Sabah’s biodiversity a treasure trove for biotech, says state minister

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s immense biodiversity is a treasure trove of genetic resources that could be tapped for various biotechnological applications, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

He said the state’s rich rainforests, coral reefs and deep-sea environments house a plethora of organisms, many of which are likely to contain unique and yet-to-be-discovered biomolecules.

He said these genetic riches could be instrumental in developing new medicines, agricultural varieties, industrial enzymes and other valuable products.

“To harness these opportunities, it’s imperative that Sabah’s natural resources and ecosystems are recognised and utilised to their fullest potential,” Chang said.

He said this when opening at the eighth International Biotechnology Symposium titled“Translation Biotechnology: Impact and Way Forward” here on Tuesday (Aug 29).

“By doing so, not only can a robust biotechnology sector emerge, but it can also contribute to sustainable development and address both local and worldwide challenges,” he said.

He said the biomolecules found in Sabah often have unusual characteristics such as antimicrobial and anticancer activities that have the potential to be invaluable assets for further advancements in biotechnology.

“Moreover, Sabah’s well-preserved ecosystems are teeming with diverse microbial communities and these microorganisms could have applications in waste treatment, bioremediation (a process of using microorganisms to break down hazardous materials) and biofuel production,” Chang said.

On the symposium, he said it was a platform to exchange ideas, share knowledge and forge meaningful partnerships and at the same time, a celebration of the collaborative efforts of researchers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who relentlessly push the boundaries of biotechnology.

The two-day symposium organised by the Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) saw 250 participants including from Japan, South Korea, India, Pakistan and Indonesia taking part.

UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor in his speech said the importance of translational biotechnology could not be understated as it had revolutionised the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and made possible great advances in the practice of personalised medicine.

Furthermore, he said, translational biotechnology has transformed agriculture, increased crop yields and averted food shortages, paving the way for more sustainable, cleaner, environmentally friendly industrial processes.

“We must also encourage collaboration between academics, captains of industry, and policymakers to ensure that our breakthroughs are successfully adapted into real-world applications that can benefit communities around the globe,” he added.

Kasim’s speech was delivered by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Rosalam Sarbatly.