The Asia-Pacific Regional Mini Jamboree (APAC), organized by the iGEM teams from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (POLYU), is an engaging event designed to bring together university and high school teams from across the Asia-Pacific region. The primary aim of the jamboree is to provide a platform for teams to present their iGEM projects, network with peers and experts, and participate in a variety of enriching activities. This event serves as a preparatory step for teams gearing up for their final presentations at the iGEM Grand Jamboree in Paris.

In alignment with this goal, APAC features several events aimed at equipping participants with the skills and insights necessary for success. Additionally, the jamboree highlights significant topics relevant to STEM academics, including strategies for tailoring STEM education for younger audiences, promoting scientific literacy, and discussing STEM policy.

Workshop held on August 21, Day1

The event unfolded over two days. On August 21, the first day was held in person and was open to both the general public and iGEM teams. We engaged in workshops, explored interactive booths, attended a keynote talk by Dr. Chau from POLYU.

Online mock judging session on August 22, Day 2

The second day, August 22, transitioned to a hybrid format exclusively for iGEM teams, featuring a mock judging session where teams received constructive feedback on their presentations.

During the mock judging session, the judges expressed their appreciation for our efforts in integrated human practices and pointed out that the best new improved part needs control from the old part to show its improvement. We took this feedback back to our group and discussed ways to strengthen our project based on the judges' suggestions.

We are grateful to the organizers for providing us with this valuable opportunity to practice our presentation and receive valuable insights from experienced judges.

Group photo of all CCiC participants

Overview

On 11th July to 14th July, we attended the CCiC event hosted by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and CCiC committee. Throughout the conference, we had opportunities to communicate with experts and teams. We exchanged ideas and discussed how to improve our project. Through discussions, we received a lot of valuable feedback regarding our project. We were privileged to be awarded the Outstanding Project Presentation Award.

Group Photo of our team

Day 1

We arrived at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou and excitedly completed the check-in process. Afterwards, we held some rehearsals for our presentation in the main venue. During the rehearsal, the former leader, Chen Weizhuo and the faculty supervisor from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University engaged in a friendly conversation with us, sharing their unique insights on iGEM and valuable feedback on our project. This interaction enriched our preparation and added a great deal of confidence and anticipation for the upcoming presentation! We are looking forward to the following days!

Check-in and appreciate other teams’ project and posters

Day 2

On the first day of the event, we participated in the opening ceremony, where we listened to a presentation by Yin Jianguo, the chairman of BioBAY, who shared an overview of the biopharmaceutical industry in the Suzhou Industrial Park. Additionally, Miss Dorothy Zhang, the Vice President for Global Development at the iGEM Foundation, shared her iGEM journey, as well as the opportunity iGEM offers to propose new changes on policies and make impacts, which was incredibly enlightening for us.

Set up our corner and listened the opening ceremony

After a short break, we showcased our project as the third group in the Biomanufacturing track. Following our presentation, three judges with extensive iGEM experience posed some thought-provoking questions, such as how to integrate wet lab and dry lab data in the later stages of the project. We also learned from other teams in the Biomanufacturing track, who showcased their excellence achieved in various areas such as modeling, circuit design or inclusivity. We are truly honored to be one of the two teams interviewed to share our project experience (click to see the interview article ).

Listening to other teams in the Biomanufacturing track

Presentation of our project

Day 2

During lunch time, we engaged in a project discussion with the team representative from Imperial College London, who provided us with insightful information about a research project on Yarrowia lipolytica lipid production in their university that we could take reference and be greatly benefited from. We had a short conversation with the BIT team regarding collaboration on social media. The Fudan team also asked for our slides, as they found our design of flow impressive and hoped to use it as a reference. We then continued to listen to presentations from various teams, including but not limited to HKUST-GZ, SJTU-Software, XJTLU-Software, and shared our ideas about similar projects and existing resources. In the evening, we joined a welcome party, where we enjoyed a performance "Good Night, iGEMer" from Shenzhen University, bringing a fulfilling day to a close.

Listened to other teams and learned from them

Discussion with HKUST-GZ and HainanU-China

Throughout the day, we introduced our project to team representatives and visiting researchers, and engaged in lots of inspiring discussions with them in front of our poster. Their feedback greatly inspired us, and also made us think deeper into the uniqueness and key innovativeness of our project. Among others, we exchanged the project design and progress with 2 teams working on the similar topic, XJTLU-CHINA and CAU-China, and shared the challenges met during project outreach, experiments, modeling and presentation. We also met Dr. Wang Bohan from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) working on DHA-producing Schizochytrium sp., and he pointed out that Y. lipolytica will likely accumulate more unwanted fatty acid, which developed further into part of our future project design. The connections built on the day contributes to our further outreaches to Prof. Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro from Imperial College London, Prof. Chen Zhi from CAU and Dr. Zhu Yuanmin from HUST.

