Monash University Malaysia and a consumer electronics company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build an integrated biology centre in Malaysia. Under the agreement, the two will combine their strengths in analytical techniques and biomedical knowledge to accelerate research and development (R&D) in the field of science over the next three years.
These R&D environments focused on providing analytical expertise for both small and large molecules will improve the scientific knowledge on developing better anti-venom and other applied biology research for publications and potential clinical usage.
The integrated laboratory will strengthen the parties’ individual portfolios in building local research capabilities, hosting scientists across Malaysia and providing researchers with more significant outcomes in support of their research work.
The centre consists of one lab with state-of-the-art instruments from the tech firm such as a gas-chromatography mass spectrometer (GCMS), liquid-chromatography mass spectrometer (LCMS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) machine and a supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) machine. Examples of ongoing research projects that tie in with the facility include researching the efficacy of snake venom for cancer treatment, research on brain cancer or glioblastoma and research on antivenom development.
This MoU sets another significant milestone for more excellent research and industrial collaboration between Monash University Malaysia and the tech firm. It also reaffirms our strong partnership and collaboration, which spans more than ten years, according to the Deputy Head of School (Research), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, during the MoU signing ceremony. He added that the firm’s Integrated Biology facility aims to support the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical research conducted at Monash Malaysia.
Commenting on the partnership, the Malaysia General Manager of the tech firm stated that this collaboration reflects the firm’s commitment to raising local science R&D capabilities and delivering advanced analytical solutions. They understand the importance that their customers place on translational research for societal impact, and they will further value-add by helping our customers achieve trusted insights and superior outcomes in their labs.
Over the last 20 years in Malaysia, the tech firm has expanded into a 200,000 sq. ft facility in Penang with more than 630 skilled scientists, engineers, and employees to support scientific research locally, regionally, and globally. The company has made significant contributions with the ongoing collaborations with the government, academia and industry, positioning Malaysia as a beacon of innovation, enabling the technologies of tomorrow.
The Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences has over 15 years of experience delivering outstanding medical, psychology and health sciences education. As part of a research university with an emphasis on research-led teaching, medical research is a vital component of the school’s activity.
Commenting on the collaboration, the President, and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, stated that the University is deeply committed to the partnership with tech firm as the values shared by both parties reflect the University’s strategic plan. He noted Impact 2030 charts a path for how the University will actively contribute to addressing the global challenges of our age, including that of creating and maintaining thriving communities.
Malaysian universities have been keen to partner with other institutions and organisations to produce innovative solutions. Recently, the School of Business at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) officially inked a new Industry-Academia Collaboration (IAC) with a technology hardware supplier in Malaysia to enable its students to be trained as green entrepreneurs whilst understanding better what sustainability strategy is. This will add to their competitive edge in the market once they graduate.