Biotech propels Malaysia’s growth

Malaysia has been blessed with a wealth of resources that lend themselves to the development of biotechnology. However, in order to utilize these strengths and resources fully, serious and concerted efforts are done to provide the right environment for biotechnology to flourish.

The potential of biotechnology has been well acknowledged. It is very research-driven and with this, MOSTI is committed to undertake the role of developer and catalyst of the country's biotechnology sector, by unveiling the National Biotechnology Policy. The policy which was introduced by the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia at the launch of BIOMALAYSIA 2005, encompasses nine thrusts which underline the direction and measures offered by the government towards developing biotechnology for wealth creation and national well-being.

Thrust One of the National Biotechnology Policy is to transform and enhance the value creation of the agricultural sector through biotechnology. Thrust Two is to capitalize on the strength of biodiversity to commercialise discoveries in health-related natural products and bio-generic drugs. Thrust Three is to leverage the country strong manufacturing sector by increasing opportunities in bio-processing and bio-manufacturing. These three thrusts reflect one of the main principles behind the National Biotechnology Policy -- which is to leverage the country's existing capabilities and to move them up the value-chain. In this initial phase of biotechnology development, MOSTI is targeting biotech sub-sectors, which will shift the country's agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing sectors to the high-tech stage.

Thrust Four is to establish biotechnology centers of excellence in Malaysia, where we bring together multi-disciplinary research teams in coordinated initiatives. Thrust Five is to build the nation's human capital in biotechnology via education and training. There is no doubt biotechnology is built from the power of research and human intellect. MOSTI therefore aims to enhance Malaysia's knowledge generation capabilities by nurturing research activities and by building a strong human capital base.

Thrust Six of the Biotechnology Policy is to apply competitive "lab to market" funding and incentives to encouraged committed participation from academia and the private sector, including Government-linked Companies. As an initial step, the structuring of matching grants for biotech R&D and commercialization, including financial support in patent application. To assist R&D ventures even further, a fund have been establish to assist in the training cost of skilled workers and the hiring of researches in promoted areas.

Thrust Seven of the policy is to improve the country's innovation system by reviewing the country's legal and regulatory framework. Part of this effort involves making regulatory changes to give researches a share in the ownership of intellectual property and in the monetary rewards derived from their work, together with their institutions and investors. Regulations and procedures pertaining to employment of knowledge workers are reviewed to increase the biotechnology 'brain-gain' in Malaysia.

Taking all these strands together, Thrust Eight of the National Biotechnology Policy sets out to build international recognition for Malaysian biotechnology. Biotechnology has become a globalised activity and MOSTI has worked hard at putting together a comprehensive biotechnology policy that is relevant and competitive. Therefore, the Ninth and final thrust of the National Biotechnology Policy is to establish a dedicated and professional agency to spearhead the development of Malaysia's biotechnology sector.

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