Kuala Lumpur, 19 July 2012 – Malaysia is set to become the latest Asia Pacific affiliate to join the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) with the setting up of its Malaysia Affiliate office today. The announcement was made following a charter signing ceremony between ISPE International and ISPE Malaysia.

The signing ceremony marked an important point in the formation of the Malaysian Affiliate as it signifies the official acceptance into the ISPE International network. The charter signing has significantly and strategically positioned Malaysia on the global platform, amongst the major countries that are already a part of the International ISPE network. In Asia Pacific, Malaysia is the 10th country to join the International ISPE network. This will mark a significant milestone in Malaysia’s push to become the regional biomedical manufacturing hub of choice.

“Malaysia has long since been a leading producer of quality small molecule pharmaceuticals. Recent efforts by the government to position Malaysia as a regional center for the manufacturing of large molecule biopharmaceuticals are showing considerable promise. In order to ensure Malaysia’s appeal as a center for research, development and manufacturing of therapeutic products continues to intensify, we realize that there is a need to nurture and develop locally based industry professionals in the pharmaceutical engineering field”, said Encik Ibrahim Zainudin, the newly appointed President of ISPE Malaysia Affiliate.

“The establishment of the ISPE Malaysia Affiliate will bring a significant increase in opportunities for the development of locally based industry professionals. It will provide a conduit to ISPE members throughout the world and a local center that is able to address the challenges facing the local needs of our growing industry. With the Charter Signing Ceremony today, ISPE Malaysia Affiliate has been successfully registered and officially chartered by the ISPE International. This milestone not only provides benefits to the ISPE Members in Malaysia, but also to Malaysia, in its push to become the regional hub for manufacturing pharmaceuticals and biologics”, he added.

The setting-up of the ISPE Malaysia Affiliate will enable Malaysia to play an active role in promoting learning, networking and communication throughout the local and regional biomedical community. This will be achieved through the support of tertiary education initiatives and by offering affordable courses, seminars and events that are highly relevant to the industry’s activities in this region.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dato’ Dr Mohd Nazlee Kamal, CEO of BiotechCorp and also the Steering Committee member of ISPE Malaysia said, ”One of the nine policy thrusts of the National Biotech Policy is Human Capital Development, to build the nation’s biotech human resource capability in line with market needs through special schemes, programs and training. An important step forward for human capital development in biotechnology, is the continued expansion in collaboration and the network of support that involves universities, labs, companies, investors, entrepreneurs – in Malaysia and internationally”.

ISPE is the world’s largest not-for-profit association dedicated to educating and advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing professionals and the industry. ISPE provides an inviting and neutral environment for experts, technologists, regulators, consultants and students to exchange ideas and practical experience. Today ISPE serves 25,000 members in 90 countries.

Following the Inauguration Meeting of ISPE Malaysia Affiliate during BioMalaysia 2011, the Society’s Chairman officially chartered the Malaysia Affiliate as an official Affiliate of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering, Inc. (“ISPE”) from 23 March 2012 to 31 December 2012. As such, the Malaysian Affiliate is mandated to hold meetings, conduct seminars, elect a Board of Directors, form committees, and incorporate the ISPE logo.