LATEST ARTICLES

RM6.8b investment made from BioNexus firms

Malaysia’s bio-based industry recorded an approved investment worth RM6.81 billion from 283 certified local biotechnology companies. Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the investment was a 2.2% increase from...

Budget 2018: Full speech

The Budget 2018 speech by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Prime Minister and Finance Minister: Prospering an Inclusive Economy, Balancing Between Worldly and Hereafter, For The Wellbeing of the Rakyat, Towards the TN50 Aspiration Mr Speaker...

USDA Announces $9.6 Million in Available Funding to Grow the Bioeconomy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $9.6 million in available funding for projects to support the development of new biobased products and biomaterials from renewable...

PetChem approves US$442m investment for new plant in Pengerang

Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd (PetChem) has approved a final investment decision for an Isononanol plant within the Pengerang Integrated Complex in Pengerang, Johor, for a total investment cost of US$442 million.

Celgene in Asia-Pacific collab with Antengene, Tigermed as clinical support

Celgene is licensing rights to develop its TORC1/2 inhibitor CC-223 in East and Southeast Asia to Antengene, and CRO Tigermed will help the latter with clinical development.

Taiwan draws foreign biotech IPOs

A Singaporean biotechnology company working on experimental cancer drugs is listing in Taiwan, potentially opening the door for more foreign peers to go public on the island.

Amazon scientists simulate how warming may impact jungle

Deep in the Amazon, an experiment unfolds that may allow a peek into the future to see what will happen to the world’s largest rainforest when carbon dioxide levels rise. It is a simulation...

Duopharma to expand portfolio diversity including halal pharmaceuticals

Duopharma Biotech Bhd has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its portfolio diversity, including halal pharmaceuticals and plant-based products, and growing its product availability and affordability

Is vertical farming tech the solution to our food security concerns?

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recognises several sustainable development (SDG) goals that promote urban agriculture, which notably recognises Goal 2, ending hunger, achieving food security, better nutrition and developing sustainable agriculture

Sarawak teroka potensi tenaga hibrid solar dan angin

Sarawak kini dalam proses meneroka potensi sumber tenaga hijau boleh diperbaharui hibrid membabitkan kombinasi solar dan angin

A big step towards ending plastic pollution

We are gathered in Paris because the linear plastics economy is gushing pollution galore. Choking ecosystems. Warming the climate. Damaging our health. As ever with the triple planetary crisis – the crisis of climate change, the...

Ocean ranchers: Can aquaculture fill our bellies whilst serving the sea?

Aquaculture is the world’s fastest-growing food production system. The sector now supplies half of all seafood consumed, providing livelihoods for millions of people, and is expected to double in size by 2050 to match increasing...

False news and misleading info pose new threats to health

The advancement of technology, particularly in the fields of communication and information delivery, is indeed of great benefit to consumers. With the advent of new media platforms such as social media and instant messaging...

Agriculture Ministry announces RM400,000 allocation for water pumps and tube wells

The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry today announced an additional allocation of RM400,000 to build water pumps and tube wells to overcome water problems during the dry season

Ban on plastic bags for retail purposes a welcomed move, but execution is key

Plastic pollution is suffocating our planet — and it’s only getting worse. Production has rocketed in the last two decades, with more plastic being produced between 2003 and 2016 than in the whole of...

Malaysia to fight discriminatory trade practices against agricommodity sector

The government will fight against any discriminatory trade practices against Malaysia’s agricommodity sector, says Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof

MOH to Expand Programme to Release Wolbachia Infected Mosquitoes

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will expand the programme of releasing Wolbachia-infected Mosquitoes to states that have seen an increase in dengue fever cases

Menggalakkan tenaga kerja sihat di Malaysia

Pada awal Mei tahun ini, Pertubuhan Kesihatan Sedunia (WHO) telah mengumumkan bahawa COVID-19 tidak lagi dianggap sebagai ancaman kesihatan awam

The Urgent Need for a National Digital Carbon Registry

The carbon trade, particularly in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) and nature-based solutions (NBS), is at a crucial turning point. The lack of transparency and accountability has cast a shadow over the market, jeopardising...

