Power lunch Networking Session sets to solidify strong bilateral bonds between Malaysia and Foreign Governments

Kuala Lumpur, Friday, 20 July 2012 ~ In its continuous efforts to aggressively promote the nation’s biotechnology industry to achieve global recognition and turn Malaysia into a high-income nation, the Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp) held a Power Networking Lunch with Foreign Diplomatic Corps in Kuala Lumpur recently. The event was attended by foreign Ambassadors, diplomats, as well as members of the foreign trade and commercial attache from various countries such as USA, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Uruguay, Swaziland, China, and Philippines.

“With the industry progressing well into the Commercialization Phase of the National Biotechnology Policy, the event, a joint effort by BiotechCorp’s Business Development Industry Divisions, is aimed at strengthening BiotechCorp’s networking relations as well as expanding strategic working partners with the various foreign governments”, said Dato’ Dr. Mohd Nazlee Kamal, Chief Executive Officer of BiotechCorp.

The “Power Networking Lunch with Foreign Diplomatic Corps” was a customized informative program to provide foreign diplomatic corps with the latest highlights pertaining to Malaysian biotechnology industry, simultaneously providing opportunities for both parties to explore the scope for collaboration and project opportunities that are available in Malaysia and their home countries.

“The Power Networking Lunch event served as an ideal platform for BiotechCorp to promote Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in biotechnology and create market access for local biotech products and services, particularly for BioNexus status companies. Additionally, this event will strengthen networking between BiotechCorp and Diplomatic Corps and expand the strategic working partners with foreign government,” commented Dato’ Nazlee.

During the event, Dato’ Dr. Nazlee, presented a talk entitled “Updates on the Biotechnology Industry in Malaysia: An Introduction to Bioeconomy Initiative Malaysia”. The presentation focused on the pertinent aspects of developing a firm understanding of the strategic direction of Malaysian biotechnology industry in line with the latest economic pillar, the Bioeconomy Initiative Malaysia (BIM).

The event highlighted the importance of foreign partners to contribute to BIM and various governments’ economic transformation programme and in realising Malaysia’s goal of becoming a high-income country by 2020. The event also engaged both BiotechCorp and foreign diplomats regarding opportunities in Malaysia and their home countries as well as obtained feedback on Malaysian initiatives and develop greater understanding of the needs of Malaysian and their home countries.

In view of the upcoming BioMalaysia Exhibition and Conference 2012, BiotechCorp’s Chief Operating Officer, Mohd Yazid Abd Hamid also made a short presentation on the highlights of the prestigious event to promote and attract participation of new countries, particularly from Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, with the cooperation from the Diplomatic Corps.

BioMalaysia is an annual global biotechnology event that focuses on the latest in the industry’s developments, practices, innovations, and commercialization programs, whilst bringing together professionals and key players. Themed “Driving Innovation and Wealth Creation through Bioeconomy”, BioMalaysia 2012 will be held on the 5 – 7 November 2012 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.