The Malaysian Government recognized biotechnology as one of the key strategic drivers to propel the country’s social and economic development in pursuit of the status of a developed nation. For this purpose, the Government launched the National Biotechnology Policy (NBP) in year 2005 to further develop three economic sectors namely agriculture, healthcare and industrial manufacturing, as well as to support the growth of an enabling eco-system throughout the scientific, academic and business communities in the country.

Subsequently, the Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation was created as the lead agency responsible for the coordinated implementation of the NBP.

The NBP is envisioned to be executed over three phases: Phase I for Capacity Building (2005-2010), Phase II on Science to Business (2011-2015) and Phase III to develop Global Business (2016-2020). The key national development goals for implementation of the NBP over the three phases are as shown.