The seaweed revolutionary

Vincent Doumeizel, author of The Seaweed Revolution, believes that seaweed can help replace many of the worst elements of conventional contemporary agriculture and help to feed the growing global population

In Conversation: Can diet and exercise reverse prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a warning sign that an individual is at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If it goes unmanaged, prediabetes can lead to long-term damage, including to the heart and blood...

Costa Rica’s world-leading bioeconomy strategy

Costa Rica established its first ever National Bioeconomy strategy in 2020. At the heart of the programme lies the country’s immense biological riches. Home to 6% of the world’s wildlife despite occupying just 0.03%...

Can sustainable aviation fuel make flying green? Here’s why it may not be that...

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) appears to be the latest trendy buzzword among politicians. Last week, Transport Minister Anthony Loke touted SAF as the key to decarbonising an industry that is fast becoming one of the...

Guide to making paper from the bark of mulberry trees

Local artist Cheng Yen Pheng, 40, derives great pleasure from making by hand the very paper she uses for her artwork. By her own admittance, the process is time-consuming and often repetitive but is worth...

Sanofi to enhance synergy with China’s pharma market

French pharmaceutical company Sanofi will accelerate the modernisation of its manufacturing sites and research network in China to better integrate these into its global industrial system, a senior company executive says

Tough Spaces: How Social Media Worsens Mental Health Problems

A journalist who declined to be named for safety reasons, was never a heavy social media user. But when a story her team did in 2020 at the height of COVID-19 incited backlash from...

How a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issues

For most people, a gel manicure never causes an issue. But for some it can trigger a lifetime of allergies to various medical devices, and to dental fillings and implants that contain a compound...

From nature to table: rethinking the relationship between our food and the land

It is this evolution of the agricultural project that has changed our way of experimenting, and helped us to rethink the relationship between the restaurant and the gardens

Evolution of the healthcare system in today’s digitalized era

Digital transformation has revolutionized various industries, especially the healthcare sector. It has made healthcare more inclusive by improving a wide range of outcomes from the prevention and treatment of disease to nursing care

Addressing unemployed PhD graduates in Malaysia

From the decision to pursue and then successfully complete a PhD is a challenging journey as it requires tremendous passion and interest in research, along with the willingness to make significant sacrifices in various...

Usah lambat bertindak capai aspirasi karbon sifar bersih 2050

Sejak beberapa bulan lalu, Akademi Sains Malaysia sudah mulakan proses merangka Pelan Tindakan Kesihatan Planet. Malaysia kini menjadi negara pertama di Asia Tenggara berjaya memulakan proses untuk membangunkan dan menerima pakai pelan jelas menghubungkan...

Biofarmaseutikal kunci masa depan MGRC

Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd (MGRC) meraih pendapatan RM680,000 bagi suku ketiga berakhir 31 Mac 2023 berbanding RM5.08 juta pada suku sama tahun lalu apabila kumpulan meneruskan usaha ke arah biofarmaseutikal sambil menumpukan pada...

Govt to boost domestic food production, reduce reliance on imports

The government will implement both short- and long-term initiatives to enhance the country’s food security. Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin said the focus lies in boosting domestic production of essential...

Simple ways to make your laundry routine more eco-friendly

Whether you’re lucky enough to have an in-house washer and dryer set, or you trudge to the local laundromat, there’s no getting away from that never-ending pile of laundry. But keeping our attire clean...

Govt urges more airlines to use sustainable fuel

The government is encouraging more local airlines to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce the rate of carbon emissions in the country

The world’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth

It turns out reef manta rays are even more vulnerable than we thought—but scientists say we’re now in a better position to save them

BP Healthcare eyes stake in Pharmaniaga

BP Healthcare Group, founded by Datuk Beh Chun Chuan, said the group has expressed its interest in financially troubled Pharmaniaga Bhd

World can’t afford US-style energy habits

The United States is hoping to play key leadership roles in an array of areas tied to the global energy transition, from developing corporate champions that drive emissions reductions to funding research and development...

