Internship Programme (for International Students)

About the Centre

The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) is one of the leading state government research agencies focusing on natural product discovery from the biodiversity. SBC’s programmes include Traditional Knowledge Documentation, Research and Development (Bioprospecting), Bioinformatics, Biodiversity Garden and Awareness and Appreciation. These five programmes are carried out abide with the statutory functions as stipulated in the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Ordinance 2003. The Traditional Knowledge Documentation Programme works together with the local indigenous communities in the State to preserve their Traditional Knowledge through proper recording or documenting techniques. Based on the knowledge documented, the R&D programme implements the discovery of novel therapeutic/useful compounds from Sarawak’s unique biodiversity. It is supported by 6 well-equipped and specialized laboratories (Extraction, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Tissue Culture, Analytical Chemistry and Bioinformatics), staffed with research officers who work in a unique setting and natural environment. We believe excellent environment brings excellent research.

The Biodiversity Garden Programme was implemented to support Traditional Knowledge Documentation, R&D and Awareness and Appreciation Programmes. Sarawak’s indigenous flora, particularly useful plants that are used by the indigenous communities in the State are collected, propagated and planted in the garden. This programme contributes towards enhancing awareness and appreciation towards the State’s indigenous plants among all levels of society, creating a better understanding towards the uses of these plants, providing sufficient raw plant material for research in product development, commercialization or drug discovery. The Bioinformatics Programme aims to provide SBC with the IT infrastructure for bioinformatics research, database storage and maintenance.

INTERN’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

Funding
Interns are required to source for their own funding to travel to Malaysia, and to cover accommodation, transportation or any other daily expenses throughout the internship period.

Housing and Transportation
SBC is located 20 kilometers from the heart of Kuching city, Sarawak. Interns are responsible and borne the costs for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, SBC will assist in suggesting suitable housing options and locations including SBC Chalet.

Schedule commitment
Duration of the internship: minimum of 3 to 24 months. SBC’s working hours are from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM, from Mondays to Fridays. Lunch breaks are from 1.00 PM to 2.00 PM on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 11.45 AM to 2.15 PM on Fridays. Interns are required to follow SBC working hours.

Anyone who is currently enrolled at an institution of higher learning is eligible to apply for the program. This includes both undergraduate and graduate programs.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT:

Educational background
Any interns who are currently enrolled at an institution of higher education are eligible to apply for the program. This includes both undergraduate and graduate programs. If you are attending a college or university, you must be a final year student by the end of the semester you are currently completing. You should be major in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Immunology and other Biological Sciences. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Strong academic track record and recommendations from the immediate supervisor or mentor at the study university
  • Able to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment
  • Well organized with attention to detail and ability to carry out tasks independently
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Physically fit
  • Able to stay in jungle for several days depending on the period of conducted field trip

REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAMME

Interns are required to abide with the rules and regulations of SBC which include safety and security, general administration and laboratory safety requirements. A guideline will be forwarded to interns once the application is accepted.

Non Disclosure agreement (NDA)
All the projects conducted at SBC belong to Government of State of Sarawak, operated through Sarawak Biodiversity Council. All information related to the internship project are considered confidential. If accepted, interns are required to sign an agreement with the Council.

Report and publication
A full report will be submitted at the end of the internship. The research findings obtained from the internship need to be put in at least one publication (peer review journal) within six months after the internship has ended, with joint authorship between the intern and SBC.

Intellectual properties (IP)
All the materials collected or used in the programme are the property of the Council. If any new invention, development, patent, copyright, any form of IP or discovery are made during the programme, ownership of such inventions shall be owned by the Council. 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION

Proposal
The interns need to submit a short proposal (2-3 pages) on the project that he/she is interested in working on at SBC. The proposal should indicate the duration of work and date to start the project. The intern’s resume must be attached with the proposal.

Entry pass
The interns are required to apply for Professional Pass application duration would take 2 to 3 months. SBC will aid in the application for the pass. The cost of application will be borne by the interns. The cost will vary according to the country of origin. Contact person, Mdm Constance Vanessa Victor at email address - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The following documents are required for the application process:

  • Passport (front page of the passport) (foreigners/West Malaysian)
  • Full Curriculum Vitae/ resume
  • Passport sized photos (5 pieces)
  • Support letters (authorisation and offer letters) from university
  • Medical report
  • COVID-19 vaccination status and proof
  • Proof of financial support 
  • Insurance from the University that cover during internship in SBC
  • Translated academic transcripts (English version)
  • To submit relevant documents or agreements which require signature and approval from SBC.

Remark: Please certify true copy and preferably in higher resolution/larger pixel dimension for the above documents. 


CONTACT
Attention to Communications Officer, Constance/Nurulliza at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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For more information, please contact us via the following details:

KM20, Jalan Borneo Heights, Semengoh, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
+6082610610
+6082611535
biosar[at]sbc.org.my

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