BioMalaysia2017 Concludes Partnerships and Collaborations to Boost Economic Growth in the Asia Pacific Region

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia's premier biotechnology event BioMalaysia & Asia Pacific Bioeconomy 2017, ended today, after 3 days of Forums and Exhibition at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The event was officiated by the Secretary General of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI), Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Azhar bin Yahaya on 11 September 2017 on behalf of the MOSTI Minister, Datuk Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau.

(From left) Chief Financial Officer of Bioeconomy Corporation, Tuan Syed Agil Syed Hashim; Chief Executive Officer of Bioeconomy Corporation, Dr. Mohd Shuhaizam Mohd Zain; and Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Bioeconomy Corporation and Project Director of BioMalaysia 2017, En. Adnan Baharum with some of the BioNexus products featured in BioMalaysia 2017

BioMalaysia & Asia Pacific Bioeconomy 2017 was jointly organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation) an agency under the purview of MOSTI and MyEvents International. Themed "Bioeconomy: Driving Growth and Prosperity of the Nation", the biotechnology annual forums and exhibition attracted more than 6,000 visitors and featured discussion topics related to bioeconomy, bioplastics, bioagropreneur, biologics, funding and expansion of  businesses to the global markets, as well as the way forward for bio-based industries for Asia Pacific.

The forums showcased biotechnology experts who presented their findings, latest opportunities, business methods, market access and funding opportunities within the bio-based and biotechnology industry. Among the speakers at BioMalaysia 2017 were Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Azhar Haji Yahaya, Professor Tan Sri Zakri Abdul Hamid and Dr Mohd Shuhaizam Mohd Zain.  Presentations were carried out during the 3-day event from RQuest Convergent, BioAlpha, Blubear Holdings & Melaka Biotech. The event fostered partnerships among industry players to establish stronger bioeconomy ties in the region, and served as a catalyst to position Malaysia as the prime bioeconomy and biotechnology center in the Asia Pacific region.

"During BioMalaysia 2017, we saw potential trade and cooperation in various areas to benefit the society. 8 BioNexus companies unveiled 8 new products at our event. From the 286 BioNexus status companies, 37 companies have gone global. We would like to get as many companies as possible to venture out globally in terms of partnerships, building business-to-business relationships, and getting the products to those countries and vice versa. This is a way for Malaysia to improve our global competitiveness in the Asia Pacific region and this is the spirit we are looking to bring next year," said Dr Mohd Shuhaizam Mohd Zain, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation during the wrap up press conference of BioMalaysia 2017.

BioMalaysia has always been used as a platform to announce collaborations involving various industry participants. This year 3 significant collaborations involving 6 companies and organisations were made during the opening ceremony, which have the potential to boost the bioeconomy sectors in Malaysia. Among the strategic collaborations and partnership exchanged during the opening ceremony were with Rural Asset Group of Companies & Oudhcom LLC, University Putra Malaysia & Malaysian Vaccine & Pharmaceuticals Sdn Bhd and Algaetech & Watson Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the BioMalaysia Exhibition saw the participation of 67 companies involving 120 exhibition booths. In conjunction with BioMalaysia, several sideline events were held by Bioeconomy Corporation to strengthen the bioeconomy ecosystem and bio-entrepreneurial efforts in Malaysia, as well as to encourage the commercialisation of local innovative bio-based products and increase human capital in the sector.

Another highlight of the event was the Bioeconomy Innovation Awards 2017 which gave out 30 awards to research institutes and universities for their excellence. Held on 12^th September, the award ceremony provided a platform to promote the latest biotechnology achievements as well as the commercialisation of biotechnology research findings, products and services. With the 15^th year of BioMalaysia 2017, the award ceremony was an opportunity to highlight the success and achievements attained in the bio-based industries. For more details on participation at BioMalaysia 2017 or to register attendance for talks and forums, visit http://www.biomalaysia.com.my

Sideline Events:

