| Universiti Putra Malaysia

Dr. Zetty received 2017 Merdeka Award Grant

By Syifarida Muhamad Zaki

Photo by Mohd Hasrul Hamdan

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 – A lecturer from the Biochemistry Department of Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Dr. Zetty Norhana Balia Yusof had been selected as one of three recipients of 2017 Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment.

The selection was done based on the most outstanding research proposal.

Dr. Zetty, 35, received the award grant for her research that focuses on exploring the potential of Malaysian seaweeds as the alternative control basal stem rot (BSR) disease that significantly reduces palm oil yield caused by a fungus known as Ganoderma boninense.

The award grant was presented by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, as the Royal Patron of the Merdeka Award Trust, at Petronas Twin Towers here.

All three recipients of the grants received a short-term attachment to participate in collaborative projects or programmes of up to three months at internationally-recognised host institutions, corporations, agencies and organisations to enrich their learning and research experience in pursuit of excellence in their respective fields.

 

Sultan Nazri said, the Merdeka Awards aims to foster a culture of excellence, promote thought leadership and innovation and encourage an expanded world view.

“The only way to pass the torch to the next generation is to sustain Malaysia’s success as a dynamic, competitive global player in sectors ranging from science and technology, to arts and humanities.

“The three talented young Malaysians with pioneering spirit will be able to make the best use of the opportunity to engage with the world’s best experts, collect valuable insights for their fields research and develop solutions for the people”.

The Merdeka Award Grant was launched in 2012 as a signature programme of the Merdeka Awards. With this year’s announcement, 11 young Malaysians have successfully received the grant with eight of them have already completed their international attachments. - UPM

 

 

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