Monash University Malaysia Partners With Agilent To build Integrated Biology Centre

Monash University Malaysia and Agilent Technologies Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build an integrated biology centre in Malaysia. As part of the partnership agreement, Agilent and Monash University Malaysia will combine their strengths in analytical techniques and biomedical knowledge to accelerate research and development (R&D) in the field of science over the next three years.

These R&D environments, focused on providing analytical expertise for both small and large molecules, will improve the scientific knowledge on developing better anti-venom and other applied biology research for publications and potential clinical usage. The integrated laboratory will strengthen Agilent and Monash University Malaysia’s portfolios in building local research capabilities, hosting scientists across Malaysia and providing researchers with more significant outcomes in support of their research work.  

The centre consists of one lab with state-of-the-art instruments from Agilent such as a gas-chromatography mass spectrometer (GCMS), liquid-chromatography mass spectrometer (LCMS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) machine and a supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) machine. Examples of ongoing research projects that tie in with the facility include researching the efficacy of snake venom for cancer treatment, research on brain cancer or glioblastoma and research on antivenom development. 

“This MoU sets another significant milestone for more excellent research and industrial collaboration between Monash University Malaysia and Agilent Technologies. It also reaffirms our strong partnership and collaboration, which spans more than ten years,” shared Professor Lekhsan bin Othman, Deputy Head of School (Research), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, during the MoU signing ceremony. Professor Lekhsan added that the Agilent Integrated Biology facility aims to support the biomedical, pharmaceutical and clinical research conducted at Monash Malaysia. 

Commenting on the partnership, Chai Meng Fee, Malaysia General Manager of Agilent, said, “We are pleased to expand our presence and deepen our investment in Malaysia with this state-of-the-art centre which will help us drive innovations to ultimately enhance the quality of life. This collaboration reflects Agilent’s commitment to raising local science R&D capabilities and delivering advanced analytical solutions. We understand the importance that our customers place on translational research for societal impact, and we will further value-add by helping our customers achieve trusted insights and superior outcomes in their labs.”

Over the last 20 years in Malaysia, Agilent has expanded into a 200,000 sq ft facility in Penang with more than 630 skilled scientists, engineers and employees to support scientific research locally, regionally and globally. The company has made significant contributions with the ongoing collaborations with the government, academia and industry, positioning Malaysia as a beacon of innovation, enabling the technologies of tomorrow.  

The Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences has over 15 years of experience delivering outstanding medical, psychology and health sciences education. As part of a research university with an emphasis on research-led teaching, medical research is an important component of the school’s activity. 

Commenting on the collaboration, Professor Matthew Nicholson, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, stated that the University is deeply committed to the partnership with Agilent as the values shared by both parties reflect the University’s strategic plan. “Impact 2030 charts a path for how the University will actively contribute to addressing the global challenges of our age, including that of creating and maintaining thriving communities. Importantly, we will strive to be excellent, international, enterprising and inclusive in everything we do. These commitments, especially to be excellent and enterprising, are also values shared by Agilent, which are evident in this agreement to establish an integrated biology centre here in the heart of ASEAN. We are very proud of our long-term partnership with Agilent, to which we are deeply committed.”

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