(From third left) Invest Selangor Bhd (ISB) chief executive officer Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris and Selangor state executive councillor for Islamic affairs and technology innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah together with representatives of ISB strategic partners from (left, front row) Monash University Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, ISB Selangor Biotechnology Coordination Office, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Xiamen University Malaysia, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, (left, back row) Taylor’s University, Universiti Selangor and Sunway University during the launch of Selangor Lab Partnership programme held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre KLCC.
INVEST Selangor Bhd has launched the Selangor Lab Partnership programme to empower business growth in the life sciences sector.
The programme, which began on Oct 16, is designed to provide companies with the tools, resources and partnerships needed to innovate, grow and contribute to Selangor’s position as a leader in life sciences.
Invest Selangor Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Hasan Azhari Haji Idris said, “The Selangor Lab Partnership programme marks a pivotal step in the mission to bolster Selangor’s status in the life sciences sector.
“By enhancing connectivity between industry players and our strategic partners, we are strengthening the dynamic environment where innovative ideas can thrive, leading to practical solutions that benefit both the industry and our communities,” he said when delivering his opening remarks at the launch event of Selangor Lab Partnership programme at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
The initiative offers businesses access to state-of-the-art research facilities and the expertise of prominent academic and research institutions.
By forging partnerships with top universities and research organisations, the programme tailors its services to meet each company’s specific research and development (R&D) needs, making it a key driver of innovation and growth within the industry.
Speaking to reporters after the launch, Hasan said, “Life science is one of the key industrial clusters in Selangor. To further stimulate this sector’s growth, we are trying to collaborate with universities.”
He emphasised the sector’s need for dedication, noting, “Many of these companies are startups without access to the facilities available in universities.
“That’s why we are connecting the industry with universities. At the same time, university students can also benefit from this collaboration,” he added.
In addition to providing intellectual resources, the Selangor Lab Partnership Programme offers financial assistance of up to RM5,000 per project in 2024.
This funding aims to help businesses offset some of their research costs, allowing them to focus more on innovation and growth.
One of the two panel sessions that was held after the launch saw (second from left) Hanan Medicare chief executive officer Datuk Farshila Emran, Veolia Bioconversian Malaysia managing director Mohammed Akhir Ahmad and Nova Laboratories Malaysia Sdn Bhd chief business officer Nicholas Cheong Peck Hiang sharing success stories in Selangor’s life sciences industry. ISB Selangor Biotechnology Coordination Office director Arieff Aaron Abdullah (left) moderated the session.
When academia meets industry
The programme brings together several strategic partners, including Universiti Selangor, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Taylor’s University, Sunway University, Monash University Malaysia, Xiamen University Malaysia and Forest Research Institute Malaysia.
These partners will contribute their resources, research capabilities and expertise to ensure the success of the businesses participating in the programme, driving sustainable growth in the life sciences industry.
Collaboration between these institutions and industry players is expected to lead to sustainable innovations that bolster the sector’s growth and provide real-world solutions to benefit the wider community.
With Selangor positioned as a vibrant hub for the life sciences sector, this programme reflects the state’s commitment to fostering research, development and collaboration to advance the industry’s future.
Selangor state executive councillor for Islamic affairs and technology innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah, in his keynote address, said, “The Selangor Lab Partnership programme serves as a strategic cornerstone, uniting our academic and industry players to ignite research and development.
“By leveraging our collective expertise, we will foster impactful innovations and cultivate an ecosystem that attracts investments and talent from around the world, affirming Selangor’s status as a leader in the life sciences sector.
“This programme aligns seamlessly with our First Selangor Plan (RS-1) 2021-2025, which prioritises public-private partnerships, talent development and cutting-edge research.”
Following the launch, two-panel discussions were held. The first, “Bridging Academia and Industry,” explored how collaborations between industry and academia drive innovation. Panellists shared insights on the importance of these partnerships for business growth.
The second session highlighted some of the success stories of Selangor’s life sciences industry, showcasing contributions from companies that have significantly impacted ecosystem development.
Life sciences companies are invited to join the Selangor Lab Partnership programme, a platform for connecting, collaborating and accessing resources to drive innovation and businesss growth.
Hasan delivering his opening remarks at the launch event of Selangor Lab Partnership programme at KLCC.
Strengthening Selangor’s role
The launch of the Selangor Lab Partnership programme was part of the second series of the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2024, held to position Selangor as a premier gateway to Asean, fostering regional partnerships, investments and economic growth.
The second series, which ran across four days, was held following the success of the first series in July that welcomed 8,550 visitors from 22 countries and generated RM12.2bil in potential transaction value.
This time, the series recorded a turnout of 12,000 visitors from 18 countries.
The event promoted cross-border trade and business expansion, as well as facilitated networking and showcased innovations through seminars, exhibitions, launches and panel discussions.
For info on how organisations can participate and explore potential collaboration opportunities, email sbioco@investselangor.my.
