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KUCHING, Sept 2: Hong Kong-based company, Savewo International Limited, has joined forces with Twin Catalyst Sdn Bhd, a Sarawak-based company, in a significant partnership involving an investment of over RM30 million with the aim to obtain licenses for manufacturing Wondaleaf products and distributing them globally.
The partnership was officially solidified through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for licensing and technology transfer between Twin Catalyst and Savewo in Beijing on September 1.
The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, along with permanent secretary to the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Azmi Bujang, and Sarawak Research and Development Council general manager Dr Peter Morin Nissom.
In a statement issued today, Twin Catalyst, a company from Sibu, expressed optimism about seeing Wondaleaf Products available in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Europe, Sri Lanka, and other places by next year, subject to the successful safety assessments by authorities.
Twin Catalyst’s journey started with initial support from the Cradle Fund and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, which enabled them to conduct clinical trials and submit intellectual property applications. Subsequently, the Sarawak Research and Development Council provided funding for further research and global commercialisation efforts.
During the event, Awang Tengah emphasised that this investment highlights the growth of Sarawak’s medical innovation and manufacturing sector and underscores the government’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in introducing locally developed products to the international market.
Twin Catalyst chief executive officer (CEO) Dr John Tang emphasised the extensive efforts involved in bringing a new, high-risk medical product to the market.
“Many years of clinical research and government assessment and millions of dollars go into developing a single device. We could not be where we are today without the assistance of both the Sarawak and Federal governments.
“Their investment into Sibu gives us the know-how, talent, and ability to invent more devices in the future,” he said in the statement.
Savewo Limited general manager Harry Wong expressed keen interest in further investments in Sarawak’s technologies and companies.
“We are pleased to work with Twin Catalyst—their vision to help others through innovative technologies is similar to ours,” he said.
The company recently became one of Hong Kong’s major medical device manufacturing companies, manufacturing disinfecting robots, air conditioners, and masks.
Peter pointed out that this represents the potential of Sarawakian research and development.
“These are exciting times for the Sarawakian medical innovation industry. Last year, the Sarawak government revealed the Sarawak Medical Innovation and Technology Hub, and the first medical hub in Tanjung Kidurong,” he shared.
He added that research and development was a high priority for the State government and that the Council is actively seeking to support local R&D initiatives.
“Innovation and new technologies are important on the road to achieving high-income status by 2030. We will assess and support new and emerging technologies developed in Sarawak,” he assured. — DayakDaily
