Researchers at the Universidad Católica del Norte participated in a course in Malaysia
Translation
Macarena Contreras and María Cristina Morales, UCN Marine Biologist and Aquaculture Engineer respectively and current researchers at the Crustacean Laboratory, participated for two months (June and July 2008) in an Aquaculture Course carried out in Malaysia thanks to a scholarship granted by the Government of that country.
This scholarship, which covers all expenses (air ticket, lodging, meals and trips) allowed them to actively take parte in a practical course on the culture of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Sweetwater shrimp) larvae. This course ?was perfect for us, as we are involved in the same field and that species is the most similar to our river shrimp in the North?, stated Maria Cristina.
In April this year the Aquaculture Engineering student Mr. Patricio Chacón also participated in this course, which took place at the National Prawn Fry Production and Research Center, in the city of Penang, Malaysia. The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) has been running for over 40 years and covers other areas beside Aquaculture.
Apart from appreciating the multiple benefits of this scholarship, Maria Cristina and Macarena highlighted the treatment received by their hosts in Malaysia. This is why they strongly recommend applying for this scholarship, whose main requirement is to have a basic proficiency in the English language. More information can be found at the website of the Embassy of Malaysia http://www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/santiago.
It is important to stress in the next months, the Ambassador of Malaysia to Chile, Abdullah Faiz Zain, would visit Coquimbo?s region, including a visit to our facilities, due to the important amount of students from this area that have participated in this course.
Photos:
Top left corner: Maria Cristina and Macarena in Penang, Malaysia
Top right corner: Scholarship holders with the Ambassador of Malaysia.
Below: Laboratory at the Training Center
Center: View of Penang from the balcony of the room where María Cristina and Macarena Contreras stayed.
Bottom left 1: Night Market in Relau
Bottom left 2: Rambután, typical fruit of Malaysia
Bottom right: Children at Relau?s kindergarten.
www.kln.gov.my/perwakilan/santiago