Novartis International Biotechnology Leadership Camp, Tokyo, 6-8 October 2007 (part 2)

During the three-day BioCamp program, we gained many insights from world-class lecturers and multi-cultural experience of group discussions. The lecturers were recognized experts in their fields, such as: Dr. Reinhard Ambros, Global Head of Novartis Venture Fund; Dr. Kiyoshi Kurokawa, Professor at National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies; Dr. Robert Horvitz, Nobel Prize Winner and Professor at MIT; Dr. Seigo Izumo, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research; and Dr. Paul Herrling, Head of Novartis Corporate Research. All lecturers gave in-depth understanding of the fast growing biotechnology industry, its future prospect, and what expertise are needed to be involved in the stream. However, it is heartbreaking to found that most lecturers advised developing countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh - which have not had the conducive environment, infrastructure, nor capital - to not insist on building their own biotechnology industry. Instead, they can begin with IT and agriculture. However, Dr. Horvitz emphasized the role of basic research in great discoveries. He took an example from his own discovery of apoptosis, the programmed cell death, that turned out to be very useful in cancer treatment. Indonesia can take a lesson by focusing on simple research that relies on Indonesia’s competitive advantage on abundant natural resources and integrate with government and business to develop concrete solutions for the people. The bottom line is, never stop innovate, not necessarily on high-tech products, but renewing discoveries and finding out-of-the-box solutions to real problems. More on H. Robert Horvitz...

Valuable experiences were also obtained during group discussions. All participants were divided into eight groups, each consisted of delegates from different nationalities and educational background. My group is called group R (other groups are N, O, V, A, T, I, and S), which later named after our company, LEPTOS. The group consisted of (from left to right in the photo): Masaki Nakamura, a medical student from Japan; Chan Yoke Fun, a PhD holder and lecturer from Malaysia; Takeshi Fukuhara, a post-doctorate researcher from Japan, who is currently doing a research in Stanford University; Lim Hui Wen, a PhD student from Malaysia, who is currently studying in Japan; and Chiweon Kim, a Master in Medicine student from Korea. I was the only member who has business background. It is an amazing experience that we can communicate effectively and breaking through the language barrier, even though we had only known each other for a couple of hours. During the program, we experienced improving communication skills and increasing solidarity. We have been through moments when all of us had to reach within ourselves and bring out the best to reach our goal. This group taught me of how teamwork should be. LEPTOS is by far the best team I ever had. It must also be noted that although we only spent 3 days in BioCamp, our meetings were intensive and we even dined together and worked till dawn in order to prepare our business plan. All of the teammates were also of educated background and the professional occasion made it easier for us to focus on working effectively. Not to mention that our work was supported with facilities provided by Novartis Pharma Japan, such as laptop with unlimited wireless Internet connection to search for supporting literatures.

Our hard work was fruitful. In the final day, our presentation about the novel anti-obesity drug was awarded the most feasible business plan. As quoted from Mr. Ambros, the jury’s representative, “The business plan was so simple and easy to understand that we were convinced that this business plan can actually be realised.” The compliment was very valuable for us. Even though, in overall we only received the second prize, being the most feasible gave confidence to us that we can actually plan something realisable.

Unfortunately, the inspirational moments had to end. BioCamp 2007 was an amazing experience beyond literation. After all delegates have returned to their normal activities in their own countries, we still keep in touch through the Internet and everyone admits that the BioCamp was truly a life changing event. BioCamp? Subarashii! (= Superb!)