T was more than two decades ago when the country first became serious about using biotechnology as another viable platform to drive growth. Many around the world hailed the sector as the new economic wonder. The concern over climate change and the search for greener solutions were some of the factors driving global interest in biotechnology. A Directorate of Biotechnology was established under the then Science, Technology and Environment Ministry to chart the direction for the nation’s bioeconomy ambitions.
In 2005, the National Biotechnology Policy was launched to drive the nation’s biotech agenda, designed to deliver another important revenue stream for the country. The end-game was to make biotechnology industry another key economic engine of growth. The nation’s Biotechnology Corporation was given the task to implement the decisions articulated in the policy. Its job was to sow the seeds that would sprout into the nation’s future biotechnology industry. The strategy adopted then was to attract and use foreign investments to spur the growth of domestic biotech firms. Incentives include giving bionexus status to recognised biotech companies, enabling them to enjoy access to grants and soft financing.
It all started well. Many foreign investors announced keen interest. A number promised to invest billions in the country. Many in the country became convinced of the
bright career prospects in biotechnology, and the promise of lucrative job opportunities. As expected, many students were coaxed by their parents to take up biotechnology. Universities, both public and private, took advantage of the growing demand. The number of programmes with the biotechnology name saw noticeable increase. As expected, the number of biotechnology graduates in the country soon witnessed a big jump. Add to that, the number returning from overseas, it was no surprise
that the number of graduates looking for jobs in biotechnology
literally ballooned.
Unfortunately, the demand could not be matched by an industry still in its infancy. The growth of the local biotechnology industry did not materialise as planned. Much of the promised foreign investments was not delivered. Many of the bionexus firms did not make much headway either. The promised jobs were not there. As a result, many among the biotechnology graduates ended up working elsewhere. Many in fact ended up selling credit cards!
Notwithstanding that misfortune, biotechnology is still seen as a discipline that promises new business opportunities for the world. What is needed is to rethink the nation’s strategy to build and sustain the biotechnology industry. We need a new approach.
We need an integrated national programme to build not only business leadership, but also technology strengths in the field. In the past, the focus was too much on business. Technology development was largely ignored. We were also overdependent on foreign investment. There was no concerted effort to build our own indigenous capacity for both technology and business.
Take the project on biomass, for example. Duplication is rampant. No less than four government entities are involved in the oil palm biomass project. And, they do similar things. No wonder the progress has been poor. What we need is a national programme involving the many relevant institutions working together to build global leadership in biomass technology which we can later export.
It is not impossible. South Korea has done it for electronics, ship building, nuclear technology and many more. Biotech Corp can be the driver. But, this time, it must involve the others, especially universities, the National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia, Malaysia Palm Oil Board and other technology centres. The national programme should not be limited to biomass. We must look at other potential business areas, including plant based biopharma, insect biotechnology, and even bioreactor technology for producing palm oil, rubber and cocoa.
Yes, it is long term. Existing entities that struggle to be relevant, such as Inno Biologics Sdn Bhd, can be partners. A new strategic plan is needed to effect the overhaul. Only then can we truly deliver the promised jobs in biotechnology. Only then can we truly harness biotechnology as a new economic growth engine for the country.
The writer is a fellow at Academy of
Sciences Malaysia
