MBC Signs Cooperative MoU with AIMST University

Asia - 
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010
by Subhash J. Bhore

Together we achieve our goals

Ayer Keroh, Melaka, Malaysia: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 ― Melaka Biotechnology Corporation (MBC), devoted to development of Biotech Products and services and development of Biotech Industry in Melaka State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the AIMST University (AIMST) in Ayer Keroh, Melaka to promote cooperation between public-private institutions.

Under the agreement of the MoU, Melaka Biotechnology Corporation and the AIMST University will engage in jointly organizing training programs and workshops, research activities, exchange visits by researchers and or students, exchange relevant information, and developing and implementing R&D projects of mutual interest. The research activities plan and their implementation will be mutually developed on a 'project by project' basis. The AIMST University Chief Executive & Vice-Chancellor Prof Frederick Charles Smales and Melaka Biotechnology Corporation Chief Executive Officer Puan Zam Binti Ab Karim signed the MoU on December 1, 2010 in the presence of the Right Honorable Chief Minister of Melaka, YAB Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Ali bin Mohd. Rustam.

In northern part of Peninsular Malaysia, AIMST University is playing an important role in training students in the field of Biotechnology, in addition to Medicine, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Engineering and information technology and Business. Currently, AIMST University has about 3,000 students. Postgraduate program such as M. Sc Biotechnology is becoming popular among students, and Ph. D (Biotechnology) program is approved in last year by the Ministry of Higher Education. “The AIMST University has been instrumental in developing and promoting university education in northern corridor of the Malaysia through its various educational, research and  development activities and exceptional academic programs. The recent survey of the graduated students in Biotechnology program from AIMST University indicates that placement rate is 99 %. This partnership between AIMST University and Melaka Biotechnology Corporation will enable us to harness each others expertise in the area of Biotechnology", said Prof Frederick Charles Smales, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of the AIMST University.

To develop the Biotech industry in the Melaka state, Biotechnology Division was established in 2003 by the Right Honorable Chief Minister of Melaka, YAB Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd. Ali bin Mohd. Rustam. In 2004 Melaka Biotechnology Corporation was incorporated and acts as the Melaka state agency to promote Biotech Research to develop innovative Biotech products, services and to attract the local and foreign investors to invest in the State’s Biotech Industry.

The AIMST University commenced operations in year 2001 as the first private university in the northern part of peninsular Malaysia and has emerged as one of the top private educational institutions. By realizing the national and regional scenario, AIMST University has spent more than RM 6 million to establish the well equipped laboratories for Biotech Research and student training. Currently, AIMST University offers four (4) diploma courses, nine (9) degree programs, and six (6) postgraduate programs under 7 Faculties namely, Applied Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Allied Health Professions, Engineering and Computer Technology, Business and Management. AIMST University is particularly renowned for internationally qualified academic staff and quality of their graduates. This MoU underlines the importance of public-private partnership to achieve the common goals in the Biotech Industry.