Biotech Updates

Malaysia to Announce Bioeconomy Initiative

June 29, 2012

The Malaysian Bioeconomy Initiative, which will outline a comprehensive plan to encourage commercialization in the biotechnology industry, is expected to be announced at the next MSC Malaysia Implementation Council Meeting (ICM). In addition, at least six new Entry Point Projects (EPPs) on biotechnology are expected to be discussed during the meeting by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak either in July or August. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Ongkili gave this information to to journalists after launching the Malaysian Pavilion at the BIO Boston 2012.

Areas of concern will include medical biotechnology, production of vaccines, medical devices and biopharmaceuticals; industrial biotechnology like energy and bio-based chemicals; and agricultural biotechnology, largely involving genome.

The Malaysian Bioeconomy Initiative, which will also capitalize on the entire biotechnology ecosystem and related value chain, is expected to generate 20,000 job opportunities by 2020. 

 To read more go to http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20120620175123/Article/index_html.