US biotech firm sets up R&D centre in Kedah
By V. CHANDRASEKARAN

SUNGAI PETANI: US-based bio-technology company. WaferGen Biosystems Inc is setting up a RM10mil research and development centre at Kulim-High Tech Park in Kedah, the company's first venture outside Silicon Valley.

It has set up a subsidiary, WaferGen Biosystems (M) Sdn Bhd, to handle the operations. WaferGen develops gene expression, genotyping, cell biology and stem cell research systems for the life science and pharmaceutical industries.

WaferGen chairman and chief executive officer Alnoor Shivji said the R&D centre would be ready by April and would require some 100 researchers and scientists, mainly locals.

“We intend to tap the impressive expertise of the local scientific community by employing highly qualified researchers and scientists,” he said.

He said the company would form collaborations with local universities, research institutions and relevant supporting industries for research on bio-technology.

“Our technology will allow scientists and researchers to discover bio markers that will help address a number of diseases as well as diagnose diseases,” he said. “Ultimately, we believe we can help these individuals in
conducting their groundbreaking research better, smarter, faster and cheaper,” he told reporters after an agreement signing ceremony at the Kuala Muda district office in Sungai Petani, Kedah on Wednesday.

The Star, Thursday, 24 January 2008