The National Biotechnology Policy envisions that biotechnology will be a new economic engine for Malaysia, enhancing the nation's prosperity and well-being. To succeed, the Policy aims to build a conducive environment for R&D and industry development whilst leveraging on the country's existing areas of strength.

The National Biotechnology Policy is underpined by nine policy thrusts:

• THRUST 1: Agriculture Biotechnology Development
  Transform and enhance the value creation of the agricultural sector through biotechnology  
   
• THRUST 2: Healthcare Biotechnology Development
  Capitalise on the strengths of biodiversity to commercialise discoveries in natural products as well as position Malaysia in the bio-generics market  
   
• THRUST 3: Industrial Biotechnology Development
  Ensure growth opportunities in the application of advanced bio-processing and bio-manufacturing technologies  
   
• THRUST 4: R&D and Technology Acquisition
  Establish Centres of Excellence, in existing or new institutions, to bring together multidisciplinary research teams in co-ordinated research and commercialisation initiatives. Accelerate technology development via strategic acquisitions  
   
• THRUST 5: Human Capital Development
  Build the nation's biotech human resource capability in line with market needs through special schemes, programmes and training  
   
• THRUST 6: Financial Infrastructure Development
  Apply competitive "lab to market" funding and incentives to promote committed participation by academia,the private sector as well as government-linked companies. Implement sufficient exit mechanisms for investments in biotech  
   
• THRUST 7: Legislative and Regulatory Framework Development
  Create an enabling environment through continuous reviews of the country's regulatory framework and procedures in line with global standards and best practices. Develop a strong intellectual property protection regime to support R&D and commercialisation efforts  
   
• THRUST 8: Strategic Positioning
  Establish a global marketing strategy to build brand recognition for Malaysian biotech and benchmeark progress. Establish Malaysia as a centre for Contract Research Organisations and Contract Manufacturing Organisations  
   
• THRUST 9: Government Commitment
  Establlish a dedicated and professional implementaion agency overseeing the development of Malaysia's biotech industry, under the aegis of the Prime Minister and relevant government ministries 

You can read more about the National Biotechnolgoy Policy (First Published 28-April-2005) here (external PDF link)

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