Biotech conference set to draw 8,000 visitors

BIOMALAYSIA 2007, a gathering of some of the world's top biotechnology players, is set to attract up to 8,000 visitors and conference delegates.

The fifth in its series, BioMalaysia 2007 is a conference incorporated under the National Innovation Conference and Exhibition which will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on November 27.

Malaysian Biotechnology Corp Sdn Bhd (Biotech Corp) chief executive officer Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said some of this year's highlights include showcasing some of Malaysia's best scientists, new technology acquisitions and beefing up Malaysia's existing intellectual property laws and protection.


Iskandar: Conference highlights include showcasing Malaysia's best scientists and new technology acquisitions

"There will be a launch of a nano technology acquisition, a breakthrough announcement on cancer therapeutics and a material development on intellectual property," Iskandar told reporters at the agency's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The four-day event will also get to share views with 60 biotechnology experts from 30 countries, 200 local and international companies spanning three biotechnology divisions which are healthcare, agriculture and industrial and engineering-based biotechnology.

The annual event will also be attended by 1,200 conference delegates comprising academics, scientists, biotech firms executives, government officers, banks and others involved in the supply chain.

Malaysia aims to become a regional biotechnology hub to get a slice of the lucrative market.

The world's 5,000 biotech firms are forecast to make over US$1 trillion (RM 3.37 trillion) in revenue by 2015.

BioMalaysia 2007 is organised by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Biotech Corp and Protemp Exhibitions Sdn Bhd.

By New Straits Times (by Zaidi Isham Ismail)