured six major research themes: Applied Microbiology, Environmental and Agricultural Science, Cell and Molecular Biology, Food Science and Technology, Green and Sustainable Chemistry, and Genomics and Bioinformatics. Each topic was headlined by keynote speakers who are leaders in their respective fields, providing insightful talks and engaging discussions. Distinguished speakers included Professor Philip J. Marriott, Professor of Chemistry and Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS) at Monash University; Professor Rina B. Opulencia from the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños; Professor Chong Pei Pei, Director of the Digital Health and Innovations Impact Lab at Taylor's University; and Associate Professor Chen Jit Ern, Head of the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development at Sunway University. The symposium also welcomed esteemed industry partners, including Mr. Steven JJ Lee, Founder and CEO of Harvist Red Palm Oil, and Professor Leong Chee Onn, Founder and CEO of AGTC Genomics, a leading researcher in the field of genomics.

Beyond the keynote presentations, MSS 2025 also featured a scientific poster exhibition and oral presentation sessions, where postgraduate researchers showcased their latest findings. These sessions fostered meaningful academic exchanges, constructive feedback, and cross-disciplinary engagement among participants.

Six outstanding presenters were awarded for excellence in oral and poster presentations, with evaluations conducted by an esteemed panel of judges comprising academics from Monash’s School of Science, School of Medicine, and School of Pharmacy, as well as invited external experts and keynote speakers.

The symposium concluded with an inspiring closing address by Professor Emily Goh Joo Kheng, Head of the School of Science, who commended the organizers and participants for their enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment to scientific advancement. MSS 2025 not only highlighted the innovative research being conducted at Monash University Malaysia but also reinforced the university’s role as a hub for academic excellence and impactful research that addresses real-world challenges. With the strong engagement seen throughout the event, MSS continues to serve as a significant academic platform for nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.