Day 3

On the second day, we continued to listen to project presentations from various teams, including Fudan, HainanU-China and BNUZH-China. We engaged in in-depth discussions, learning about their experimental progress and how they allocate work among team members. After lunch, we attended a themed lecture on biosafety in synthetic biology, presented by Professor Zhang Weiwen, the director of the Biosafety Strategy Research Center at Tianjin University. He shared insights into the process of publishing literature and the key considerations to keep in mind, particularly concerning bioethics and biosafety. Next, we heard from Dr. Bao Yuhan, a liaison officer from the iGEM committee, who highlighted the key points of Integrated Human Practices, Education, and Human Practice, as well as ways to improve them.

Talk from Professor Zhang Weiwen and Dr. Bao Yuhan

Then, after conversations on the previous day, we engaged in further discussions with team XJTLU-CHINA regarding Dry Lab experiments, as their project modeling shares certain similarities with us. We covered from DHA absorption, flux value problems, to equations integrating central dogma into the yield model. From this meeting, we also learned the importance of optimizing for different production environments, and had a better understanding on what models we want to build in our project.

Meeting with XJTLU-CHINA (photo taken from our 2nd meeting)

In the evening, we collaborated with nine teams from different tracks, including JLU-NBBMS and PKU-GPA, to discuss our projects’ integration and potential IHP collaborations. We also enjoyed a late-night snack with HKUST-GZ, further exploring our respective projects.

Meeting with 10 teams about the collaboration

Day 4

On the final day, as we wanted to understand more about the Suzhou Pharmaceutical Industrial Park, we visited there in the morning, along with five teams including CAU-China and BNU-China. This visit allowed us to gain insights into the current market situation of leading domestic and international enterprises, as well as the thriving development of the health industry, including the health supplements sector. We also engaged in discussions with the park's management about the current state of the industry.

Photo with PIC of Suzhou Pharmaceutical Industrial Park and PI of CAU-China team

In the afternoon, we returned to the venue to continue listening to project presentations from various teams. We again had in-depth discussions with team CAU-China and SCUT-China-S, as our projects were both related to DHA or involved yeast fermentation, respectively. Finally, we participated in the closing ceremony, where we were honored to receive the Outstanding Project Presentation Award.

Projects from other teams

Finally, we participated in the closing ceremony, where we were honored to receive the Outstanding Project Presentation Award.

Receiving the Outstanding Project Presentation Award

Group photos taken during the symposium

The Hong Kong-Macau iGEM Symposium on 5th August is one of the collaborative events this year, where we had the privilege of taking on the role of event planner for an inspiring gathering of 10 iGEM teams. This year's event was particularly special, as it brought together not only team advisors and fellow undergraduate students but also enthusiastic high school participants, all eager to engage in this global competition.

Talk regarding science communication given by Dr. Helen Ma

The theme for this year's symposium, "Beyond the Bench: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Community," set the stage for meaningful discussions and exchanges. We were honored to have Dr. Helen Ma, an experienced science communicator, delivers an insightful talk on effective science communication skills, emphasizing the importance of conveying research to broader audiences.

Sharing done by previous iGEMer, also our advisors, Owen FUNG

In addition, Owen Fung, a seasoned participant in the competition and one of our advisors, shared his invaluable experiences and lessons learned from his two previous participations. His insights provided a practical perspective that resonated with both new and returning participants.

Mingling session

One of the most rewarding aspects of the symposium was witnessing iGEMers engaging in discussions about each other's projects. Participants exchanged contact information for follow-up conversations, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation. Our team also benefited immensely from this interaction. We connected with the high school iGEM teams and invited them to join the final presentation of YSIP, making the whole summer program more meaningful as it connected not only our YSIPians and the high school iGEMers but also teachers who want to have their own iGEM team.

Presentation and Q&A Session

Following an engaging Q&A session, we refined our engineering cycles to address feedback received during the event. We are exploring new directions concerning safety protocols, guided by constructive criticism from both judges and fellow teams. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed; the feedback has been instrumental in helping us realign our project goals!

Mingling session

Mingling with other iGEMers proved to be fruitful as well. By connecting with local teams, we uncovered exciting collaboration opportunities, particularly in the realm of education. We are eager to see how these developments unfold as we continue to build relationships within the community.

As we reflect on this enriching experience, we will apply what we have gained and learnt, as well as continuing our journey in bridging research with community engagement.

