KUALA LUMPUR, 24th May - The 15th National Biotechnology Seminar (NBS) 2010, to be held on the 24-26th May 2010, at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur will serve as a platform to showcase outputs and innovations of research programmes funded under the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation’s (MOSTI) e-science fund for Biotechnology. The seminar is part of the outcome of the implementation of the National Biotechnology Policy that envisions R&D as part of the value chain for the development of a vibrant and sustainable biotechnology industry.

The theme of the seminar ‘Cultivating an Innovative Economy’ is a key reflection of the role of the Malaysian biotechnology sector in the new economy. Participants will gain fresh perspectives and insights into how biotechnology and life sciences can play a crucial role in an innovative economy, along with the creation of unique opportunities and challenges of innovative discoveries for potential commercialization in the global market. The seminar also highlights the considerable capacity and capabilities of the Biotechnology Research community in Malaysia and creates opportunities for both networking and collaboration.

The main objectives of this annual event are to provide avenues to disseminate research outputs from completed projects under the Ninth Malaysian Plan, chart directions and plan initiatives for the National Biotechnology Division of MOSTI under the Tenth Malaysia Plan as well as to identify potential projects for further development. This seminar which will be attended by approximately 500 participants including academicians from both public and private IHLs, scientists, industrial & venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and Biotechnology Policy Makers.

The scope of the seminar will cover areas of agricultural biotechnology, healthcare biotechnology and industrial biotechnology. These will include a keynote lecture by the National Science Advisor, a plenary lecture, oral presentations, poster presentations and an NBS 2010 exhibition within the 3 day programme.

The Honorable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, hopes that this seminar would meet the objectives and harness the full potential of biotechnology in the new economy.