KUALA LUMPUR – The newly launched National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 (DBN 2.0) will serve as a catalyst in solving challenges such as food security, pandemic management and climate change via local solutions providers, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Speaking at the event announcing the introduction of DBN 2.0, the prime minister said the new policy will see improvements in strategies that had been undertaken under the previous one.
He also said the new policy will help Malaysia achieve high-technology nation status by 2030.
“To consolidate the biotechnology sector, DBN 2.0 will focus on three main thrusts, which are firstly on agriculture biotechnology and food security,” he said at the ceremony at the World Trade Centre, here, earlier today.
“Second is healthcare and wellness, and the third is industrial biotechnology and the circular economy.”
Also present was Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
Malaysia launched the initial National Biotechnology Policy in 2005, followed by the National Bioeconomy Programme in 2010, making it the first Southeast Asian country to have an initiative of this nature.
The policy had previously been hailed for its success in job creation and spurring economic activities such as foreign investments and the formation of businesses.
Ismail Sabri also announced an allocation of RM5 million to encourage the development of local players in the field through the ministry’s Bio-based Accelerator (BBA) programme.
The prime minister also announced an additional RM2 million for the ministry to hold the BioMalaysia conference in 2023.
Furthermore, Ismail Sabri announced the formation of the Malaysian Biotechnology Research Centre Alliance, which will see the collaboration of biotechnology-based research institutions on strategic national and industrial interests.
He said the alliance would form an advisory panel of biotechnology experts to carry out related national agendas with more focus and based on the nation’s strengths.
“This is like delving into the nation’s wealth in biodiversity that can consolidate the three biotechnology sectors enshrined in DBN 2.0,” he said.
He also said the alliance will also determine the strategic direction and consolidation of the biotechnology ecosystem based on the return of value, public benefit and community well-being.
He also said the alliance will provide support for the marketing and demand of the biotechnology field, which is guided by research and development, apart from experimental development.
“The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry through the Malaysia Science Endowment will cooperate with the local and foreign industry players to create alternative biotechnology funding,” he said. – The Vibes, September 12, 2022
