KUALA LUMPUR: (Nov 16) The Fourth Biotechnology International Advisory Panel (IAP) meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, at the KL Convention Centre this morning.

The objective of the annual meeting is to provide inputs and strategic directions for the development of the biotechnology industry in Malaysia.

The IAP consists of 15 international advisors and professionals from countries such as from the United States, South Korea, Switzerland, Scotland, Japan and Australia, who are renowned in the areas of live sciences and biotechnology. The panel members also include Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili and relevant Cabinet Ministers.

At the press conference after the meeting, the Prime Minister announced important strategies to enhance biotechnology development in Malaysia, particularly in strengthening innovation in Research and Development, which is a significant vehicle for commercialisation.

He also said that efforts would be undertaken to enhance opportunities in Malaysia in the fields of live sciences and biotechnology to attract Malaysians abroad to return home and contribute as well as share their expertise, which would help in rapidly expanding the pool of knowledge workers in those fields.

Tomorrow will be the opening ceremony of BioMalaysia Conference and Exhibition 2009 to be held at the KL Convention Centre. This annual event puts in place necessary building blocks to facilitate growth of the biotechnology industry in Malaysia, and will involve local as well as international speakers, participants and exhibitors.