A RESEARCH institute under Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is expanding its global footprint with plans to establish a dedicated commercialisation office in Shenzhen, China, by next year.
UTM vice-chancellor Prof Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said expansion of the Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD) formed part of a broader international strategy to bring Malaysian-formulated bioproducts and herbal innovations to global markets.
He said the strategy focused on entering highly competitive markets, including China, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
“Groundwork for the Shenzhen hub is already in place; we are currently resolving a few minor technical issues to launch it by next year.
“This will open doors for our local products to be recognised on the global stage,” Prof Shafry said after launching IBD Wellness Day at the university in Johor Baru.
He said IBD, founded in 1998, had incubated dozens of successful wellness businesses across Johor, with products utilised in industries in Taman Universiti, Pulai Indah and Pasir Gudang.
“IBD’s current portfolio boasts highly advanced lab-tested formulations, including haircare series, pineapple-based products, citronella (serai wangi), kacip fatimah and tongkat ali.
“While the research and scientific efficacy of these native Malay herbal products are going well, aggressive branding is also needed to ensure they appeal to global consumers,” he added.
Prof Shafry said the institute hoped to scale up production and commercial viability by establishing partnerships with financial and development agencies, including Tekun Nasional, National Entrepreneurship Institute, SME Bank and the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board.
He said under UTM’s 2030 roadmap, it aimed to support 200 small and medium-sized enterprises over the next five years, targeting an annual output of nurturing 20 high-performing companies to boost their sales, quality control and workplace productivity.
“We also want to demystify advanced science and show that laboratory work can yield substantial commercial success.
“UTM will be showcasing its latest student-led artificial intelligence and robotics spin-offs in Kuala Lumpur this October and November, to prove that our homegrown technology is ready for the open market,” Prof Shafry added.
