By Yasmin Ramlan
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — With its rich talent pool, world-class research centres, and supportive regulations, Selangor has become an ideal hub for life sciences companies and researchers.
This is according to state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han, who expressed the Selangor government’s commitment to building a strong life sciences community.
“With efforts like the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) and the Selangor Life Sciences Convention, we’re working to make Selangor a world leader in life sciences innovation and investment.
“Specifically, Selangor has emerged as a leading hub for life sciences innovation in Malaysia,” he said in his opening remarks at the Selangor Life Sciences Convention Synergy Conferences today.
It is being held as part of the four-day Second Series of the SIBS 2024, which began yesterday, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.
Among the distinguished guests at the event were Czech Republic Ambassador to Malaysia Juraj Kouldelka, Kazakhstan Embassy first secretary Amir Aldazhaniv, and InfoMed Malaysia founder and chief executive officer Mohan Manthiry.
[caption id="attachment_376282" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
State executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han speaks during the Selangor Life Sciences Convention Synergy Conferences, held as part of the Second Series of the Selangor International Business Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, on October 17, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Ng also highlighted the state’s industrial growth and investments, particularly in the life sciences sector, which have significantly contributed to Selangor’s economy.
Citing official data, he revealed that Selangor has led Malaysia in attracting investments in this sector, totalling RM6.5 billion, with RM5.4 billion coming from domestic sources and RM1.1 billion from international investors.
“Additionally, more than 70 per cent of Malaysia’s multinational pharmaceutical companies have set up regional offices in Selangor, making it a top choice for pharmaceutical investments.
“Leading pharmaceutical companies, like Novartis, AbbVie, Roche, and GlaxoSmithKline, have chosen Selangor as their hub to access the Asean market.
“They benefit from our strong healthcare ecosystem that encourages innovation and teamwork.”
Ng said to enhance the life sciences sector, Selangor is committed to supporting startups in their early stages, ensuring equal opportunities for success.
He cited the Selangor Accelerator Programme in Biotechnology as an example, which has offered a three-month intensive programme to over 30 companies since its inception in 2023.
The programme equips startups with essential guidance and resources to tackle industry challenges, particularly in scaling up operations and accessing global networks to expand their business internationally.
