KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is expanding its expertise in biotechnology through a research collaboration agreement with an Indonesian health supplement company.
The project focuses on characterising the products' bioactivity, chemical composition and safety profile through a multidisciplinary research approach combining UMS' expertise in biotechnology, biochemistry and natural product analysis.
The study will evaluate antioxidant, anti-ageing, antihypertensive and antidiabetic activities, in addition to the application of chemical profiling and metabolomics technologies, as well as cell culture-based safety assessments, UMS said in a statement on Friday (Sept 4).
It said the RM30,000 research project was implemented through the UMS Biotechnology Research Institute (IPB) and sealed during an event in conjunction with the recent 9th International Biotechnology Symposium (SB9) 2026 held here.
UMS deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Rosalam Sarbatly and Indonesian company PT Milagros Putra Mandiri representative H. Angga Pambudi Adji signed the agreement.
It was witnessed by state Assistant Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jordan Jude Ellron and UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor.
H. Angga said the collaboration targets the production of at least one manuscript for publication in an indexed journal.
"Beyond product evaluation, we see that IPB UMS possesses the relevant expertise, particularly in bioactivity assessment, biochemical analysis and metabolite profiling within the stipulated timeframe.
"The capabilities of the researchers, together with the available research facilities, give us confidence that this collaboration will produce high-quality scientific findings and add value to future product development," he said.
IPB UMS director Prof Dr Jualang @ Azlan Abdullah Gansau said the initiative reflected international industry confidence in UMS' expertise and research facilities, particularly those available at the institute.
He said the involvement of researchers from various disciplines was expected to strengthen the quality of scientific data generated, while creating opportunities for further collaboration in product development, innovation and translational research.
The initiative, which aims to also enhance UMS’ engagement with industry at the regional level, is in line with its "UMS The Brain of Borneo" slogan to strengthen its position as a regional knowledge centre, research hub and driver of socio-economic development.
