Biogenica Scientific Sdn Bhd (BSSB), a Malaysian biotechnology company, incorporated in 2008, has developed the first-of-its-kind antibody-based rapid diagnostic test kit to detect non-halal components in food. Halal is an Islamic Arabic word that means "lawful" or "permissible".

This first-of-its-kind testing kit has been developed under the leadership of Dr Ong Ming Thong, chief technical officer, Biogenica Scientific. He is a biochemist and has graduated from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Owing to his vast experience in the industry, as well as in the academia, he has translated his expertise in molecular and cell biological diagnostic kit development, monoclonal antibody production and engineering, bioprospecting of medicinal plants, and cell and molecular oncology into projects that are highly appreciated by local and foreign institutions.

Genesis

A young and growing company, Biogenica Scientific, acquired BioNexus status in August 2009 for its capacity to conduct continuous research activities for the improvement of its existing detection kits/methods of non-halal components in food. With an objective to be a leader in molecular diagnostic field, Mr Yeoh Guan Pheng, chief executive officer of BSSB, put the operational experience acquired from his previous stints in Asian countries as well as his scientific education background to work.

Beginning with a team of 14, BSSB is built with the support of qualified researchers and technicians, and has formed alliances with experts to further enhance its research and development activities. The company has entered into collaborations with local research and learning institutions as well.

Currently, the diagnostic kits developed by BSSB are targeted at food manufacturers and retail users. Exploring the market beyond Malaysia, BSSB is eying international markets such as France, Switzerland, Holland, Japan and Indonesia.