Bioeconomy Corp To Train 1,000 Graduates In Biotech, Emerging Tech Over Five Years 

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Bioeconomy Corporation Sdn Bhd plans to train at least 1,000 graduates over the next five years under its BioAgrotech & BioPharmaceutical Employability and Entrepreneurship Specialised Training Programme (BeST) 2.0, aimed at building talent in biotechnology and emerging technologies.

Chairman Datuk Dr Lee Boon Chye said the target could rise with additional funding, citing strong demand from both graduates and industry players.

“Through BeST 2.0, participants receive training and placements in biotechnology companies, and some have even launched their own startups. A more skilled workforce is key to boosting national productivity,” he told Bernama recently.

He added that the programme will also expand into new technology subsectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and green energy, to create broader opportunities for graduates.

“These new subsectors, particularly AI, AR and VR, hold vast potential for future applications. 

“For example, AI can be used in agriculture and healthcare, while AR and VR have wide applications in healthcare training and surgery. These are areas where Bioeconomy Corporation can contribute by developing skilled talents and experts,” he said.

Since its launch in 2021, BeST 2.0 has trained 561 graduates, surpassing its 12th Malaysia Plan target of 400.

Of these, 91 percent secured placements in 92 biotechnology and bio-based companies, with more than 200 firms registered as hosts, offering 1,900 job opportunities.

“Among the success stories are nine startups in contract farming, which, if scaled up, could raise rural incomes through modern technology,” Lee said.

Lee said to date, 624 BioNexus-status, Bio-Based Accelerator (BBA) and high-impact companies have collectively secured over RM14 billion in approved investments, contributing RM39 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP).

BBA is an accelerator programme by Bioeconomy Corporation that supports bio-based startups, helping them enhance competitiveness, drive innovation and expand the biotechnology and bio-based value chain.

Under the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0, the government aims for the sector to contribute up to 5 percent to GDP in the medium term.

Founded in 2005, Bioeconomy Corporation is Malaysia’s lead economic development agency for the biotechnology and bio-based industries, operating under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

-- BERNAMA