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Published: Monday November 16, 2009 MYT 3:14:00 PM

Najib: BioNexus-status companies to increase by 50 in next 2 years


KUALA LUMPUR BioNexus-status companies are expected to increase by 50 companies to 185 in the next two years from the current 135, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said these companies are expected to contribute 2.5 per cent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2011 from 2.2 per cent at present.

"The 135 biotechnology companies have had a total approved investment of more than RM1.51 billion since the inception of the National Biotechnology Policy in 2005, with a revenue of more than RM700 million, and involving 2,260 knowledge workers," he told reporters after chairing the Biotechnology International Advisory Panel meeting held in conjunction with Bio Malaysia 2009 here on Monday.

Najib said the meeting mapped out implementation of identified key initiatives arising from the current industry trend and opportunities with a strategic fit for the country.

Among specific proposals made at the meeting are the need to set up power house research centres that can attract those interested in biotechnology industry, including students, local and foreign graduates, to work in the research and development field.

"Biotechnology is the thrust to development in which Malaysia has an advantage compared to other countries. In fact, Malaysia can become the pulse or a biotechnology hub in this region," he said.

He said the existence of bio centres in this region was in line with Malaysia's involvement in the oil palm industry and can increase the yield and provide higher income to oil palm harvesters.

Najib said Malaysia should give priority to "value add clinical trials" and "diagnostic trials" in the medicine field as the country has a plural society suitable to test the global market.

"We've Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sabahans and Sarawakians who represent the major global market. Malaysia is most suitable to conduct the study," he said.

Najib also said a comprehensive eco-system has to be established to accommodate Malaysians intending to return to Malaysia apart from looking into capital requirement for them to be involved in this field.

There were also proposal urging the government to look into the gap between training or teaching in universities to meet the industry needs, he said.

Najib said suggestions and recommendations made in today's IAP meeting will move into the action mode and they will be involved in ensuring that "we will deliver the suggestions made and accepted by the government as soon as possible so that by the time the next IAP meeting, we will see results."

Present were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili and Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood - Bernama

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