Kuala lumpur: The MyMahir by TalentCorp - BioTechies: Biopharmaceutical Series has been launched as an industry-driven initiative to develop highly skilled, industry-ready Malaysian professionals for the biopharmaceutical sector. The programme seeks to align the country's talent pipeline with future industry needs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is spearheaded by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI), in collaboration with leading industry players. It aims to strengthen Malaysia's biotechnology talent pool and contribute to the country's ambition under the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 to achieve a five percent GDP contribution from the biotechnology sector by 2030.
Datuk Ruziah Shafei, Deputy Secretary-General of MOSTI, emphasized the rapid expansion of the global biopharmaceutical sector, driven by the demand for biologics, vaccines, biosimilars, and advanced therapies. She highlighted the necessity of a skilled and industry-ready workforce to ensure Malaysia's competitiveness in higher-value segments of the global biotechnology and biomanufacturing value chain.
Bioeconomy Corporation CEO Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak noted that although Malaysia produces about 10,000 life sciences graduates annually, a significant percentage find employment in fields that do not match their qualifications. The programme aims to bridge this gap by preparing industry-ready talent for the biopharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The place-and-train programme will involve 25 selected graduates from the first cohort undergoing targeted technical training and professional skills development, followed by on-the-job placement with host companies. This approach is designed to equip participants with the necessary technical competencies and industry-relevant skills demanded by the evolving biopharmaceutical sector.
The BioTechies: The Biopharmaceutical Series is implemented through three specialised modules addressing biopharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory compliance, led by Biocon Sdn Bhd, with partners including Vellore Institute of Technology India and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The programme also includes operational excellence training in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia and clinical research operations training by Info Kinetics Sdn Bhd.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in real manufacturing environments and exposure to international standards such as cGMP, USFDA, and EMA requirements. This coordinated effort is expected to create a robust pipeline of skilled professionals, enabling Malaysian talent to lead in the global biopharmaceutical industry.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon Ltd, expressed pride in supporting the initiative to bolster Malaysia's science talent. She highlighted Biocon's long-standing presence in Malaysia and its commitment to investing in human capital, supporting Malaysia's emerging biotech talent through the Biocon Academy.