BIOECONOMY CORPORATION TARGETS OVER RM300 MILLION INVESTMENT IN SARAWAK

KUCHING, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) aims to attract more than RM300 million in potential investments through the National Bioeconomy (NBiO) Showcase, held alongside the Sarawak International Digital Economy Conference (IDEC) 2025 here.

Chief executive officer Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak said the event underscores the corporation’s commitment to demonstrating how digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) integration can strengthen the nation’s digital bioeconomy sector.

“We are proud to collaborate with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) to showcase how digital technology and AI can drive growth in the bioeconomy sector.

“Sarawak has immense potential, particularly with its rich biodiversity, which remains the state’s key strength,” he told reporters after the NBiO Showcase special event at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.

Mohd Khairul said Bioeconomy Corporation offers a wide range of guidance and comprehensive support for entrepreneurs, including research and development, market access, financing, and product development assistance.

“Yesterday, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg visited our booth and discussed potential collaborations across various sectors, particularly agriculture and healthcare.

“We also welcome the proposal to introduce a special programme for Sarawak’s local entrepreneurs next year. From our engagements and discussions this year, we have observed strong interest from local entrepreneurs keen to explore opportunities in the bioeconomy,” he added.

He said the NBiO Showcase at IDEC 2025 marks an important starting point in building a sustainable bioeconomy ecosystem in Sarawak through collaboration between the government, industry, and research institutions.

“To date, more than 70 local Sarawak companies have participated in various programmes under Bioeconomy Corporation, and we hope to see even more local entrepreneurs joining to expand the bioeconomy ecosystem across Borneo,” he said.

Earlier, in his speech at the event, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, said that, with Bioeconomy Corporation’s guidance and support, 22 Sarawak-based companies holding BioNexus and Bio-based Accelerator (BBA) status have secured approved investments totalling around RM574 million in bio-based industries.

“I am confident this figure will continue to grow, particularly through the productive activities and partnerships forged during the two-day NBiO Showcase.

“One notable collaboration sealed today between Bioeconomy Corporation and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak focuses on two strategic areas — the promotion and commercialisation of regenerative medicine and sustainable materials — as well as talent development to equip students, researchers, and young entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills in biotechnology and related sectors,” he said.

-- BERNAMA