09/06/2026

TUESDAY | JUNE 9, 2026

10

EDUCATION NEWS

Building Sarawak’s next-gen healthcare professionals

Moscow varsity scientists help develop universal ‘ageing clock’ MOSCOW: Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) are part of an international team of scientists which has created a universal chronometer of ageing and mortality, and demonstrated the possibility of rejuvenation at the level of cells and embryos. The team has developed universal transcriptomic clocks—a bioinformatic tool that predicts chronological age, expected lifespan and the risk of chronic diseases, reports the MSU Press Ofice. By analysing the activity of several thousand genes, the tool also helps detect rejuvenation at early stages of embryonic development, during cell reprogramming and after joining the circulatory systems of old and young animals. The team, which includes researchers from Harvard Medical School, students from the Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics (FBB) at MSU, and staff of the AN Belozersky Institute of Physico Chemical Biology at MSU, published a paper as the cover feature in Nature. In ageing biology, so-called “ageing clocks” play an important role. These are complex mathematical models that, using various biomarkers (for example, DNA chemical marks, physical activity data, blood tests or even a person’s appearance), can estimate an organism’s chronological or “calendar” age with some error. However, such clocks generally perform poorly at predicting how specific interventions (for example, diet, pharmacological drugs or genetic manipulations) will affect an animal’s or a person’s lifespan. The new transcriptomic clocks (referred to as tAge) analyse a different parameter—gene expression levels: which genes are currently “off,“ which are active, and with what intensity. According to the MSU Press Office, the model is also notable for its scale. The authors trained it using data from more than 11,000 samples representing 25 tissue and organ types from four mammalian species. Some of those samples came from animals with experimentally altered lifespans, which allows tAge to detect subtle changes related to health, disease, and the action of potential geroprotectors. The researchers not only identified key gene markers that act as universal indicators of ageing, but also grouped genes into sets that change expression synchronously, many of which proved to be functionally related. “Under the supervision of Alexander Tyshkovsky, the first author of our paper, I analysed functional modules—groups of genes that work in concert and relate to specific cellular or organismal functions,“ said Darya Kholdina, a sixth-year student at FBB MSU who defended her thesis just before publication. “It turned out that different modules respond differently to interventions. For example, caloric restriction most strongly slows the ‘metabolic’ clocks, while chronic diseases accelerate the ‘inflammatory’ ones. “The modular approach makes it possible to measure these effects separately, which is important for developing targeted therapies.”

o Cyberjaya College Kuching and Eden On The Park partner to close skilled aged care talent gap in region KUCHING: As Sarawak faces rising demand for qualified aged care and rehabilitation professionals, Cyberjaya College Kuching has joined forces with Optimum-Eden Healthcare Sdn Bhd – the company behind Eden On The Park Senior Lifestyle & Care Residence Resort – to create direct pathways from classroom to clinic. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during Cyberjaya College Kuching’s recent Open Day. It was signed by Doreen Tan, chief executive of Cyberjaya College Kuching, and Simon Yong, CEO of Optimum-Eden Healthcare, and witnessed by senior representatives from both organisations. Under the MoU, both parties will work together on student engagement initiatives, practical industry-based training, and career development programmes designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce. It gives students hands-on clinical placements, structured internships, and career readiness training, with clear routes to employment upon graduation. “This collaboration provides our students with valuable exposure to real-world healthcare Themed as “Guardians of the Nation,” the double celebration created a tribute to the teachers who protect and strengthen its students through education and inclusion. “Today is more than just an annual celebration of fun and games. As we celebrate National Teachers’ Day today, we are also recognising the dedication of our teachers of Taarana as the first line of defence in nurturing these young guardians, working hard to support our students every step of the way,” said Dr Sunitha Sivakumaran, principal of Taarana. The theme reflects a core belief that every individual, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, possesses essential value and has a vital role to play in the community. The event at the Petaling Jaya City Council Multipurpose Hall commenced with a warm-up and aerobic session led by teachers. Everyone then transitioned to a series of games tailored to showcase the diverse talents of the students and families. Embodying the theme of “Guardians of the Nation,” the session was also underscored by a parents-and-children game segment that highlighted the role of the caregivers as vital members of the community. The excitement reached its peak during the awards presentation, where every participant was recognised for their contribution. This dedication to celebrate the neurodivergent students reaffirms Taarana’s commitment to providing an

(From left) Optimum-Eden Human Resource and Administration manager Wendy Goh, Yong, Tan and Basil Jason John, head of Student Affairs and Development at Cyberjaya College Kuching.

through its branches across Sarawak, including Kota Samarahan – giving students access to regulated, professional care environments. The collaboration aligns with Sarawak’s Post Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, specifically its focus on human capital development and building a sustainable, inclusive healthcare ecosystem. By combining academic rigour with industry-driven care practices, both organisations are contributing toward a future where Sarawak’s healthcare workforce is locally trained, industry-ready and internationally competitive.

and aged care environments, allowing them to develop practical skills, professional confidence, and industry readiness before entering the workforce,” said Tan. “As Sarawak continues to see growing demand for skilled healthcare and elderly care professionals, partnerships such as this play an important role in strengthening talent development while creating meaningful career pathways for our students and graduates.” Eden On The Park, licensed by the Health Ministry and the Social Welfare Department, provides rehabilitation and nursing care services

Taarana marks Teachers’ Day with inclusive annual sports day PETALING JAYA: Taarana, an education centre for children with special education needs, took on a double significance as their annual sports day coincided with the National Teachers’ Day celebration this year.

Taarana’s students and parents gave their all at the annual celebration. – PIC COURTESY OF TAARANA/RYTHM FOUNDATION environment where its students are recognised as integral members of society. Over 30 students, 77 parents and caregivers, and 19 staff and 11 volunteers attended.

encouraged to participate, express themselves, and shine in their own unique way, while shaping a more inclusive and compassionate society.” For Taarana student Rayden Lai’s family, supporting him at the sports days has become an annual tradition they would not miss. “Moments like this mean so much to our family. Seeing our children participate with confidence and joy reinforces how important inclusive spaces like Taarana are, not just for them, but for families like ours,” said Rayden’s mother, Carmen Lai.

“Inclusion is not a one-day effort. It is a continuous commitment to building systems that recognise and support every individual’s potential,” said Vidya Anandan, head of RYTHM Foundation. “Through initiatives like Taarana’s annual day, we are creating platforms where every child is

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