Biotech Updates

Genome Technology To Improve Malaysian Oil Palm

July 13, 2007

A local company, Asiatic Centre for Genome Technology Sdn Bhd (ACGT) will collaborate with US-based Synthetic Genomics Inc (SGI) in a multi-year research and development joint venture to improve oil palm production through genome technology.

This research collaboration will focus on the improvement of oil palm for increased yield and oil composition to meet food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical market needs. The current average yield of 3.7 tons per hectare is projected to double in seven years through this partnership. The oil palm genomic sequence in which 20% was sequenced by the local scientist will also be fast tracked and expected to finish in 18 months, added Dr. Cheah Suan Choo, the Chief Scientific Officer of ACGT.

For details of the press release, visit http://www.bic.org.my