Meet Sara; our new intern at Leave a Nest Malaysia!
Hey everyone!
I'm Saranya Govindasamy, but you can call me Sara. I am a final-year Biotechnology student at Universiti Putra Malaysia. In my previous semester, I worked on my Final Year Project (FYP), where I studied how different substrate types and bioadditive supplementation affect the physicochemical properties of mycelium-based composites. To be honest, when I first got this research topic, I knew it wasn’t exactly what I wanted. But completing the FYP was a necessary step toward earning my degree, so I accepted the challenge. Along the way, I gained valuable hands-on experience, but I also realized something important. Science alone wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to do more than just research. I wanted to create something meaningful, something that could make an impact beyond the lab.
That’s when I discovered Bioentrepreneurship, and everything changed. This module introduced me to the business side of science, including finance, marketing, production, and most importantly, innovation. Over four semesters, I wasn’t just learning theory. I was developing a science-based product prototype, going through the entire process from ideation to commercialization. It was exactly what I had been looking for. This is why Leave a Nest’s mission to bridge science and business resonates so strongly with me. One of the most exciting parts of my bioentrepreneurship journey was developing a science-based product prototype with my team. We created Chazam, an innovative rooibos tea infused with red palm olein, designed to provide both health benefits and a unique taste experience. Developing Chazam was not just about creating a product but it was about understanding consumer needs, refining formulations, testing different packaging strategies, and implementing marketing techniques. It was an incredible hands-on experience that truly embodied the concept of science-driven entrepreneurship.
Outside of academics, I have always been drawn to leadership and community building. I served as the Executive Committee of BioMIX in my second year and later became the President of BioMIX in my third year. As President, I led a dedicated team of 20 committee members, working together to create meaningful initiatives that benefited over 1,000 students in my faculty. Through BioMIX, I organized events like BioCareer Talk and Empowering Student Entrepreneurship, helping students connect with industry professionals, gain career insights, and explore opportunities beyond the classroom. These experiences sharpened my skills in event management, communication, and networking, all of which are crucial in bridging the gap between science and industry, something I am incredibly passionate about.
At the end of the day, I am not just a biotechnology student. I am someone who wants to bring science to life and turn ideas into real-world solutions. My journey in both science and entrepreneurship has shaped me into someone who is eager to innovate, collaborate, and make an impact. This is why I am excited about opportunities that align with this vision, like Leave a Nest.
Looking forward to connecting and learning from all of you! 😊