National Congress On Biology
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - A hundred biology teachers, UBD students as well as those in 'the biology-related profession attended the Third National Congress on Biology yesterday.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Dato Paduka Dr Haji Is mail Bin Haji Duraman, the vice chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Dr Zohrah Binti Hj Sulaiman, President of Persatuan Biology Brunei Darussalam, delivered the welcoming speech.

The theme of the congress, "Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics," although separate entities, do complement each other especially in applying Biotechnology and Bioinformatics for conserving the biodiversity of terrestrial and aquatic resources, she said.

She conveyed her appreciation to two invited speakers, Dr Jenny Ovenden from Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Associates Professor Dr Tan Tin Wee from the National University of Singapore.

Dato Paduka Dr. Haji Ismail Bin Haji Duraman highlighted that Brunei Darussalam possesses vast terrestrial and aquatic biodiversities.

He said an estimated 5,000 seed plants are found in Brunei Darussalam as compared to 8,019 species in Peninsular Malaysia and 10,000 to 12,000 for the whole of Borneo.

In terms of proportion, Brunei Darussalam hosts at least 40% of seed plants found in Borneo.

Touching on the economical benefits of biotechnology, the guest of honour said biotechnology can contribute to the nation's economy. -

There is an immense potential that can be explored by Brunei Darussalam. For example, new innovations in life science and biotechnology had generated $40 billion in revenues worldwide in year 2001.

Biobusiness is a big business accounting for nearly $1 trillion globally, generating over 25% of the world's GDP and employing 45% of the world labour force.

After the official opening of the third National Congress on Biology, Dr Zohrah Binti Hj Sulaiman presented a token of appreciation to Dato Paduka Dr Haji Ismail Bin Haji Duraman.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with