Johor Bahru, October 24, 2013 – The BioMalaysia & Bioeconomy Asia Pacific 2013, the region’s largest biotechnology event, wrapped up yesterday at Persada International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru, delivered more than 40 conference topics across four tracks, which included Asia Bio Markets Industrial Biotechnology, Biomedical, Agbiotech and RSOG – Biotechcorp on policy & ecosystem.

“The BioMalaysia & Bioeconomy Asia Pacific 2013 brought together global leaders from industry, government and academia who are working together to move innovation and the bio-based industry forward,” said BiotechCorp chief executive officer Dato’ Dr. Mohd Nazlee.

“Johor Bahru, embraced and welcomed the global biotechnology community as host to the BioMalaysia & Bioeconomy Asia Pacific 2013,” said Dato’ Dr. Mohd Nazlee.

“I walked the crowded, exhibit hall seeing so many familiar faces and organizations representing diverse geographies, universities and companies all focused on developing breakthrough technologies and products. I leave the Convention today with renewed optimism, energy and enthusiasm for the biotechnology industry as a whole and intend to leverage and enhance our Malaysia bioeconomy ecosystem and make a global impact with the assets and talents we have here,” he added.

One of the most interesting additions to this year conference and exhibition was the Bio@RT, BioCareer and Bio Education and BioShoppe side events and booths.

Bio@RT, an art competition organized in conjunction with BioMalaysia and Bioeconomy Asia Pacific 2013 in collaboration with Sekolah Seni Johor exhibited 29 paintings illustrating the expressions of biotechnology by 14 – 17 year old students at the Showcase Gallery.

BioCareer and Bio Education on the other hand provided an ideal platform for the convergence of graduates, job seekers and industry players in search of qualified and skilled employees from multiple disciplines. The of activities and programmes included resume clinic, career talks, science demonstration, on-site recruitment by over 30 participating biotechnology and life sciences companies.

By far the most popular and visually stunning booth was the BioShoppe. A concept store promoting biotechnology related products produced by BioNexus companies, the BioShoppe showcased more than 100 products by 32 BioNexus companies.

As soon as the BioShoppe opened its doors for business, its till never stopped ringing as has visitors found the products interesting and of great value.

“The BioShoppe garnered a lot of interest and we are bullish that it will then translate into market penetration and higher sales. The products range from health supplements, functional beverages, biofertilisers and fresh produce likes fishes, shrimps and oysters. These high-quality products are locally produced by our BioNexus companies,” said Dato’ Dr. Mohd Nazlee, chief executive officer of Biotechcorp

“It was quite an eventful, news-filled and educational three days that also provided conference attendees with numerous networking and partnership opportunities to help continue building and driving the biotechnology industry. We hope you’ll join us next year at the BioMalaysia & Bioeconomy Asia Pacific in Kuala Lumpur,” stated Dato’ Dr. Mohd Nazlee.