PAGOH, 18 June 2025 – Bridging continents and minds, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through its Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocessing (ICA) at Pagoh Campus, successfully hosted ICA Webinar Series 10. Themed “Bioeconomy, Food Security, and Healthy Life,” this month’s session, titled “Microbiome Alteration Towards Good Health and Well-Being,” drew a diverse audience from Malaysia, Egypt, and across the Arabic region. The virtual event, held from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Malaysian Time) and livestreamed on ICA Pagoh’s official Facebook page, highlighted the critical role of gut microbiota in human health.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amira M. Galal Darwish, Head of the Food Industry Technology Program at Borg Al Arab Technological University (BATU), Egypt, served as the webinar’s featured speaker. Dr. Amira, a distinguished researcher in microbiome science and food technology, shared her expert insights on how altering the gut microbiome can positively impact overall health and well-being. Her presentation underscored the growing importance of microbiome science in preventive healthcare and its contribution to bioeconomy strategies. Recent research indicates a strong link between gut health and various aspects of well-being, including mental health and immune function, further emphasizing the relevance of Dr. Amira’s insights.
Prof. Hesham El-Enshasy, Director of ICA-UTM, officially opened the webinar, stressing the significance of international scientific collaboration in tackling complex global challenges. ChM. Ts. Dr. Siti Nor Azlina Abd Rashid, Research Officer and ICA Laboratory Manager at UTM Pagoh, skillfully moderated the session.
The webinar aimed to raise awareness and enhance understanding of the role of gut microbiota in maintaining human health. This aligns with global health priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
This collaboration between UTM and Borg Al Arab Technological University (BATU) reinforces the importance of international partnerships in advancing bioprocessing and creating a more sustainable and food-secure future. The ICA Webinar Series is part of ICA’s ongoing commitment to connect scientific research with practical applications in agrotechnology, food biotechnology, and health sciences. By inviting global experts and promoting knowledge exchange, ICA seeks to establish UTM as a leading hub for impactful research and innovation in the region. These monthly sessions provide a dynamic platform for discussing cutting-edge topics that drive sustainable solutions in agriculture, food security, and bioprocessing, ensuring UTM remains at the forefront of these critical fields.
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By: Chm. Ts. Dr. Norliza Binti Abdul Latiff, Innovation Centre In Agritechnology, Jabatan Timbalan Naib Canselor (Penyelidikan & Inovasi)
