Sarawak is proposing a RM50 million investment to develop the Sarawak Regenerative BioFoundry at the Sarawak Bioindustrial Park, marking a major push to strengthen the state’s biotechnology, healthcare and advanced medicine capabilities.
The proposed project is a collaboration between the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) and BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd (BVT), with the partnership formalised through a document exchange in Kota Samarahan on Aug 13 that was witnessed by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Envisioned as Southeast Asia’s first integrated hub for regenerative medicine, the BioFoundry will bring together four key components — manufacturing, clinical application, technology and research, and wellness.
The facility is expected to support the development of cell and gene therapy products, advanced treatments that use living cells or genetic material to address complex diseases including certain cancers and genetic disorders.
By combining research, manufacturing and clinical capabilities in one location, the BioFoundry aims to shorten the pathway from laboratory innovation to patient treatment while supplying therapies to hospitals and clinical partners across Sarawak and the wider region.
Bioeconomy Corporation Chief Executive Officer Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak said Malaysia needs stronger infrastructure to help biotechnology companies validate and commercialise healthcare innovations.
He said the agency currently supports biotechnology companies developing more than 50 cell and gene therapy products, providing a pipeline of technologies that could be served by the proposed facility.
The collaboration will also involve engagement with relevant Health Ministry bodies, talent development, access to incentives and coordination with state agencies and healthcare partners.
BVT Chief Executive Officer Ts Hazwan Razak said the BioFoundry is intended to catalyse high-value industries by linking research, manufacturing, clinical application and investment.
The initiative is also expected to support Sarawak’s economic diversification by attracting investment, creating high-skilled jobs and strengthening the state’s biotechnology and healthcare ecosystem.
It aligns with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, while supporting national priorities under the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 and New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