MAFS tumpu pengeluaran komoditi asas jamin sekuriti bekalan makanan negara

Kementerian Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan (MAFS) memberi tumpuan kepada pengeluaran komoditi asas, dalam usaha mengurangkan kebergantungan terhadap sumber pertanian import sekali gus memastikan jaminan sekuriti bekalan makanan negara

Weight-loss drug pioneers promoting Wegovy to address obesity

Weight loss drug Wegovy has transformed the obesity market and pharmaceutical companies with existing treatments are hoping the resulting demand will boost demand for their older, less effective but cheaper, drugs

Tiba masa Malaysia jadi peneraju sektor peralihan tenaga

Sudah tiba masanya Malaysia menerajui sektor peralihan tenaga, terutamanya bagi memudahkan perdagangan rentas sempadan sumber tenaga boleh diperbaharui (renewable energy atau RE). Menteri Ekonomi Rafizi Ramli berkata, dasar negara sebelum ini menumpukan pada pembangunan...

Green hydrogen to combat climate change

Combating climate change is a global initiative supported by policymakers, regulators, investors, and consumers all making a concerted effort to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) and specifically carbon (CO2) emissions. Green hydrogen is widely viewed...

Forty-four durian processing facilities receive export approval from China

A total of 44 local frozen durian processing facilities have received export approval from China as of May, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Chan Foong Hin

Most expensive drugs in the US in 2023

Many of the drugs on this list—which focuses specifically on FDA-approved medicines—will be well known to industry watchers. Last year, bluebird, plus CSL Behring and uniQure, nabbed three gene therapy nods in quick succession,...

Tipping the Scale on CO2 Levels: Fast-Tracking Bioeconomy Decarbonization

Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels continue to increase globally, but the degree of growth is starting to tapper off. In 2021 the IEA reported that CO2 levels increased by 6% from the prior year, partly due to...

Last chance to save the Amazon

The Amazon constitutes the world's largest tropical forest, accounting for about 40 per cent of the world's remaining rainforests, with the water flowing in its rivers accounting for close to 15 per cent of...

Can agriculture be a leading sector?

Agriculture is usually the stepchild of the development process. As countries grow, its importance shrinks while that of the manufacturing and services sectors expand. However, Pakistan has failed to make this transition

Can Stem Cells Be Used as Treatment for Osteoporosis?

In the future, stem cells may be used to treat osteoporosis. However, while the results from animal studies are promising, data in humans is very limited. Osteoporosis is currently treated with medications and lifestyle...

Airbus tinjau kerjasama aeroangkasa mampan dengan Malaysia

Airbus melihat terdapat potensi pertumbuhan bagi kerjasama dengan Malaysia dalam melaksanakan inisiatif penyahkarbonan sektor aeroangkasa termasuk pengeluaran bahan api penerbangan mampan (SAF)

The role of regulatory relationships in wastewater innovation

Public water and wastewater utilities are increasingly struggling to meet society’s expectations.  Their basic infrastructure is aging, budgets are tight, and they face a barrage of stressors, from population growth to climate change and...

Application of probiotics in pet food to relieve stress

Environmental factors including extreme temperature, interruption of daily routines, vet visits, and novel environments can cause chronic stress and anxiety in dogs and cats. Abrupt environmental accidents such as sudden noise and falling objects...

Scaling Innovation in Genetics and Precision Medicine

As more start-ups enter the scene, how can they establish a robust customer base, integrate their inventions with existing healthcare systems and ensure they have sufficient resources to scale and grow effectively to facilitate...

Navigating supply chain challenges in 2023

Disruptions and uncertainties to the global supply chain are set to continue in 2023, as inflationary pressures, geopolitical conflicts, climate change and shortages of raw materials continue to cause impact to the flow of...

