COLLABORATION WITH BIOTECHCORP TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED TECHNOLOGY TRAININGS FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Boston, Massachusetts, June18th 2012 – Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp), today entered into a collaboration with California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) to facilitate the setting up of a QB3 satellite programme in Malaysia.The documents were exchanged at a networking event organised by BiotechCorp and QB3 in conjunction with the 2012 BIO International Convention.

Witnessed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Honorable Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, the exchange of documents were executed by BiotechCorp’s Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Dr.Mohd Nazlee Kamal and the Director of QB3, Dr. Regis Kelly.

Commenting on the collaboration, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus said, “As Malaysia moves further into the second phase of its National Biotechnology Policy – turning Science to Business, we welcome initiatives that would accelerate the commercialization of our biotechnology companies where the industry is expected to undergo an ultimate test of viability as it embarks upon efforts to intensify the business appeal of all the initiatives.”

The collaboration is towards the enhancements of human capital and entrepreneurship developments in Malaysia via specialized technology trainings that can facilitate local biotech researchers to bring their products from bench to market. The collaboration will look into the facilitation of the active transfer of scientific knowledge to address unmet medical needs and development of therapeutics, as well as the enrichment of the scientific talent of Malaysian researchers via research, training and collaborations with QB3 researchers in advanced methodologies.

Dato’ Dr.Mohd Nazlee Kamal, who spoke at the symposium said, “This collaboration will initiate a positive transfer of knowledge from QB3’s researchers to our researchers that will branch off into streams of knowledge to students, academicians, entrepreneurs and interested parties that will eventually contribute towards a biotechnology-driven economy as we move towards becoming a high-income nation.”

The symposium organised by BiotechCorp and QB3 is part of a series of sideline events organised to complement international partnerships in conjunction with the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of biotechnology professional, business leaders, scientists and policy makers. BIOBoston2012, held from June 18th to 21st 2012 at the Boston Convention Center is expected to draw over 15,000 attendees with 1,700 exhibiting companies from 65 countries. This is the 8th year of participation by Malaysia in the BIO annual event.