Biodiversity and Biotechnology Symposium 2008

The Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp) is co-organising the Biodiversity and Biotechnology Symposium 2008 with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC). Biodiversity today is the result of 3.5 billions of years of evolution and existence. Its intrinsic value is important for a variety of reasons from healthcare to food production. The loss of biodiversity is significant, prompting the global call for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biological resources particularly in countries which are rich in biodiversity.

Malaysia is one of the 12 mega-diverse countries in the world which accounts for 60-70 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. Biodiversity contributes to the genetic and chemical diversity that support research and development (R&D) in biotechnology.

Biotechnology has been proven to be a powerful tool for building knowledge, unraveling discoveries and creation of new and better applications. It has developed into a major industry that is set to be the catalyst for next wave of economic development.

Malaysia’s biotechnology ambition is well supported by the government raising biotech research and industry to the top of the political and economic agenda of the country. There is ample funding to promote commercialization of biotech and fostering of favourable environment for the development of the industry. However, achieving the goals and success in biotech industry is not without its challenges and issues; from the need to address legal framework for access to biological resources, equitable sharing of benefits, capable workforce and expertise to getting the right strategies for R&D.

THEME

Biodiversity – Biotechnology: Gateway to Discoveries, Sustainable Utilization and Wealth Creation.

OBJECTIVES

1. To highlight and create awareness on the value of biodiversity, its research, development and commercialization
2. To inform and update participants on policies and laws relevant to biodiversity, traditional knowledge, access and benefit sharing, intellectual property and genetic resources
3. To stimulate the exchange of ideas and interaction between stakeholders in areas of biodiversity, natural products and biotechnology

LIST OF TOPICS

In line with the theme of the Symposium, papers on biodiversity, biotechnology, natural products, drug discovery, commercialization, industrial and food biotechnology are welcome. Contributions are based on the following sessions:

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

1. Plenary Sessions
2. Theme Specific Sessions: keynote addresses and oral presentations
3. Panel Discussions
4. Poster Presentation

PROCEEDINGS

The proceedings of the Symposium will be published as a book and made available to all the speakers, participants and those interested.

EXHIBITION

An exhibition will be held concurrent to the Symposium to provide an opportunity for relevant agencies, organisations and companies to promote their services and products.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This Symposium targets all those involved in areas of biodiversity, related legislation, natural products discovery and industries, including policy makers, key government officials from relevant agencies, scientists, researchers, traditional knowledge stakeholders, the legal fraternity, and industry players.

CALL FOR PAPERS

If you are interested in submitting a paper for consideration, please prepare an abstract (Microsoft Office Winword, Font size 12, Times New Roman) summarising your proposed paper in sufficient detail so that it can be reviewed by the committee.
Click here for more information.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

• Awareness on the value of the biodiversity.
• Stimulate R&D in biodiversity and be educated on the challenges to undertake commercialization of bioproducts.
• Updated on the policies and laws related to biodiversity, traditional knowledge, intellectual property and genetic resources.
• Exchange of ideas and potential collaborations among the participants in various areas related to biodiversity, natural products and biotechnology.
  

REGISTRATION

Registration fee covers seminar materials, teas, lunches, symposium dinner, Kuching City Tour and visit to Semengoh Wild Life Rehabilitation Centre must be paid in full prior to the Symposium. Your registration will only be confirmed upon payment of the Symposium fees. No refunds will be made upon cancellation of the registration.

*50% discount of the registration fees are applicable to MBIO members
*Fees will be waived for Bionexus companies (limit to 2 pax per company)
*Early registration should be made before 30 July 2008.
*Registration closes on 20 October 2008.

Please click here for a copy of the brochure and registration form.

Contact person

Ms Ng Lee Tze

Address	:	Sarawak Biodiversity Centre KM20, Jalan Borneo Heights Semengoh Locked BagNo.3032 93990 Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia
Fax	:	60 82 611535
Email	:	leetze@sbc.org.my / biosar@sbc.org.my
Website	:	http://www.sbc.org.my/symposium_intro.html