The recently concluded BioMalaysia 2008, the country's annual biotechnology conference and exhibition, witnessed another strong booster given to the biotechnology industry, directly by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his previous commitments to see this sector become a key development driver in Malaysia. The three areas of focus – agriculture, healthcare, and industrial biotechnology will have tremendous influence in the country’s growth and future direction, he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that private-public collaboration need to be forged and the legal and regulatory environment need to be simplified to reduce delays and uncertainties. He urged policymakers, regulators, scientists, and industry participants to interact with each other to ensure decisions and policies on complex issues such as those involving industry development and environmental preservation without compromising ethical conduct and ecological concerns.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister averred that biotechnology will be the main driver of development in five economic corridors: Sabah Development Corridor, Sarawak Corridor for Renewable Energy, Northern Economic Corridor Region, East Coast Economic Corridor, and Iskandar Corridor. The International Advisory Panel which is chaired by the Prime Minister advised Malaysia to go back to its strength in marine and agriculture and find ways to add value to them. Agriculture biotechnology is expected to be given another push and serious efforts will be taken to revive this sector.

For more information about this development, email Mahaletchumy Arujanan of the Malaysia Biotechnology Information Centre at maha@bic.org.my..