Platform Sains Terbuka Malaysia Dilancarkan

Platform Sains Terbuka Malaysia (MOSP) dilancarkan hari ini bagi merapatkan jurang antara penyelidikan, inovasi dan pengkomerisalan, serta meningkatkan keupayaan inovasi negara

ORA secures $10m funding in growing telehealth Asia market

Singaporean telehealth platform ORA has raised $10m in Series A funding. The round, co-led by TNB Aura and Antler, and with participation from Gobi Partners, Kairous Capital, and GMA Ventures, brings the company’s total...

Deputy minister: S’wak govt approves RM90 mln to set up three Precision Farming Parks

The Sarawak government has approved RM90 million under the Alternative Funding to establish three Precision Farming Parks at Rampangi in Kuching, Sungai Sibiew in Bintulu and Kabuluh in Miri, said Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman...

Malaysia committed to raising biodiesel mandate

Malaysia is committed to progressively raising its biodiesel mandate, Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said at a meeting with global palm oil producers today

Sowing the seed for future energy trade

APG is expected to enhance electricity trade across borders that would provide benefits to meet the rising electricity demand 

Malaysia, Korea Selatan perkukuh kerjasama dalam bidang pertanian

Malaysia dan Korea Selatan akan memperkukuh kerjasama dan perdagangan dua hala dalam bidang pertanian selaras dengan keperluan bagi menjamin sumber makanan yang mampan dan berterusan

Robotic Rehabilitation Aims To Restore Mobility For Individuals With Neurological Conditions

ReGen Rehab Hospital is taking the lead in providing specialised rehabilitation treatment for patients and individuals who are recovering from neurological conditions, including stroke and spinal cord injury

Malaysian Genomics expands to Bangladesh

Genomics and biopharmaceutical specialist Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement (SCA) with Toticell Ltd for the distribution of the company's products in Bangladesh

How ASEAN can seize its energy opportunities

In a fast-evolving global landscape, ASEAN countries must seize the moment to accelerate the energy transition. This is critical to build a greener path for growth, while delivering on energy security and affordability, and...

Promosi kebaikan vaksin sepanjang masa

Sejarah telah membuktikan bahawa vaksin dapat melindungi manusia daripada pelbagai penyakit berjangkit yang berbahaya seperti campak atau meningitis. Oleh itu, komunikasi vaksin mestilah jelas dan mudah difahami oleh masyarakat

WHO warns against bias, misinformation in using AI in healthcare

The WHO said it was enthusiastic about the potential of AI but had concerns over how it will be used to improve access to health information, as a decision-support tool and to improve diagnostic...

Four Tactics For Increasing Your Impact In Biotech Public Relations

Biotechnology is revolutionizing how modern scientists and researchers approach various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotherapies, bioprocessing, agriculture and more

Nik Nazmi: Tap the potential of Malaysia’s sewerage sector

The sewerage sector in Malaysia holds significant untapped economic potential, says Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad

Data snapshot: VC funding for ag biotech increases thanks to mega-rounds from the US,...

Ag biotech was one of the few investment categories in 2022 that saw a slight increase in funding despite a decrease in VC spending for agrifoodtech overall

Is space the place for stem cell manufacturing? Scientists will soon test that on...

The world’s second-ever private astronaut mission to the International Space Station will not only ferry up the first Saudi Arabian woman to go to space but also a first-of-its-kind experiment that will test whether...

The Future of Work: Why Malaysia Must Prioritise Gig Workers’ Welfare

The gig economy is growing rapidly in Malaysia, and it’s important to address the challenges  and risks that come with this type of work

Make waste separation compulsory

Several states are yet to adopt the Act 672 (Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007). This Act makes it compulsory for solid waste separation at source, with each household and business owner...

Nutritional animal feed protein through artificial photosynthesis

Researchers have successfully developed a method for the synthetic manufacture of the nutritional protein using a type of artificial photosynthesis. The animal feed industry is the primary driver of high demand for large volumes...

India’s ‘pharmacy of the world’ moniker is under threat

In August 2002, Ranbaxy filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manufacture atorvastatin, the generic version of cholesterol drug Lipitor—the world's top-selling drug, generating over...

