BIOMALAYSIA – What & How – PM Explains by Koh Lay Chin (April 2005) in The New Straits Times, Malaysia
The New Straits Times, Malaysia, by Koh Lay Chin April 2005

PUTRAJAYA, Thurs. -- These are the steps Malaysia will take from today to propel the biotechnology sector, identified as a key driver of the country's development.

In what he termed an "historic occasion", the Honorable Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the setting up of the Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (MBC) and outlined nine major initiatives to realise the country's potential in this sector.

This is what Abdullah said at the launch of BioMalaysia:
Q: Why the focus on biotechnology?
A: Malaysia has been blessed with a wealth of resources that lend themselves to the development of biotechnology. We are renowned for rich biodiversity, excellent infrastructure, political stability and cost- competitive skilled labour.

Q: What is the Government's role?
A: To be the developer and catalyst of the country's biotechnology sector.

Q: What are the main thrusts of the National Biotechnology Policy?
A: Thrust One is to add value to the agriculture sector. Thrust Two is to capitalise on Malaysia's biodiversity to commercialise discoveries in natural products and bio-generics. Thrust Three is to leverage on the country's strong manufacturing sector. Thrust Four is to establish biotechnology centres of excellence around the country. Thrust Five is to build up a pool of skilled workers in biotechnology. Thrust Six is to give enough incentives and financial backing to encourage private sector and academia to get involved. Thrust Seven will be to improve the country's legal and regulatory framework. This will enable researchers to enjoy financial rewards from R&D biotechnology.

Q: Will there be a special agency to oversee biotech policy?
A: Thrust Nine is to have a dedicated and professional agency to spearhead the development of Malaysia's biotechnology sector. The Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation will be chaired by myself and will identify good value propositions in both R&D and commerce. The corporation will work closely with government agencies and ministries.

Q: Will there be incentives to promote this sector?
A: Dedicated matching grants will be given for biotech R&D. A fund will also be established to help in the training of skilled workers and hiring of researchers. To encourage biotechnology investment from the private sector, the Government is offering 100 per cent group tax relief. Biotech companies can also benefit from incentives currently provided by the Government, including 10-year tax exempt status.

Q: What will be the approach employed by Malaysia in developing this sector?
A: The Government will be developing a network or nexus, or centres of excellence from existing institutions around the country, known as BioNexus Malaysia. This bionexus will represent the best institutions that Malaysia has to offer in specific biotechnology sub- sectors.

Q: Has a shortlist of centres been drawn up?
A: For a start, resources will be put into developing three centres of excellence. For agricultural technology, it will be Mardi and Universiti Putra Malaysia. For genomics and molecular biology, it will be Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, it will be at the Biovalley in Dengkil.

Q: Can Malaysia make its mark in a sector where other countries are already established?
A: I am hopeful, yet I am realistic. Malaysia is a new and small entrant on the biotech stage, facing many challenges. But I am confident that we have formulated a sound set of strategies and a competitive package of support.