KUCHING: The collaborations between Sarawak Research Council (Sarawak RDC) and Curtin Biovalley Sdn Bhd (CBV) as well as University of Cambridge will boost research development in the state.
Sarawak RDC yesterday signed memorandums of agreement with CBV Sdn Bhd and University of Cambridge at Pullman Hotel here.
The first agreement was signed by Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong, as a council member of Sarawak RDC, and director of CBV Sdn Bhd Datuk Seri Fong Joo Chung.
The second agreement was signed by Manyin and director of Cambridge Academy of Therapeutic Sciences Prof Christopher Robin Lowe.
Manyin explained that the objective of Sarawak Biovalley Pilot Plant facility under Sarawak RDC and CBV Sdn Bhd was to provide support for the development of new products, assist industries and provide pilot plant/incubator service.
He added that the pact was also to execute contract research and training for the industry and research agencies as part of the state government’s strategy to develop the state bio-economy.
The duration of agreement with CBV Sdn Bhd is for ten years.
The Biovalley Pilot Plant, built by the state government, is owned by the Sarawak RDC.
“We are not going to take over but we will coordinate with all agencies. We will come up with money to assist in the research and final products for commercialisation,” said Manyin at a press conference after the signing ceremony between Sarawak RDC, CBV Sdn Bhd and University of Cambridge.
He said Sarawak RDC would collaborate with Cambridge Academy of Therapeutic Sciences in the areas of joint research and development projects, student and staff internship and mobility exchange programmes.
Manyin added the pact also provided a mechanism for research and development efforts that facilitated the exchange of scientific data and results and protected intellectual property rights.
“This is to establish partnerships between departments and institutes of Cambridge University and their counterpart research institutions in Sarawak.
“The expanded cooperation in science and technology will allow the state to establish relationships between universities, researchers, and business leaders,” he said.
Present during the signing ceremony was Education, Science and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapa’ee.
Prof Christopher Robin Lowe said that he was grateful and honoured to be able to collaborate with Sarawak on research development.
Pro vice chancellor, president and chief executive of Curtin Malaysia, Prof Jim Mienczakowski said that the researches would be done completely in Miri.
Mienczakowski added that the facilities at Miri Curtin were good and that a number of projects were being conducted there; they included a research on rural caves and production of food products.
Sarawak RDC general manager, Assoc. Prof Dr Peter Morin Nisson said that the research facility was allocated a soft loan by the federal government.
“Sarawak RDC received about RM60.6 million for the building of the Biovalley Pilot Plant and for the equipment of the research.
“Curtin Biovalley Sdn Bhd will be the operator of the Biovalley Pilot Plant facility,” he explained.
