PREFACE

Biotechnology is a rapidly growing and dynamic industry spanning many disciplines in science and engineering. It has been acknowledged by many that biotechnology is the engine of growth for life sciences in the 21st century. Malaysia has wisely invested in biotechnology to achieve a rapid advancement in agriculture, human health and other relevant industrial sectors. Since its establishment in May 1995, the National Biotechnology Directorate (BIOTEK), Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment has played a major role in spearheading national biotechnology program via Research, Development and Commercialization, Corporate and Communication, and Human Resource Development.

BIOTEK has published its Strategic Plan 1999-2000, which outlined the program that will place Malaysia in a competitive position in biotechnology regionally and globally. The Priority Setting in Biotechnology under 8th Malaysia Plan outlines the research priorities of the seven Biotechnology Cooperative Centers of BIOTEK in implementing the national biotechnology program. The document was a result of two meetings held in Kuching Sarawak, April 2000 and finalized in September 2000. The information in this document serves as a valuable guide on BIOTEK research priorities for the 8th Malaysia Plan. It is hoped that the document will be useful to researchers in Universities, Research Institutes and the private sectors.


BIOTEK
Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment
April 2001