Overview

We are honored to serve as the Hong Kong-based co-host for the 2nd iGEM Greater Bay Area Industry-Academia-Research Forum.

From August 1st to 3rd, this event was successfully held in Shenzhen, co-hosted by four iGEM teams: BNUZH-China, HKUST, SUSTech-Med, and UM-Macau. Over 15 teams participated, seizing the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and showcase their innovative projects. We visited the world’s largest synthetic biology research center in Guangming, Shenzhen, and explored two pioneering companies addressing global challenges through synthetic biology. This facilitated enriching dialogues with experts from both academia and industry.

Group photo of participants in 2nd iGBA

Preparation

In April, BNUZH-China, UM-Macau, and Dominic Yang, iGEM ambassador for the Asia-Pacific region visited us to discuss the co-hosting of the 2nd iGBA. We also provided them with a campus tour of our school and Hong Kong.

Group photos and meeting with BNUZH-China, UM-Macau and iGEM ambassador Dominic Yang

A week later, we visited Southern University of Science and Technology to further discuss the co-hosting arrangements with BNUZH-China, UM-Macau, and Sustech-Med. We shared our project details and received valuable feedback on our experiments.

Group photos and meeting with BNUZH-China, UM-Macau and Sustech-Med

Day 1

During the opening ceremony, esteemed guests Professor Yang Liang from Southern University of Science and Technology and Professor King L. Chow, the instructor from our team, delivered speeches. They discussed the history of iGEM and encouraged teams to strive for excellence. Liao Wenyu, a representative of the 2nd iGBA organizing committee, spoke and officially declared the forum open.

Opening Ceremony by Prof. King L. Chow and Liao Wenyu

Following this, two interactive workshops were held, focusing on the themes of "HP work" and "SDG work." We connected with Dr. Bao Yuhan, the iGEM liaison officer and human practices project coordinator, who engaged in in-depth discussions with the iGEM participants about HP work and shared valuable insights on effective Human Practices. We presented our own Human Practices and received constructive feedback from Dr. Bao. Additionally, Yang Yang, the iGEM ambassador for the Asia-Pacific region, was invited to share insights with the various teams regarding the iGEM community.

Sharing by Dominic Yang

\

Discussions between teams

In the evening, we organized a dinner for all participants, providing a relaxed atmosphere for further networking and communication.

Group photos of the welcome night

Day 2

Under the organization of the iGBA committee, iGEMers visited Guangming Science City, the Shenzhen Engineering Biological Industry Innovation Center, and the Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, all located in Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.

In the morning, we explored Guangming Science City, which integrates entrepreneurship, education, and research resources. Following this, the iGEMers toured two medium-sized enterprises: Biosysen Limited and Biocreatech. As co-hosts, we presented souvenirs to the representatives of these companies. Visiting these enterprises was a valuable experience, as they shared their techniques and products with us. We then enjoyed lunch in their canteens.

Visit to Biocretech

Visit to Biosysen

Group photos with representatives of companies

In the afternoon, we visited the Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, where we toured their experimental facilities and engaged with experts, gaining deeper insights into synthetic biology.

Visit to Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology

Next, we headed to the Shenzhen Engineering Biological Industry Innovation Center, where we attended a talk by an expert in synthetic biology. Through discussions with them, we acquired detailed information on translating theoretical knowledge into practical applications, especially given the presence of numerous startups in the center.

Visit to Shenzhen Engineering Biological Industry Innovation Center

Day 3

The activities on the third day focused primarily on corporate presentations and team-enterprise exchanges. Three companies—BayVax BioTech Limited, YanYin Technology, and Suzhou Hongxun Biotechnologies Co., LTD—held presentations and set up promotional booths.

Dr. Hu from BayVax BioTech Limited, as an experienced iGEMer, shared valuable insights on project design and his experiences in iGEM. Representatives from YanYin Technology and Suzhou Hongxun Biotechnologies Co., LTD also provided their perspectives on iGEM and how their products relate to synthetic biology.

Sharing by companies

At noon, we, as co-hosts, had lunch with representatives from the three companies, discussing iGEM in greater detail.

Additionally, we invited an instructor from Tongji University to engage with the teams on-site. In the afternoon, our team sought his advice on our Human Practice, and he offered suggestions for improvement, such as enhancing the completeness of our storyline.

Group photos of the participants of iGBA

The journey toward industry-academia-research collaboration in the Greater Bay Area is long and challenging. Through this forum, we aim to promote academic progress and industrial success in the region, contributing significantly to the economic development of the Greater Bay Area. Consequently, we have formed a committee to plan for the future iGEM Greater Bay Area Industry-Academia-Research Forums.