By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 19: Sarawak’s collection of more than 700 native essential oils may hold the potential to produce the next generation of high-end beauty and fragrance products comparable to global names such as Lancôme or Hugo Boss.
Deputy Sarawak Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel noted that the breadth of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre’s (SBC) compound library highlights the State’s strong innovation capacity, adding that the right formulation could transform Sarawak’s biodiversity into internationally recognised brands.
“With over 700 essential oils in our collection, the possibilities are immense. A strong mix and match of compounds could lead to products on par with the likes of Lancôme or Hugo Boss,” he said during a dialogue session held in conjunction with the launch of Trove Borneo, in partnership with Kitkoji Pte Ltd Singapore, at a hotel here today.
He stressed that Sarawak should move beyond domestic markets and aim for global presence, where demand is far greater.
Abdullah Zaidel added that rising interest from international partners reflects growing recognition of the value of Sarawak’s natural compounds.
“What we have is already world-class. The attention from companies abroad reinforces this. What matters now is how boldly and effectively we market it,” he said.
He also highlighted the commercial potential for rural communities that supply raw materials and traditional knowledge.
“The materials and knowledge preserved by local communities hold tremendous value. When developed responsibly with SBC, they can become viable products that generate income and uplift livelihoods,” he noted.
During the event, a Memorandum of Agreement exchange between SBC and KITKOJI formalised the collaboration on the commercial development and international marketing of Trove Borneo’s nine essential oils.
The signing involved SBC CEO Dato Dr Yeo Tiong Chia and Kitkoji CEO Ken Koh, witnessed by Abdullah Zaidel and BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd CEO Hazwan Razak. — DayakDaily
