With the recent roll-out of the Bioeconomy Initiative Malaysia (BIM 2012), policies are enhanced to ensure continuity and cohesive implementation of all the related national "knowledge-based" policies.

In 2013, we should see more evidence of the private sector acting as a main driver for the biotech industry in Malaysia. There will be an increase in the formation of smart partnerships to utilize and fully maximise the abundant opportunities and resources available. We will also see more home-grown biotech companies and foreign enterprises partnering to catalyse new development and discoveries in the industry.

Nusajaya where Bio-XCell is located will emerge as a hotspot for all the knowledge-driven economies, including biotechnology. The Bio-XCell park will be open for business in 2013 and will significantly contribute to the development of a southern biotech hub together with the institutes of higher learning and partnerships from across the causeway. I hope to see some major global biotech collaborations coming into the Bio-XCell area, taking to its strategic location, integrated lifestyle offerings and facilities for accelerated growth.