National Biotechnology Policy

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says the Government is close to achieving the overall targets set in the first phase of the National Biotechnology Policy.

The National Biotechnology Policy envisions that biotechnology will be a new economic engine for Malaysia, enhancing the nation’s prosperity and well-being. To succeed, the Policy aims to build a conducive environment for R&D and industry development whilst leveraging on the country’s existing areas of strength.

The Policy which is expected to give impetus to the biotechnology sector in Malaysia addresses vital aspects of biotechnology development such as the priority areas, legal, safety, financial and others issues. The policy spells out nine thrusts, which include transforming and enhancing the value creation of the agricultural sector through biotechnology. The other area of priority is healthcare and industrial biotechnology.

The Policy is divided into three main phases; Phase I (2005-2010), Phase II (2010-2015), and Phase III (2016-2020).

Phase I will focus on capacity building and the establishment of the Malaysian Biotech Corporation (MBC), the establishment of advisory and implementation councils, the education and training of knowledge workers, and the development of a legal and intellectual property (IP) framework.

Phase I also focuses on the creation of jobs in the areas of agricultural biotechnology, healthcare biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, and bioinformatics.

Phase II will emphasize on the business aspects, such as developing expertise in drug discovery and the development based on natural resources, new product development, and technology acquisition and licensing.

Phase III will be based on the results achieved in the first two phases and bringing local biotech companies to international status.

The National Biotechnology Policy is underpinned by nine policy thrusts:

Thrust 1 : Agriculture Biotechnology Development

Transform and enhance the value creation of the agricultural sector through biotechnology

Thrust 2: Healthcare Biotechnology Development

Capitalize on the strengths of biodiversity to commercialize discoveries in natural products as well as position Malaysia in the bio-generics market

Thrust 3: Industrial Biotechnology Development

Ensure growth opportunities in the application of advanced bio-processing and bio-manufacturing technologies

Thrust 4: R&D and Technology Acquisition

Establish Centres of Excellence, in existing or new institutions, to bring together multidisciplinary research teams in co-ordinated research and commercialization initiatives. Accelerate technology development via strategic acquisitions.

Thrust 5: Human Capital Development

Build the nation’s biotech human resource capability in line with market needs through special schemes, programmes and training

Thrust 6: Financial Infrastructure Development

Apply competitive “lab to market” funding and incentives to promote committed participation by academia, the private sector as well as government-linked companies. Implement sufficient exit mechanisms for investments in biotech

Thrust 7: Legislative and Regulatory Framework Development

Create an enabling environment through continuous reviews of the country’s regulatory framework and procedures in line with global standards and best practices. Develop a strong intellectual property protection regime to support R&D and commercialization efforts

Thrust 8: Strategic Positioning

Establish a global marketing strategy to build recognition for Malaysian biotech and benchmark progress. Establish Malaysia as a centre for Contract Research Organisations and Contract Manufacturing Organisations

Thrust 9: Government Commitment

Establish a dedicated and professional implementation agency overseeing the development of Malaysia’s biotech industry, under the aegis of the Prime Minister and relevant government ministries

info via BIC