The Star, September 8, 2007

Good start for biotech sector. Allocation will boost development

PETALING JAYA: The RM236mil allocation for the biotechnology industry under Budget 2008 is a good start to boost the development of the high potential sector, said market players.

Malaysian Bio-Diagnostics Research Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Emeri Johari welcomed the measures, especially the collaboration between biotechnology companies and local universities.

“For a small start-up like ours, being able to use local university facilities is cost effective and product enhancing,” he said.

Emeri Johari

Stemlife Bhd finance director Michael Lim said biotechnology companies would benefit from the allocation, particularly in the acquisition of technology.

“It is a good start for the Government to allocate RM236mil for the biotechnology sector. However, we hope that this can be reviewed, should the need arise.

“We were looking forward to the Government providing support for downstream application research and trials in the healthcare industry but, as mentioned, this is a good start,” Lim said.

INS Bioscience Bhd executive director Ben Wong also lauded the allocation but said implementation was equally important.

“Allocation is one thing but the implementation of plans must follow through. We would like to see more solid development in the industry,” he said.

The Government will continue to provide the infrastructure and technological facilities for the sector.

Projects slated include the acquisition of technology, development of biodiversity research centre and biotechnology commercialisation centre as well as anti-cancer compound research.

To encourage co-operation between biotechnology companies and local universities, BioNexus-status companies will be allowed to use the laboratories and research facilities at the universities.