Malaysia’s premier biotechnology event BioMalaysia & Asia Pacific Bioeconomy 2017 concluded its 15th edition on 11th-13th September, 2017 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.  The 3-day event, packed with forums and exhibitions was officiated by the Secretary General of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI), Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Azhar bin Yahaya on behalf of the MOSTI Minister, Datuk Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau.

BioMalaysia & Asia Pacific Bioeconomy 2017 was jointly organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation), an agency under the purview of MOSTI and MyEvents International.

New Technologies, Renewed Interest

Over the years, the event has become a platform for the birth of fresh ideas, practical solutions and effective collaborations for global and Malaysian biotechnology industry participants. Themed "Bioeconomy: Driving Growth and Prosperity of the Nation”, the biotechnology annual forums and exhibition attracted more than 6,000 visitors and featured discussion topics related to bioeconomy, bioplastics, bioagropreneur, biologics, funding and expansion of businesses to the global markets, as well as the way forward for bio-based industries for Asia Pacific. The BioMalaysia Exhibition saw the participation of 67 companies involving 120 exhibition booths.

“During BioMalaysia 2017, we saw potential trade and cooperation in various areas to benefit the society. 8 BioNexus companies unveiled 8 new products at our event. From the 286 BioNexus status companies, 37 companies have gone global. We would like to get as many companies as possible to venture out globally in terms of partnerships, building business-to-business relationships, and getting the products to those countries and vice versa. This is a way for Malaysia to improve our global competitiveness in the Asia Pacific region and this is the spirit we are looking to bring next year,” said Dr Mohd Shuhaizam Mohd Zain, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation during the wrap up press conference of BioMalaysia 2017.

BioMalaysia & Asia Pacific Bioeconomy showcased the latest technologies, innovation and products from major local, regional and international biotechnology companies. Occupying three halls, exhibitors came from United Kingdom, Australia, Korea, United States of America, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and other biotechnology-advanced countries. Biotechnology enthusiasts are guaranteed to be awed with refreshing and latest developments that signify the advancement of biotechnology industry. 

Effective Platform for Partnerships and Collaborations

The forums showcased biotechnology experts who presented their findings, latest opportunities, business methods, market access and funding opportunities within the bio-based and biotechnology industry.  Among the speakers at BioMalaysia 2017 were Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Azhar Haji Yahaya, Professor Tan Sri Zakri Abdul Hamid and Dr Mohd Shuhaizam Mohd Zain.  Presentations were carried out during the 3-day event from RQuest Convergent, BioAlpha, Blubear Holdings & Melaka Biotech.  The event fostered partnerships among industry players to establish stronger bioeconomy ties in the region, and served as a catalyst to position Malaysia as the prime bioeconomy and biotechnology center in the Asia Pacific region.

BioMalaysia has always been used as a platform to announce collaborations involving various industry participants. This year 3 significant collaborations involving 6 companies and organizations were made during the opening ceremony, which have the potential to boost the bioeconomy sectors in Malaysia. Among the strategic collaborations and partnership exchanged during the opening ceremony were with Rural Asset Group of Companies & Oudhcom LLC, University Putra Malaysia & Malaysian Vaccine & Pharmaceuticals Sdn Bhd and Algaetech & Watson Malaysia.

Sideline Events: Visitor Attractions Hits the Mark

In conjunction with BioMalaysia, several sideline events were held by Bioeconomy Corporation to strengthen the bioeconomy ecosystem and bio-entrepreneurial efforts in Malaysia, as well as to encourage the commercialization of local innovative bio-based products and increase human capital in the sector.

• The launch of 14 BioNexus Products by the Secretary General of Science, Technology & Innovation, Datuk Seri Mohd Azhar Haji Yahaya on 11th September 2017. These products are generated by 8 BioNexus Status companies – Algaetech International, Tropical Bioessence, Ligno Biotech, Hopematic, Ganofarm R&D, Airestec, Careena & Elescaid and Bio Tree Biotechnology.
• Bioeconomy Excellence Awards is a recognition given to qualified BioNexus Status companies and BTP project owners for their excellence contribution to the bio-based industry. The awards provided a platform to promote the latest biotech achievements as well as the commercialization of biotech research findings, products and services.
• Bioplastics Forum, launched on 11th September was a platform to highlight the latest Bioeconomy Transformation Programme (BTP) achievements and raise awareness about BTP and its opportunities to the private sectors involved in the bio-based industries. The event attracted 200 participants and additionally, about 70 people from Sabah delegates joined the breakout sessions.
• United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) urged countries in Asia and the Pacific to adopt a more holistic approach and consider the wider range of low to high-tech solutions present in the biotechnology toolbox. FAO was carried out for three-days which saw meetings of Asia Pacific governments, scientists, academia, civil society and the private sectors.
• Bioagropreneur Forum on 12^th September benefitted from the assistance and incentives provided by Bioeconomy Corporation and Ministry of Agriculture including technical advisory, intensive training, in-kind contributions, Special Financing Packages under Agropreneur Muda and the Biotechnology Commercialisation Fund (BCF) under Bioeconomy Corporation. Agropreneur Muda and BCDP increased the involvement of youths to rural communities in the agricultural sector thereby reducing migration to the city.
• The Bioeconomy Innovation Awards 2017 (BIA 2017) on 12^th September, was jointly organised by Bioeconomy Corporation, Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation and FAO. The BIA acknowledged the innovative bio-based solutions by outstanding players from universities, research institutions and private companies. Among the winners of BIA 2017 were from University Teknologi Malaysia, University Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and more.
• BioCareer was a platform for students and jobseekers as well as the general public to explore the opportunities in the industry. The participants over a span of 3-days had the opportunity to interview for open positions, listen to free educational seminars and network with companies to discuss possible career options and requirements.
• BioChat is a continuous conversation for everyone interested in Biology, Biomass, Biogas, Biochar, Biofuels, & Biotech.
• Share Your Thoughts Contest saw visitors at BioMalaysia 2017 winning mystery gifts when they shared their opinions at the BioChat area.
• Build Your Own Product (BYOP) provided a unique chance for participants to work directly with bio-based manufacturers including BioNexus Status companies. Participants leveraged on this program to build their own brands and products by receiving expert advise and consultation.
• Catch the Fund! presented the latest information on MOSTI R&D Fund and other funds by relevant agencies, emphasizing on the SMART Challenge Fund, Facilitation Fund and InnoFund. The programme also provided consultation sessions for interested companies with MOSTI’s Bahagian Dana’s evaluation team.
• Biologics Forum on 13^th of September featured a panel discussion to highlight the current state of the biologics industry in Malaysia. The discussion also focused on identifying areas of improvement, and challenges facing the industry, and how the country can strike a balance between ensuring innovation is not hampered, while still providing the most accessible medications to the public.