JOHOR-BASED biotechnology company Sateera Biotech Sdn Bhd and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have joined hands to further expand and strengthen research collaborations.
UTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail said that with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA), the university and the company have agreed to work together on a research project called Antimicrobial Efficiency and Time-Kill Kinetics of Natural and Microbial Transform Plant-Based Extracts.
“We are pleased that Sateera Biotech has chosen to work with us in developing this project and we hope that our partnership will add value to the company’s products.
“As a university, we strive not only to conduct research just for the sake of it but to contribute back to the community, industries and economic development of the country.
“The research we embark on should be beneficial to the people and I believe that this research we are conducting with Sateera Biotech will be very beneficial to the public,” he said.
Prof Ahmad Fauzi noted that the research will investigate the antimicrobial activities of certain natural compounds from a patented plant extract of mangrove tree, via a biorefinery called Sateera.
“The new collaboration with Sateera Biotech includes a joint laboratory and shared facilities at the Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD),” he said after signing the MoA at UTM’s Institute of IBD here recently.
The MoA was signed by Prof Ahmad Fauzi and Sateera Biotech Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Skyler Loh Kok Shen.
Present were Sateera Biotech director Datuk Wira Dr Calvin Khiu, executive director Dr Low Hock Heng and regional and corporate affair manager Loh Ming Hui, UTM deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation) Prof Dr Rosli Illias, its Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering dean Prof Dr Rahmat Mohsin and IBD director Prof Dr Hesham Ali El-Enshasy.
Khiu said that the signing of the MoA marks a milestone for Sateera Biotech.
“We are proud and grateful for the support UTM has given us and hope to continue working closely with the university,” he said.
Skyler Loh said the MoA is just one of five projects that the two parties are working together on.
“UTM has the expertise and facilities, especially in its IBD that suits our needs and requirements.
“We have been working closely with UTM since 2021 and have since completed three projects with the university,” he said.
Low added that Sateera Biotech backs up its product information with research.
“Every claim that we make must be based on facts, which is why we work with scientific communities to back our claims with facts and research.
“That is one of our three main philosophies.
“Another element that is important for the company is ensuring that the products are made of natural and safe materials.
“Thirdly, we also make sure that every claim we make is verified by the community of experts.
“We hold on to these philosophies and share them with our partners,” he said.
He added that the company is also working on developing a curriculum for its stakeholders and future customers on biotechnology.