Developing Malaysian biotechnology

Agilent Technologies has entered into an alliance with the Government of Malaysia through the Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPHARM), to promote and develop cooperation in biotechnology. The bodies will focus on the establishment of a global reference research lab and the development of human capital. The lab will develop global Halal testing standards in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. It will also provide access to state-of-the-art analytical tools and expertise to develop the local industry and a small and medium enterprise ecosystem in their commercialization efforts.

“Agilent shares a common desire with the Government of Malaysia to realize the national agenda for biotechnology,” said Gooi Soon Chai, president of Agilent Technologies Malaysia and Singapore. “Our partnership presents an enormous potential to accelerate the development of this field as the next engine of growth for the country.”

“Through collaboration with Agilent, the Global Reference Research Lab will help intensify IPHARM’s research activities in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals,” said Dato’ Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. “This is where the local SMEs will also be able to grow their capabilities and compete on a global stage.”

For more information visit www.agilent.com

This story originally appeared in The Column. Click here to view that issue.