By Jerry Choong
SHAH ALAM, Oct 4 — Invest Selangor Bhd has announced the formation of the Selangor Biotechnology Coordination Office (S-Bioco), a division which will strengthen Selangor as the leading investment and trading destination for the biotechnology industry.
It said S-Bioco will also seek to attract more international investors to Selangor. Its formation comes after the launch of the Selangor Biotechnology Action Plan (SBAP) 2021 - 2030 during the Selangor International Business Summit 2021 last year.
"The establishment was made official after the Selangor Bio Council meeting chaired by state executive councillor for industry and trade Dato' Teng Chang Khim, earlier today.
"S-Bioco's establishment will augment Selangor's position as the leading investment and trading destination for the biotechnology industry, alongside attracting more international investors. It will also serve as SBAP's implementer," it said in a statement.
Invest Selangor said that under the SBAP five strategic thrusts have been identified, including effective governance and leadership, enabling business and R&D Infrastructure, sustainable investment and funding, talent enhancement and professional, and biotechnology sector development.
"The SBAP encapsulates Selangor's strength and its aspiration with the vision to make
Selangor the regional biotechnology hub for innovation, technology dissemination, investment and human capital development.
"S-Bioco is primarily responsible for developing Selangor’s biotechnology sector through the facilitation and implementation of investments into the sector’s various industries in tandem with SBAP," it said.
Invest Selangor added that S-Bioco is also involved in promoting Selangor as the preferred investment destination for biotechnology as well as driving the implementation of some of the initiatives, including the U-I-G Focus Group and a Soft Landing Centre.
"The U-I-G will allow for periodical meetings and discussions to be held, with the aim of bridging the gap between universities, industry players, and the government.
"In due course, the Soft Landing Centre will be established to serve as a vibrant centre to facilitate new and potential stakeholders interested in making their first contact with local clients," it said.
The office offers timely assistance to industry players in managing and coordinating various arising issues and challenges.
"Simultaneously, investment opportunities and networking can be explored and channelled appropriately to strengthen the industry's eco-system in Selangor," said Invest Selangor.
