How long will it take for Malaysia to emerge as the latest biotechnology hub in the world?

Mr Ramli: Bio-XCell is seen as a biotechnology accelerator for the Malaysian biotechnology industry. We fast track growth for the industry with our focus on high value biomanufacturing and bioprocessing. Bio-XCell also acts as a partner for global MNCs facilitating their expansion into Malaysia. We develop and manage infrastructure and space, we provide value-added services, which include shared utilities such as industrial steam, chilled water and waste water management, shared services such as ICT network, security, park management and R&D facilities. We also manage the process equipment, either through direct purchase or lease arrangements. Our breadth and depth of services will facilitate foreign and local companies.

How will the domestic companies of Malaysia get help in order to strengthen their potential and achieve global acclaim?

Mr Ramli: This agenda is in our phase II and phase III development strategies. As I mentioned earlier, we will see greater participation from local companies in R&D projects in phase II. We will encourage partnerships between local companies and resident foreign MNCs or other foreign companies in commercializing the R&D.

MNCs will create spin-off businesses in biotechnology and related services for the local participants such as equipment and instrumentation and logistics. We can also expect a fair amount of knowledge transfer and specialized skill enhancement in strengthening our pool of human capital for the industry.