Sustainability, innovation, and the bioeconomy: How to lobby for favourable government policies

American Diversified Enterprises outlines how lobbying is essential to influencing government policies concerning sustainability and the bioeconomy

France: Morning in the Bioeconomy

The birds are singing at dawn, across the forest of Compiègne, and it is morning in the bioeconomy here in the heart of agricultural France

How to pick the right baby care products for your child

Parenthood ends up evoking all sorts of mixed feelings and emotions. While becoming a parent is overwhelmingly joyful, it also means added responsibilities

Recent developments in stem cell therapies

EPR explores recent developments in stem cell therapies across several hard-to-treat diseases and how technology is transforming ATMP manufacture

IoT ecosystem: A catalyst for improved efficiency, life quality, economic growth

The integration of IoT, AI and automation is creating significant opportunities for local and international businesses to invest in Malaysia’s IoT ecosystem

Mosti aims to create over 5,000 homegrown start-ups by 2030

The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) through Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd aims to create over 5,000 start-ups by 2030 and expand its MYStartup NXT roadshow initiative nationwide.

Which Internet-Connected Medical Devices Pose The Highest Hacking Risk?

The internet connection inherent to the majority of medical devices used day-to-day by consumers poses numerous risks in terms of data safety.

Asean urged to act on poverty, food security

A senior Lao leader has called on Asean nations and regional stakeholders to further strengthen cooperation to alleviate poverty and ensure food security in the region.

Sarawak to produce green aviation fuel from algae

Sarawak is set to produce sustainable aviation fuel from its first microalgae carbon capture facility at the Sejingkat Power Plant here, with plans to scale up production in future.

Pengurusan sisa pepejal perlu diperinci ketika musim perayaan

Pengurusan sisa pepejal di Malaysia secara umumnya masih belum berada pada tahap yang memuaskan. Malah ia bertambah menyesakkan dada dan menyakitkan mata apabila tiba musim perayaan disebabkan peningkatan sampah yang berkali ganda.

Calls for agro-food industry transformation

Malaysia should give urgent policy attention and implement measures to transform the country’s agro-food industry to close the food security gap, says TA Research.

India aims to become a global leader in medical devices with a new policy...

The National Medical Device Policy 2023 aims to strengthen the medical devices industry, making it more competitive, self-reliant, resilient, and innovative.

The Age of Augmented Intelligence

Half the world is proclaiming artificial intelligence (AI) to be the best thing since sliced bread and the other half is warning of the end of humanity and the destruction of the way of...

Tesla breaks ground lithium refinery that can supply 1 million EVs by 2025

Tesla took a step forward to solidify its battery supplies. The EV maker broke ground on a lithium refinery project in Texas on May 8. The facilities will primarily process lithium hydroxide to support...

M’sia intends to explore working with ADB on energy, climate change

Malaysia intends to explore cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the fields of energy and climate change, especially on capacity building, technical assistance and green economy.

New AI chat mentor launched for cancer patients

The software uses machine learning, logic learning models, and natural language processing to communicate with cancer patients and can provide answers to patients about their clinical journey. It retains a log of previous correspondence,...

The circular economy is good for industries, livelihoods

A circular economy presents businesses and governments with the opportunity to create a more sustainable world. Contrary to common belief, a circular economy offers benefits beyond the environment.

New tech captures carbon dioxide and produces green hydrogen from seawater

A clever ocean-based device pulls and permanently sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, generating green hydrogen in the process.

Mat Sabu: Agricultural research needs improvement to face global challenges

In an effort to face global challenges such as food supply issues and heatwaves, Malaysia needs to focus on research in the agriculture sector, says Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad...

QuickCheck: Will drinking too much water get you intoxicated?

As heatwave seems to be just around the corner, most talking heads are advising the public to drink as much water as possible and to stay hydrated.

Malaysia’s Ability To Attract Investment Needs To Be Addressed Urgently

The amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) has indeed increased from RM7.1 billion (1990), to RM14.4 billion (2000) and RM32.4 billion (2019). But Malaysia’s competitiveness to attract foreign investment is fading, and this is...

