Kuala Lumpur, 17 August 2015 – Malaysia’s premier and largest biotechnology event in the region, BioMalaysia & ASEAN Bioeconomy 2015 launches for the 13th time at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. With Malaysia chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, the 3-day annual conference and exhibition focuses on efforts to spur the growth of bioeconomy in ASEAN through the creation of healthcare and wellness in the region.
YB Datuk Madius Tangau officiated the opening ceremony today, saying that by tapping into ASEAN’s biodiversity through bio-based technology applications will encourage the emergence of bioeconomy in the ASEAN region.
“Seeing that the global wellness market is worth USD3.4 trillion, it is clear that this rapidly growing sector can have a significant impact to ASEAN’s economy,” he said. “Given the wealth of biodiversity in the region, the global shift in healthcare and wellness towards natural products with therapeutic value provides vast opportunities for ASEAN to become a significant global player.
“What is most important is that the healthcare and wellness industries have the potential to transform people’s lifestyles and improve their well-beings. In this respect, biotechnology has a lot to offer to the wellness industry in terms of products, services, and job opportunities.”
Also in attendance was the Chairman of Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp), YBhg Professor Tan Sri Zakri Abdul Hamid.
During his welcoming remarks, Professor Tan Sri Zakri said, “This year’s theme of “ASEAN Bioeconomy: Biodiversity to Wellness”, augurs well with our objectives in encouraging partnerships with ASEAN and global players to spur innovation and growth in the bio-based sector, with the aim to position Malaysia as a bioeconomy powerhouse in the foreseeable future. Here at BioMalaysia, we believe there is peace of mind in knowing our healthcare and wellness services and products are designed specifically to help the rakyat achieve better outcomes in their overall health and wellbeing.”
Commenting on BioMalaysia & ASEAN Bioeconomy 2015, BiotechCorp’s Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Nazlee Kamal said, “We are very thrilled to be hosting this year’s event together with MOSTI and My Events International, especially since BiotechCorp is celebrating our 10th year anniversary this year, while concurrently Malaysia is chairing for ASEAN in 2015. BioMalaysia & ASEAN Bioeconomy 2015 is an avenue for us to demonstrate Malaysia’s leadership in spearheading bioeconomy efforts in the region while being a gateway to ASEAN for investments in healthcare and wellness from the bio-based industries.”
The BioMalaysia & ASEAN Bioeconomy 2015 serves as a platform for sharing the latest innovation and high-impact technology in the bio-based industries that are able to drive the bioeconomy in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. For the first time in BioMalaysia, this year’s exhibition introduces the business-to-consumer aspect, whereby participants can purchase a variety of healthcare and wellness products. The exhibition features 200 exhibition booths from 10 countries including USA, UAE, Australia, India, Laos and Cambodia and is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors from around the world.
The conference features a line up of distinguished speakers, with 25 international and local speakers from Malaysia, including Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. The conference tracks cover various aspects of the bio-based industry, focusing on driving the ASEAN bioeconomy through healthcare and wellness.
Highlights of the official opening ceremony include 10 document exchanges which announce strategic collaborations between leading bio-based institutions and companies, as well as the handover of certificate from Malaysia Book of Record to Seaharvest Aquamarine Sdn Bhd for its first commercial oyster hatchery in Malaysia.
For the latest on BioMalaysia & ASEAN Bioeconomy 2015, please log on to www.biomalaysia.com.my
