Bernama.com (Malaysian National News Agency), 04 December 2006

U.K. Keen on More Joint R&D Efforts with Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- The United Kingdom, one of the largest investors in Malaysia with over RM134 billion worth of investments in the country the last 30 years, is keen on more collaborations with local counterparts, particularly in the area of research and development (R&D).

"Actually we are upgrading our presence here," said British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Boyd McCleary, Monday.

"We are looking to develop more research collaboration with Malaysia, especially with local universities, and then commercialising the research for the global market," he told reporters after the opening of the new British Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) office, here.

McCleary said the UK has had discussions with University Science Malaysia, University Malaya, University Putra Malaysia and University Kebangsaan Malaysia to identify the research priorities.

He said the biotechnology sector was one area, adding that it was a strong and potential area for collaboration.

Citing the success of the United Kingdom-based Rolls Royce Plc's project in R&D on tantalum powder via collaboration with local counterparts in Kulim, Kedah recently, McCleary said he was confident of more such efforts between the two countries next year.

Tantalum is used widely in the electronics and aircraft turbine industry.