| Universiti Putra Malaysia

UPM lecturer receives the Merdeka Award Grant 2012-2013

By Muhamad Najkhan Mazlan
Photo by Marina Ismail



Kuala Lumpur, 28 June (UPM) – Senior Lecturer at Department of Aquaculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Dr. Natrah Fatin Mohd Ikhsan was selected as the recipient of the Merdeka Award Grant 2012-2013 to conduct research in the field of aquaculture microbiology.

The grant was presented by the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah as the Chairman of the Merdeka Award Board of Trustees, enables her to carry out short-term studies in selected oversea institutions.

At the press conference, Dr. Natrah said she did not expect to be announced as one of the award recipients because the competition from other applicants was relatively high through stringent assessments and interview stages.



"Of course I am thankful that my paper has won this prestigious grant. In the given three months’ time to conduct my research, I will benefit this to create a wider network with world’s leading experts and institutions for the good of the nation,” she added.

She also elucidated, her research conducted was on microb to improve the quality of the environment and the health of aquatic organisms in the country.



Among other projects currently executed by Dr. Natrah are pertaining to synbiotic (prebiotic and probiotic) and biofloc technology in achieving higher aquaculture production besides preserving health in aquaculture husbandry and sustainable aquaculture management.

In the meantime, the Merdeka Award Secretariat Executive Director, Joseph Edwin clarified the value of the grant will be determined based on location and various factors required to perform the study.

Also present was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr.. Mohd Saleh Jaafar.


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