Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) marked a strategic milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSI Medical Research, a ClinChoice Company. The MoU aims to promote Malaysia’s clinical research capabilities to international biotechnology firms, while jointly advancing capability development initiatives, particularly in the training and upskilling of study coordinators.
MoU is signed by Dr Akhmal Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of CRM, and Mr Goh Tse Seng, Regional Head of Clinical Development at CSI Medical Research, and witnessed by YB Minister.
In line with its Vision 2033 to establish Malaysia as the preferred hub for clinical research in the region, CRM has been spearheading strategic missions focused on talent development and ecosystem growth. One of its flagship initiatives, the CRM Centre of Excellence (CoE), has produced 30 graduate trainees equipped with foundational training in clinical research.
Additionally, CRM, in partnership with the Ministry of Health Malaysia, is currently leading an ASEAN-level initiative to expand industry-sponsored clinical trials across Southeast Asia — a strategic move aimed at positioning the region as a competitive and collaborative destination for global research investment. Much of this agenda will also be highlighted and discussed during the CRM Trial Connect 2025, an annual international conference which will gather at least 1000 clinical research stakeholders in Kuala Lumpur this coming May.
Malaysia also gained significant momentum in early phase research, with five First-in-Human (FIH) studies awarded — the highest number in a single year since the launch of CRM’s Phase 1 Realisation Project in 2016. These early-phase studies were conducted at Sarawak General Hospital, an FIH-accredited site by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
These achievements reflect Malaysia’s growing capabilities and proven track record in delivering global clinical trials with speed, quality, and reliability. Driven by the dedication of investigators, study coordinators, and industry partners, 2024 stands as a testament to the impact of purposeful collaboration in advancing clinical research.
In celebration of this milestone, CRM released its Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) Annual Report 2024. Driven by strong momentum, innovation, and a growing global footprint, Malaysia has achieved yet another remarkable year in sponsored clinical research. The achievement was officially unveiled by Health Minister, YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The report detailed 267 new sponsored clinical research studies initiated in Malaysia last year, bringing the total number of sponsored studies to over 2,500 since CRM’s establishment in 2012.
As Malaysia transforms its health system through the Malaysia MADANI framework, it is driving innovation through data and technology, as well as improving access to cutting-edge therapies for its rakyat. Besides serving as a scientific frontier, clinical research also serves as a strategic pillar in advancing national and regional health.