Microbes discovered that can digest plastics at low temperatures

Microbes that can digest plastics at low temperatures have been discovered by scientists in the Alps and the Arctic, which could be a valuable tool in recycling.

MAFS Setting Up Big Data System For Real-Time Veggie Supply

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is working on setting up a big data system to obtain real-time information regarding vegetable supply in this country, said its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

Sleep Apnea May Increase Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

Findings from the research suggest that people who spend less time in deep sleep are more likely to have brain biomarkers associated with a heightened risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline.

Nearly a quarter billion people are hungry. Can biotech help?

A May 3 report shows that more than a quarter of a billion people faced acute food insecurity last year. This data underlines the importance of biotech for reducing the risk of hunger.

Microplastics seeping into wastewater through recycling facilities

New research suggests that plastic recycling facilities could be releasing wastewater packed with billions of tiny plastic particles, contributing to the pollution of waterways and endangering human health.

Filipino Scientists Develop Easy, Affordable and Efficient Method of Fish Spawning

Researchers from the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) in the Philippines have developed a fish-spawning method that will allow fish farmers to produce high-quality, pure spawn during off-season that do not require...

Managing the pain that is caused by cancer

Pain in cancer may arise from a tumour compressing or infiltrating nearby body parts; treatments and diagnostic procedures; or changes to skin, nerves and other tissues caused by a hormone imbalance or immune response.

Year-end 80% 5G population coverage target within reach

Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and mobile network operators (MNOs) could use 4G existing sites to meet the 80% 5G population coverage target by year-end, say analysts.

Time to valorise oil palm biomass into ethanol

In 2021, Malaysia’s carbon emissions per capita was 7.63 tonnes, according to Our World in Data, based on the Global Carbon Project (2022). Neighbouring countries such as Indonesia (2.26 tonnes), Singapore (5.47 tonnes) and...

Securing Malaysia’s public healthcare

IN 1948, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) constitution, a treaty between the nations of the world, came into force after the deadliest and most destructive war in human history.

Geotanaman To Address Agricultural Dumping Issues

The GeoTanaman system has been developed by the Agriculture Department since 2022 as a long-term measure to plan food crop production and address the issue of agricultural product dumping.

Microplastic Pollution – Start At The Source

Did you know that Malaysia is ranked third (after the Philippines and India) in the list of countries contributing most to marine plastic pollution? Dutch academic Lourens JJ Meijer highlighted these rankings in a...

Eyeing the bioeconomy: Fibre solutions, innovation, and support for First Nations in B.C.

Since 2019, the British Columbia Ministry of Forests has been at the forefront in supporting Indigenous-led forest bioeconomy projects through its Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program (IFBP).

Mosti: Precision farming is the way forward

Assistance will be given to enable the country to transition to widespread embrace of precision agriculture to allow farmers to earn higher profits at a lower cost. Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) said precision agriculture...

Pathbreakers: The journey of first generics

First generics are the first opportunity manufacturers have to market new generic drug products in the US. In recent years, first generics have improved patient access to essential treatments and offered affordable treatment options for...

Drone industry very promising, Russia to invest $12 bln: Putin

The drone industry is very promising, and one trillion rubles ($12 billion) will be invested in it in the future, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday. The Sputnik reported that Putin visited the Rudnevo industrial...

Stronger paper bags could be the answer to throwaway plastic

With a simple, inexpensive treatment, researchers have found a way to make paper bags strong enough to be reused multiple times, even when they get wet. The bags could be a true ecofriendly alternative to...

Drone technology can increase yield in Malaysia’s agricultural sector

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) is striving to develop an ecosystem for the application of drone technology in the field of agriculture to help increase the income of farmers.

This mobile 3D printer can produce mRNA vaccine patches on the spot

Scientists said last week (Apr 26, 2023) that they have developed the first mobile printer that can produce thumbnail-sized patches able to deliver mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) Covid vaccines.

Agriculture, education and green transition to lead future job growth: WEF managing director

The global job market is set to change significantly over the next four years, according to a report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Monday. The WEF's "Future of Jobs Report 2023" warns...

