Malaysian Biotech Breakthrough: SATEERA, REDFORES Earn ASEAN And Asia Records

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysian biotechnology company SATEERA Sdn Bhd and its feminine hygiene brand REDFORES were officially recognised by ASEAN Records and ASIA Records today for their breakthrough contributions in selective anti-infective innovation.

SATEERA was recognised as the First and Most Patented Natural Anti-Infective Formulation Preserving Beneficial Bacteria, holding 14 patents across 14 countries.

At the same time, REDFORES was recognised as the First Feminine Hygiene Brand with the Highest Number of Patents for a Dual-Action Formulation -- Preserving Beneficial Bacteria while Providing Antimicrobial Protection, powered by SATEERA’s patented technology.

The recognition ceremony was held alongside the formal exchange of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Universiti Malaya (UM) and SATEERA, which reflects the country’s continued progress in translating university-originated research into commercially applied biotechnology.

The MoA exchange was made between UM deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Kaharudin Dimyati and SATEERA co-founder Datuk Calvin Khiu, witnessed by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang.

The collaboration is expected to support expanded validation studies and deeper research engagement within Malaysia’s biotechnology ecosystem, thus strengthening the country’s position as a producer of advanced biotechnology solutions.

Earlier, Chang, in his keynote address, said the collaboration showed how Malaysia’s universities and industry can work together to translate research into real-world solutions.

“Innovation must move beyond the laboratory and into application. By championing science-based, targeted approaches in biotechnology, we strengthen national capability while improving health and quality of life in line with Malaysia MADANI and our National Biotechnology Policy,” he said.

SATEERA’s technology centres on its natural smart anti-infective technology designed to selectively inhibit harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial bacteria, and this approach is structured around targeted microbial modulation, unlike conventional broad-spectrum antimicrobial formulations that act indiscriminately.

The innovation has progressed beyond laboratory validation into tangible application, with REDFORES representing the first commercial application of its patented selective anti-infective technology within women’s intimate health.

As part of the partnership, REDFORES will undergo further scientific evaluation with UM’s academic team, reinforcing the commitment to evidence-based product development.

In his speech, Kaharudin said that as a research-intensive university, UM remains committed to strengthening linkages between fundamental research and real-world applications while enhancing Malaysia’s intellectual property capabilities and innovation ecosystem.

“When an original technology can be researched and validated locally and then progressed into structured and compliant collaboration, it represents more than a corporate milestone. It is a signal of national innovation capacity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khiu said the milestone highlights the need to rethink conventional hygiene approaches, noting that for decades, hygiene has often been equated with ‘killing everything’.

“SATEERA was developed to challenge that logic -- not by being stronger, but by being smarter. It suppresses harmful pathogens while preserving beneficial bacteria. That shift in thinking is what we believe represents the next evolution in hygiene,” he added.

Meanwhile, REDFORES co-founder Datuk Jment Lim said women’s intimate health should be approached with scientific responsibility rather than treated as a fast-moving consumer category.

“Women’s intimate health is closely linked to dignity, comfort and long-term well-being. In an era dominated by ‘99.99 per cent elimination’ messaging, we chose a different path, prioritising microbial balance and scientific validation over aggressive claims. We believe responsible hygiene innovation must respect the body’s natural ecosystem,” he said.

SATEERA’s technology has previously undergone independent validation by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and SGS Malaysia.

The ceremony also included an interdisciplinary panel discussion themed “Leading the Good Bacteria Era: Redefining Global Hygiene Standards” that brought together esteemed professors from leading local universities alongside practising medical specialists to explore microbiome preservation, selective anti-infective science and its broader implications for women’s intimate health.

-- BERNAMA