Pretty Butterfly

Sunday, March 21, 2004

Yesterday, finally understand what's biopharmaceuticals is all about. A talk was conducted by a guest speaker from a biopharm company located in Science Park 2 near Buona Vista. It recently become privatised and the only company dealing with biopharmaceuticals in Singapore. He began to explained whats actually his company is dealing with. Instead of using chemicals as raw materials for the manufacture of drugs, they use cell lines. Since cell lines are like livings cells in our body and have requirements similar to us hence parameters like temperature is needed to control and ensure the survival of the cells. Unlike chemicals where reactions are direct and easy to control, cell lines are complicated and require lots of precise conditions for them to thrive and not get contaminated by growth of other harmful contaminants. He had shown many pictures of bioreactors and complicated system of pipes attached. Gowning is required to work in these premises in such a clean environment and some miscomforts like getting dry skin and only able to replenish ur fluids at the end of the shift. All this is compensated with a high pay as close to degree holders. However, this didn't really interest me that much as it involves machinery. It was a eye opener. After the talk, SJ told me she had a question for him. So we went down and ask some questions. Another chem eng student was concerned about whether she was able to work in a biopharm company when she doesn't have a background in bio. Well, our guest speaker has a assuring and convincing reply that its ok to have no previous knowledge at all but however its important to learn as much and collect and read up more info about them. SJ ask something about how the local companies can compete with the other overseas companies that have set up here. He answered that we can prove our worth through effciency and capabilities by convincing investors that we have top notch facility etc. While i asked him how will biomedical be link to biopharmaceticals, he said they are somehow related to each under as they come under Life Sciences which the governement had been fiercely promoting these days. And draw a line explaining how quality control of raw materials require maybe chemists,biochemists to analyse. Followed by calibrations that can be done by a mathamatician, bottles and labels which is bought from other companies, contracting out deals like refrigerators etc.....so the link is almost inevitable. It dawned on me that the degree we are taking probably be our interest of study and not necessary will be really what we will probably end up doing. He further add that we should experience as much as we can and slowly work up the ranks, most importantly be willing to learn. And not doing a job for how much it pays but how much experience u can learn in the process. He quoted an example that if a person started off being a supervisor,he will probably not understand how a cleaner feels about the job and the difficulty she face. If the supervisor started off as a cleaner and slowly work her way up, she will understand and be able to manage and implement changes to further faciltate the work. Ah..such insightful information. After this brief encounter with this former poly graduate with almost 10 over years of experience, i found him to be really intelligent and wise. Truly enlightened.

Dreams never come true
11:27 am