After a competitive and rigorous selection process, two postgraduate students beat the hundreds of other hopefuls to win the coveted slot of representing the Philippines in the Novartis International Biotechnology Leadership Camp Singapore from October 6 to 8, 2006. Frances C. Vega, MS Chemistry, Ateneo de Manila University, and Dennis Bela-Ong, PhD Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines, Los Banos, joined 33 other top post-graduate students from 11 countries to meet with some of the world’s leading biotechnology experts from the industry, academia, and government sector.
Awarding Ceremony, Novartis Philippines (from left) Dr.
Toby Dayrit, Dean of the School of Science and Engineering; Frances Vega,
MS Chemistry cand.; Dr. Arman Guidote, Chair of the Chemistry Department
At the end of the biocamp, the participants were grouped into teams for the Business plan competition entitled “Innovation in Biotech” during the breakout session. The teams were tasked to create their own pharmaceutical company, conceptualize an innovative drug or service, and develop an entire business plan for it. Team Vitrax, of which Frances Vega is a member, won 2nd place for the Business Plan Competition, and Best Team Over-all.
The Novartis International Biocamp is a unique opportunity for the participants to learn about the exciting global and Asia-Pacific trends and developments in the biotech fields through presentations, interactive breakout sessions and field trips, build networks, learn valuable skills to help them succeed in the industry, as well as visit some of Singapore’s leading biomedical/health-care facilities. This is also a unique opportunity for the participants to hone their leadership skills, as well as explore and identify personal career goals in this industry.
For
more information, visit the website: www.novartisbiocamp.com.
