By Shikin Louis
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Aug 13: Sarawak has built up a Natural Product Library containing more than 29,000 plant extracts, 24,000 microbial strains and over 600 algae strains, says Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
He said the extensive collection at the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) provided researchers with opportunities to discover new compounds and develop technologies with potential applications in healthcare, agriculture, food, biomaterials and environmental sustainability.
“Today, SBC has built up an extensive Natural Product Library comprising more than 29,000 plant extracts, 24,000 microbial strains, more than 600 algae strains and other valuable biological resources.
“These numbers continue to grow,” he said during the Foundation Laying and Exchange of Agreements Ceremony for Sarawak Bioindustrial Park (SBP) held at the Muara Tuang Land District here today.
Sagah said the research resources were complemented by traditional knowledge of indigenous communities in Sarawak, particularly their knowledge of plants and their uses.
He said this combination of biological resources, scientific knowledge and traditional wisdom could provide a strong foundation for Sarawak to develop its bioindustry.
However, Sagah said research alone was not enough, with one of the biggest challenges being bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and commercialisation.
He said this was where the newly established Sarawak Bioindustrial Park (SBP) would complement the research work being carried out by SBC and other research agencies.
“As a catalytic project under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the SBP was conceptualised to ensure that our R&D findings and biological assets translate sustainably into high-value industrial growth.
“In other words, the SBP is where promising bio-innovations can mature beyond laboratory research and become commercially viable products,” he explained.
Sagah said the park would serve as an accelerator for bio-based start-ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), nutraceutical and technology companies by providing access to specialised facilities and expertise through a one-stop Central Hub.
He said this would reduce the need for substantial upfront capital investment and allow businesses to develop, validate and scale bio-based products for the global market.
The park would also enable universities and research institutions to work more closely with industry, ensuring scientific discoveries progress towards prototypes, validation and intellectual property that respond directly to market needs.
Sagah said biotechnology was increasingly multidisciplinary, converging with artificial intelligence (AI), automation, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies.
“Future breakthroughs will come from integrating into these different fields rather than working within their own isolated boundaries,” he said.
The ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee; Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; and Deputy Speaker of Sarawak Legislative Assembly and Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang.
— DayakDaily
