Pharmaceutical Industry Growth To Exceed RM1.2 Billion This Year

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- The growth of Malaysia's pharmaceutical industry is expected to exceed RM1.2 billion this year, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili.

"In addition, by 2020 the biotechnology sector is expected to create 280,000 jobs and contribute to at least five percent of Malaysia's gross domestic product," he said in his keynote address at the 1st Asean Cytometry Workshop, here Monday.

The minister's inauguration speech was delivered by Secretary-General of Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Datin Madinah Mohamad.

Ongkili said the workshop, the first in the series for the Asean region, was an excellent initiative to update the local research community on the latest developments in biotechnology tools and applications.

"The workshop is a landmark programme in the development of cytometry techniques for research and development and clinical applications.

"Initiatives such as these will enhance and energise the government's efforts in developing highly skilled human capital for the health and biotechnology industry in Malaysia," Ongkili added.

The workshop, from July 27-31, will have experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and India sharing their knowledge with 40 participants from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.

It is being co-hosted by Stempeutics Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Inno Bio Diagnostics Sdn Bhd and Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami.

The objective of the workshop is to interface experts in flow cytometry with people who have interest in flow cytometry and using it in their research or clinical practice.

Flow cytometry is one of the most powerful tools for research and clinical applications.

While the full potential of this technology is yet to be understood, its applications are continually expanding in various fields of health, agriculture, marine, biotechnology, stem cell, cancer, infectious diseases and many more.

It also provides a platform for hands-on-training, gaining advanced knowledge and discussion of applications and difficulties and new ideas.

The workshop is expected to give Malaysian researchers the opportunity to establish research collaborations with the visiting experts in various fields of biology.

"It is hoped that this workshop will help transform Malaysia as a regional hub for quality cell-based medical treatment and therapy," Ongkili said.