Thursday June 16, 2011
KUANTAN: The Pahang government and Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) have jointly set up a research and excellence centre in biodiversity and biotechnology in a move to optimise and boost its market potentials.The project would also meet the demand for experts in research, development and commercialisation activities (R&D&C).
The centre was officially opened by Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah in conjunction with the launching of a mini Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism (MAHA) show at an agriculture park in Indera Mahkota near here recently.
UMP vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim said the university was already acting as an adviser to the state’s Science, Technology and Information Technology committee in developing biodiversity and biotechnology for commercial purposes.
“The centre will provide training, services, consultation and expertise of UMP’s researchers for entrepreneurs in the two fields.
“The efforts are expected to help realise the state’s biodiversity-biotechnology strategic plan to sustainably reap benefits from the natural wealth and resources and boost economic activities,’’ he added.
Daing said UMP would also develop related R&D&C projects aimed at creating products with higher added values.
Among the functions of the centre, which covers an area of 700 square metres, included identifying species with commercial values, conducting tests to validate potential chemicals derived from plants, developing processes to extract essence as well as analysing microbes in water and soil.
The centre would also act as a reference centre for the public and students to get information and be exposed to biodiversity through activities carried out in the park.
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