PM: Biotechnology as key development driver

KUALA LUMPUR: The country’s biotechnology industry could take advantage of the global concern over food and energy security by focusing on developing new and economically viable renewable fuel from palm oil.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the industry should leverage on Malaysia’s natural strengths like focusing on the palm oil industry.

“Innovative bio-refineries is a strategic area which will be looked at,” he told reporters at the third meeting of the Biotech International Advisory Panel here yesterday.

Abdullah said the meeting impressed the point that the world was different now compared with three years ago when the biotech initiative was first started.

To a question, he said Malaysia’s biotech industry was presently valued at RM1.3bil, with an expected annual growth of 22%, largely driven by the palm oil industry.

On the commercial availability of biofuel in the country, Abdullah said the necessary infrastructure must be developed first.

He also pointed out that it would be more profitable to convert palm oil to biofuel when the price of the commodity drops.

“When the price is down, they can choose biofuel. Then biofuel will have added value and the price will be higher,” he said.

Besides, Biotechnology will benefit all races and provide the direction for the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Biotechnology, as the main driver of development in the five economic corridors, has an important influence in agriculture, the environment, energy resources as well as future development of scientists, he said.

“With our three areas of focus - agriculture, healthcare and industrial development - biotechnology will have a tremendous influence in the direction of our country’s future,” he said at the opening of BioMalaysia 2008 yesterday.

He pointed out that the emphasis on biotechnology would pose a challenge to industry players.
Energy source: Abdullah looking at the Jatropha seeds while SaintifikSiatic Centre for Genome Technology Sdn Bhd senior executive Alex Kuek Chun Seng tells him about the crop that can produce biofuel at the exhibition held in conjunction with BioMalaysia 2008 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Looking on is Dr Ongkili (centre).

“These areas (corridors) are multiracial and it (the benefit) is not for a particular race only.
“Biotechnology will help improve people’s lives. It will also produce many new courses in universities.”

The corridors are Sabah Development Corridor, Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy, Northern Economic Corridor Region, East Coast Economic Corridor and Iskandar Malaysia.
Abdullah hoped the application of biotechnology, including producing more effective medications, would give Malaysians a more healthy, vibrant and active lifestyle.

He said he was glad that the Biotech International Advisory Panel, which held its third meeting on Monday, recognised Malaysia’s effort to succeed in biotechnology.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the three focus of biotechnology would be applied at the corridors based on their strengths and their needs.
He said the International Advisory Panel had advised that Malaysia go back to its strengths in marine and agriculture and find ways to add value to them.

He said the meeting felt it was the right time for Malaysia to market itself more aggressively, as the Americans and other investors were looking for alternative investment opportunities.
“Malaysia is a suitable alternative. With a reasonable high growth rate of 5.5%, we are able to absorb the shock (of the meltdown in the United States),” he said.

About 2,000 delegates took part in the three-day conference and exhibition.

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