KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian BioNexus-status companies are expected to play a more prominent role as they undertake aggressive commercialisation activities, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.

He said Malaysia now has a network of 286 BioNexus companies and moving forward, the country needed to sustain the momentum for more aggressive commercialisation activities from them.

“The strategy will focus on strengthening partnerships bet-ween the public and private sectors, as well as to provide advisory and business support in the areas of funding, commercialisation, entrepreneurship, regulatory and human capital for the continual development of bio-based businesses,” he said at the opening of BioMalaysia and Asia-Pacific Bioeconomy 2017 Conference and Exhibition.

The text of his speech was read by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation secretary-general, Datuk Seri Mohd Azhar Yahaya, who also launched the event.

Tangau said Malaysia was well-primed to excel in the bio-based sector by focusing on the core elements such as high-impact, high-growth and high-technology sectors that are capable of driving the development of homegrown technologies.

“We are pushing the boundaries of transformation to ensure that the changes brought upon are truly holistic and inclusive and encompassing economic, governance and social development,” he said. — Bernama