BiotechCorp leads effort to advance Northern region’s bio-based industry at the forefront of the nation’s Bioeconomy

Kuala Lumpur, May 15 2014 – The Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation Sdn Bhd (BiotechCorp) has organised the northern series of the Bio Partnering 2014, a one day conference that gathers all life sciences and biotechnology industry players, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, researchers, academia and head of key R&D&C facilities to explore business potential in the Northern region and enhance partnership towards accelerating bio-based product development and commercialisation.

The conference, carrying the theme Generating Biotechnology-based Economy, was officiated by the Menteri Besar of Kedah, Dato’ Seri Mukhriz Mahathir. It was held in collaboration between the State with BiotechCorp, BioNexus Partners (BNP) laboratories, Kulim Technology Park Corporation, Kedah BioResources Corporation (KBioCorp), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) as well as the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).

“The BioNexus Partnering Programme is a portfolio of unique resources that enables scientists and bio-entrepreneurs to benefit from having access to high-end shared research facilities, infrastructure and capabilities from Institutions of Higher Education, Research Institutes, Technological Parks, Incubators and governmentlinked companies” said BiotechCorp Chief Executive Dato’ Dr. Mohd Nazlee Kamal in his speech during the opening ceremony.

“We have to provide a stimulus and a platform for innovation to strive and flourish. We can have the best scientists and entrepreneurs but if we do not provide opportunity for them to develop their ideas and to develop a culture of bringing the science to business, we will never succeed,” added Dato’ Dr Mohd Nazlee.

According to Dato’ Dr. Mohd Nazlee, the event also aims to increase the awareness on the BioNexus Status and its related incentives, the BioNexus companies products and services, as well as research capabilities and capacities that are available in the Northern region offered by BNP laboratories and units to support the industry’s need in enhancing marketability of their products in various areas.

“Nearly RM 800 million of revenue was generated from year 2009 to 2012 by BioNexus Status companies utilising the BNP laboratories and units. Initiatives such as these form the backbone of the Malaysian bioeconomy,” he added.

Bio Partnering 2014 also seeks to provide an avenue for BioNexus Status companies and BNP laboratories to promote their products, services and facilities as well as foster partnerships and building new models of collaboration between the public and private sectors that are critical in promoting innovation and accelerating commercialisation.

The event also witnessed the document exchanges and an announcement that will aid in the acceleration of bioeconomy development for the region:

1. Collaboration Proposal Exchange between BiotechCorp & KBioCorp on the setting Up of BioShoppe in Kedah State and Utilising Centre for Marker Discovery and Validation (CMDV) and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) Technology Platform.
2. Collaboration Proposal Exchange between BiotechCorp & Ninamaju on Extraction of Rice Bran Oil & Ginger Extract Special announcement:
3. Symbolic Biofertiliser Exchange between Microwell & Lembaga Kemajuan Pertanian Muda (MADA) on Paddy Land Restoration Project in Kedah & Perlis

For media inquiries, kindly contact:

DAZRENE AZMIL DARUS
Manager, Strategic Communications
Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation
Tel/Fax : +603 2116 5158
Email: dazrene.darus@biotechcorp.com.my