| Cheesheng Onn |
IN A presentation that won her the best presenter of the Tutong Sixth Form Centre’s (PTET) 3rd Youth Science Symposium, a Year 13 student on Tuesday warned of the danger of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
The event saw three Year 13 girls delivering their presentations, which were preceded by a month-long literature reviews and research by the participating students into their topics of interest.
In her presentation, Normasturina binti Ibrahim explained that antibiotic-resistant bacteria emerged partly due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics over the last few decades, adding that these bacteria can spread easily and are often more difficult to eradicate and expensive to treat.
“In some cases, the antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to serious disability or even death,” warned Normasturina. “The world urgently needs to change the way it prescribes and uses antibiotics.”
Dr Ihsan Nazurah binti Zulkipli, a lecturer from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam adjudicated the symposium alongside PTET’s Head of Psychology Veronica Chung Ai Wei, according to a press release issued by PTET.
A group photo of the Science Department teachers, adjudicator Dr Ihsan Nazurah binti Zulkipli and students. – PTET
Dr Ihsan, who completed her PhD at Cambridge University, are currently investigating the effects of compounds extracted from the medicinal plants of Brunei on cell division and microtubules, with her co-workers at PAPRSB IHS.
Following the students’ presentations, the adjudicators questioned them based on their presentations, trying to get them outside their comfort zones, gauging the extent of the students’ research.
In second place was Nur Syakirah Naqibah binti Muhammad Nasif, whose presentation delved into Multiple Personality Disorders and how scientific advances enabled psychologists to adopt a more scientific approach for its study.
In third place was Lina Amizah binti Isa, who was just a single point behind. Her presentation talked about Schizophrenia, focussing on key studies by several psychologists, whose findings have deciphered what contributes to the development of schizophrenia.
The chairperson of the organising committee, Head of Science Nurdiyanah Goh Abdullah, in her welcoming speech explained this year’s broad theme ‘The Enabling Power of Science’ – like in previous years – allowed students the creative freedom “to interpret and explore open-ended ideas that interest them”.
The symposium concluded with cash prize and certificate presentation by PTET Principal, Hajah Murni binti Abdullah.
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