4) Tap a large pool of patients. In 2009, Malaysia reported more than 45 million outpatient treatments and over three million hospital admissions. Such numbers would enable this multi-ethnic nation of 28 million people to outdo its competitors in terms of patient recruitment.

5) Optimize ethics and regulatory processes

6) Attract more international and local sponsors. The CRM will encourage international pharmaceutical companies to conduct trials in Malaysia.

7) Increase contract research organizations (CROs) and site management organizations. Malaysia will especially support local CROs that focus on lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and tropical infectious diseases.

8) Build Malaysia's reputation as a clinical trial hub. The CRM will conduct marketing campaigns, both locally and internationally, employ local and regional experts as consultants and maintain a database of excellent trial sites.

9) Expand the scope of trials. Malaysia has established itself with a good track record for phase III/IV trials. It is now gearing to take on earlier phase studies, especially phase I trials.

10) Facilitate bioavailability and bioequivalence development.