The global biotechnology (biotech) market is on track for exponential growth, projected to nearly quadruple its 2020 value by 2030, with the Asia Pacific region emerging as a focal point for technological advancement in this sector.
In response to this burgeoning industry trend, Johor Corporation (JCorp) is taking proactive steps to establish a biotechnology hub in Johor, with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM980 million.
Positioned as Malaysia’s own ‘Silicon Valley’ for biotech, this hub is anticipated to be a cornerstone in the nation’s technological progression.
JCorp’s real estate and infrastructure arm, JLand Group Sdn Bhd (JLG), has forged a memorandum of understanding with biotechnology titan, ALPS Global Holding Bhd (ALPS), to realise this ambitious endeavor.
This collaboration between JLG and ALPS is poised to position Malaysia as a strategic player in the global biotechnology arena, capitalizing on the unprecedented growth trajectory of the biotech market.
JCorp’s director of real estate and infrastructure and deputy chairman of JLG, Datuk Sr. Akmal Ahmad, expressed optimism about exploring further opportunities alongside ALPS.
“We believe this collaboration will mark a significant milestone in biotechnology innovation globally, fostering an ecosystem conducive to pioneering research, knowledge exchange, and economic advancement,” he said.
Encompassing various sectors such as vaccine manufacturing and development, genomics, regenerative medicines, immunotherapy, and gene editing, this biotech hub, located within the 7,290-acre Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) in Sedenak, is poised to become a comprehensive center for biotech and life sciences in the coming decade.
Akmal emphasised that the biotech hub will revolutionise the sector and complement the group’s data center hub and upcoming artificial intelligence (AI) hub.
The biotech hub will be developed in three phases, spanning 500,000 square feet of campus-style architecture. It will include a clinical trial center and a medical tourism hub.
Phase 1 will prioritise the construction of essential infrastructure, such as a molecular laboratory, a cell processing center, and a vaccine manufacturing factory.
Phase 2 will support academic institutions, research and development (R&D) centers, and start-up incubators, while Phase 3 will comprise residential complexes.
With JLG’s expertise and Johor’s conducive investment climate, ALPS Global Holding Bhd’s group chief executive officer, Datuk Sri Dr. Tham Seng, expressed confidence that these joint efforts will establish the biotech hub as the premier destination for biotechnology solutions, attracting top-tier industry leaders and talent.
“Together, our dedication is focused on driving innovation and excellence across the entire biotechnology value chain, from upstream processes to downstream activities,” he said.
This initiative aligns with the New Industrial Masterplan 2030 (NIMP2030) and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), positioning Malaysia as a key player in shaping the future of biotechnology on the global stage.