• The launch of 8 BioNexus products by the Secretary General of Science, Technology & Innovation, Datuk Seri Mohd Azhar Haji Yahaya on 11th September 2017. These products are generated by 8 BioNexus Status companies - Algaetech International, Tropical Bioessence, Ligno Biotech, Hopematic, Ganofarm R&D, Airestec, Careena & Elescaid and Bio Tree Biotechnology. The products generated by BioNexus Status Companies will play a role in enhancing consumers' confidence in local products to promote national economic activity and provides the chance to highlight the quality of Malaysian bio-based products, while offering consumers safe and cost-effective alternatives to foreign products, while increasing the BioNexus status companies' presence in the market.
• Bioeconomy Excellence Awards is a recognition given to qualified BioNexus Status companies and BTP project owners for their excellence contribution to the bio-based industry. The awards provided a platform to promote the latest biotech achievements as well as the commercialization of biotech research findings, products and services.
• Bioplastics Forum, launched on 11th September was a platform to highlight the latest Bioeconomy Transformation Programme (BTP) achievements and raise awareness about BTP and its opportunities to the private sectors involved in the bio-based industries. The event attracted 200 participants and additionally, about 70 people from Sabah delegates joined the breakout sessions. From this event, new potential projects were identified to be part of the BTP ecosystem, including fish oil extraction, biomass and biodegradables.
• United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) urged countries in Asia and the Pacific to adopt a more holistic approach and consider the wider range of low to high-tech solutions present in the biotechnology toolbox. FAO was carried out for three-days which saw meetings of Asia Pacific governments, scientists, academia, civil society and the private sectors. They gathered to share experiences of agricultural biotechnologies and examine opportunities for their use to meet the needs of smallholders in the region. The FAO meeting is hosted and co-organised by the Government of Malaysia.
• Bioagropreneur Forum on 12^th September benefitted from the assistance and incentives provided by Bioeconomy Corporation and Ministry of Agriculture including technical advisory, intensive training, in-kind contributions, Special Financing Packages under Agropreneur Muda and the Biotechnology Commercialisation Fund (BCF) under Bioeconomy Corporation.  Agropreneur Muda and BCDP increased the involvement of youths to rural communities in the agricultural sector thereby reducing migration to the city. These programmes helped enhance social mobility, ensure consistent food supply and raw materials for the country and maximize economic opportunitites to the locals.
• The Bioeconomy Innovation Awards 2017 (BIA 2017) on 12^th September, was jointly organised by Bioeconomy Corporation, Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation and FAO. The BIA acknowledged the innovative bio-based solutions by outstanding players from universities, research institutions and private companies. Awarded since 2008, the BIA also matches participants with prospective business partners and investors. Among the winners of BIA 2017 were from University Teknologi Malaysia, University Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and more.      
• BioCareer was a platform for students and jobseekers as well as the general public to explore the opportunities in the industry. The participants had the opportunity to interview for open positions, listen to free educational seminars and network with companies to discuss possible career options and requirements. From 11th to 13th September, the BioCareer attracted visitors which will help fuel Malaysia's professional talent pool of highly skilled and educated workforce in the bio-based industries.
• BioChat is a continuous conversation for everyone interested in Biology, Biomass, Biogas, Biochar, Biofuels, & Biotech. 
• Share Your Thoughts Contest saw visitors at BioMalaysia 2017 winning mystery gifts when they shared their opinions at the BioChat area. Visitors posted their thoughts with their name and numbers, liked Bioeconomy Corporation's Facebook and won prizes for their contributions. 
• Build Your Own Product (BYOP) provided a unique chance for participants to work directly with bio-based manufacturers including BioNexus Status companies. Participants leveraged on this program to build their own brands and products by receiving expert advise and consultation. BYOP also served as a one-stop center for those who wanted to venture into health supplement and the cosmetic business, while providing a platform for companies to do business and connect with potential buyers and distributors.
• Catch The Fund! presented the latest information on MOSTI R&D Fund and other funds by relevant agencies, emphasizing on the SMART Challenge Fund, Facilitation Fund and InnoFund. The programme also provided consultation sessions for interested companies with MOSTI's Bahagian Dana's evaluation team. The objectives of the programme are to promote funds available under MOSTI, to clarify requirements, eligibility and application process for the funds and to build pipeline of eligible applicants for MOSTI's funds.
• Biologics Forum on 13^th of September featured a panel discussion to highlight the current state of the biologics industry in Malaysia. The discussion also focus on identifying areas of improvement, and challenges facing the industry, and how the country can strike a balance between ensuring innovation is not hampered, while still providing the most accessible medications to the public. The objective of the event is to encourage local pharmaceutical companies to venture into the biosimilars sector while maintaining the inflow of innovator biologics into the country.

About Bioeconomy Corporation

Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation) is the leading economic development agency for the bio-based industry in Malaysia. Bioeconomy Corporation is under the purview of Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and is owned by the Minister of Finance Incorporated and Federal Lands Commissioner, providing support, facilitation and advisory services for bio-based and life sciences companies in Malaysia.

Bioeconomy Corporation has been facilitating the development of BioNexus Status companies in Malaysia. BioNexus Status is an accreditation given to international and Malaysian bio-based companies that qualify them for fiscal incentives, grants and guarantees administered by Bioeconomy Corporation. For further details, visit www.bioeconomycorporation.my.

Bioeconomy Corporation is also the implementation agency for the Bioeconomy Transformation Programme (BTP), which is a platform provided by the Malaysian government for the private sector to channel and maximise commercial opportunities in bio-based industries. The BTP is designed as a Transformation Programme based on biotechnology's potential to cut across various industries and transform Malaysia into a high income, inclusive and sustainable nation.

Through the BTP and the facilitation of BioNexus Status companies, the society and nation will benefit from bioeconomy via the breakthroughs in agricultural productivity, discoveries in healthcare and the adoption of sustainable industrial processes, thus enriching our society and nation through wealth creation besides securing our future. For further information, visit www.bioeconomy.my.

For media inquiries, kindly contact:

Bioeconomy Corporation

Nur Aneita Abdullah Pandian                         
Senior Manager, Media, PR & Content Development,
Branding & Communications
Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation
Tel: +603 2116 5588
Fax: +603 2116 5313
Email: aneita.abdullah@bioeconomycorporation.my

Nur Akmar Yusoff
Executive, Media, PR & Content Development,
Branding & Communications
Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation
Tel: +603 2116 8548
Email: akmar.yusoff@bioeconomycorporation.my

Brian Chow
Senior Executive, Media, PR & Content Development,
Branding & Communications
Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation
Tel: +603 2116 8561
Email: brian.chow@bioeconomycorporation.my

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170913/1940929-1