BioMalaysia Exhibition 2010

The BioMalaysia 2010 was held at the KL Convention Centre from November 1-3. The event, Malaysia's largest and most important bio technology gathering featured companies from private and the public sector as well as several local universities and  research institutions, show casing  new advancements in biotechnology and related products from  the healthcare and pharmaceuticals sectors, agriculture, food & beverage, environment and water amongst others. With its theme this year 'Commercialising Innovations', the BioMalaysia exhibition is aimed to promote network and new business ventures and partnership.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin officiated the exhibition and witnessed signings of  four MOUs on the first day of the event.

The Netherlands Foregin Investment Agency (NFIA) represented the Netherlands for the second year by hosting the Holland pavilion, which featured five Dutch biotech companies. They were: Food Valley represented by Mr. Bernold Kemperink from the Oost Region in the Netherlands [www.foodvalley.nl / www.oostnv.com], NIZO Food Research, [www.nizo.com] represented by Ir Nils Hijlkema, Genetwister Life (M) Sdn Bhd (a joint-venture between Genetwister Technologies B.V. & Orchidlife Sdn Bhd [www.genetwister.nl / www.orchidlife.com.my], represented by Mr. Razak Isa), FeyeCon Asia [www.feyecon.com], represented by Dr Toine Paijens, and EMCM (European Medical Contract Manufacturing)[www.emcm.com] represented by Ms. Henrietta Valster and Mr. Basil Babychan. For some it  was their first time in Malaysia and  BioMalaysia was an excellent  stepping stone  on which to explore the potentials of the Malaysian  market and to find a local partner while for others, it was an opportunity to further strengthen the  ties between both countries in the form of   joint-ventures, technology transfer and  collaboration. During the event Feyecon  Asia and Blue Oak Biotech, a  Bionexus  company  signed an agreement whereby Feyecon would carry out  extractions  from local herbs  for the production of  beauty and  body care products.

To mark the closure of the exhibition, a cocktail reception was organized by NFIA at  Grand Millennium hotel  where  the main guest of honour was Dr. Wan Abdul Rahaman, Chief Operating Officer of Biotech Corp.   Over fifty guests turned up and  there were plenty of interests generated  from the local companies.  

Here are some of the comments of the BioMalaysia event  from several of the  Dutch participants at the Holland Pavilion

Dr Toine Payens, Feyecon Asia

I'm not sure if I have expressed my thanks firmly enough to NFIA Malaysia for their good work and support at BioMalaysia 2010. Thank you very much! On behalf of Feyecon Asia, we are looking forward to being part of the Holland pavilion next year and discovering new prospects for collaborations and opportunities with Malaysian counterparts.

Mr Bernold Kemperink, Director Foreign Investments Stichting Food Valley/ Oost NV

I wish to thank NFIA Malaysia for the wonderful support and assistance from start to end, including organising a special post-event networking cocktail for further engagement and discussion opportunities. They are a thoroughly professional organisation offering expert consultation and assistance including making all arrangements for a smooth and successful 3 days at BioMalaysia 2010. 

Holland Pavilion concept led to more than 45 meetings and 9 new serious leads for us.  I went also back with 3 signed co-operations between Food Valley- Malaysian partners. Overall, it was fantastic.

Abdul Razak, Orchidlife Sdn Bhd

Just like the other participants, we find the arrangements made to be simply marvellous. As a participant under the Holland Pavilion at BioMalaysia 2010, we enjoyed greater exposure and visibility with delegates and guests. We were also happy about the cocktail reception which gave us additional opportunities to interact with people. Thank you, NFIA Malaysia.

Basil Babychan, Business Manager, EMCM

It was nice meeting everyone during a fine week in Kuala Lumpur. This is our first time coming to this part of the world and thanks to NFIA Malaysia, we it was problem free. They did a fine job in organising our participation at BioMalaysia 2010.

We are pleased with the contacts made during the 3-day event. We simply had to only show-up. On behalf of Henriette too, I share my appreciation and gratitude.

Nils Hiljkema,Nizo Food Research

NFIA did a great job in gathering the participants for the Pavilion and organising the networking reception. They created a very good atmosphere during the event and especially the reception. This was much appreciated by our contacts.

Participants of the Holland pavilion and Dutch Ambassador H.E. Paul Bekkers during the BioMalaysia exhibition

Deputy PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin visits the Holland Pavilion

Agnes Seah making a presentation during the exhibition

5_^th prize; best booth design