Race To Zero In Asia And Pacific: Hopes In The Climate Fight

The latest synthesis report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change makes for grim reading: Every fraction of a degree of warming comes with escalated threats, from deadly heatwaves to severe hurricanes and droughts,...

Announcing The Agtech Toolkit: An Open-Access Guide To Innovating In Agriculture

Announcing the Agtech Toolkit, a publicly accessible toolkit designed for agtech entrepreneurs to ground-truth their knowledge of their market(s). Agricultural innovation is critical to ensuring that humanity can thrive in the face of climate change.

Can home-grown medical devices reduce the cost of healthcare services?

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the inadequate availability of essential medical devices in India during a time of intense demand. Medical devices, ranging from ventilators and oxygen purifiers to personal protective equipment (PPE) and N95...

Analysis: Malaysian workers need more clout to demand better pay, conditions

This Labour Day, employees voiced out their pressing concerns about the rising cost of living and labour shortage as the world continues to recover from the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Navigating The Renewable Energy Landscape: An Analysis Of Benefits And Challenges

The world is increasingly recognizing the urgency of transitioning to a renewable energy landscape to ensure the well-being of our planet and the continuation of human civilization. The adoption of clean, sustainable, and affordable...

Climate change may make it easier to produce food in Arctic regions

For large parts of the world, climate change poses a serious threat to agriculture, and hence to global food security. Further north, despite challenges such as unstable winters and increased autumn precipitation, the predicted effects...

Building the Bioeconomy Requires Addressing Biosecurity Globally

Given the growing importance of biotechnology and biomanufacturing, it is surprising that there is currently very little by way of consensus-based guidance for biosecurity. In fact, there is often confusion with the related term...

India’s booming bioeconomy poised for growth

Several factors are contributing to the growth of India's biotech industry, including increased government support, favourable regulatory policies, and a vibrant start-up ecosystem.

Bioplastic from shrimp waste made possible

To lessen massive waste from nonbiodegradable plastics, researchers at the University of San Carlos (USC) have turned shrimp waste into bioplastic with potential use for packaging.

Is vertical farming the future of agriculture?

Bringing agricultural production indoors resolves many of the challenges the world faces, including unsustainable harm to the environment and biodiversity; greenhouse gas emissions and water usage; seasonal availability and global market demand; and climate...

COVID-19 Vaccines Aren’t Strongly Linked to Menstrual Changes, Study Says

While the COVID-19 vaccines have made a dramatic difference in controlling the pandemic, researchers are still learning about the ways that the shots may affect people’s health.

Analysis: Malaysian Workers Need More Clout To Demand Better Pay, Conditions

This Labour Day, employees voiced out their pressing concerns about the rising cost of living and labour shortage as the world continues to recover from the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

EU to introduce eco-label for flights from 2025

Flights in the European Union are to be given an environmental label from 2025 in a wider effort to promote the uptake of more sustainable fuels in aviation, reported German news agency dpa. The label...

How Access To Medicines Impacts Healthcare Systems

Lack of access to medicines is one of the most complex – and vexing – problems that stand in the way of better health. Often it is gaps in healthcare systems, economics, and infrastructures...

Amid technology worries, farm sector still eyes its potential

If GPS-guided tractors led the previous revolution in agriculture, the next generation of farming is likely to be marked by unmanned drones with onboard sensors that can spot weeds and decide when and how...

Put More Focus On Reducing, Reusing Plastic Instead Of Recycling

In the midst of a discussion on plastic waste, Federal Territories Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) director Ummi Kalthum Shuib whips out her phone to show her TikTok video.

Enhancing cooperation in water management and circular economy

The Netherlands expressed its keen interest in further enhancing cooperation with Malaysia in water management and enhancing the circular economy.  The Netherlands ambassador to Malaysia, Jacques Werner, said Malaysia is a country that has embraced...

Deepening China-ASEAN agricultural cooperation for new, better life

On April 25, the opening ceremony of the ASEAN-China Year of Agricultural Development and Food Security Cooperation was held in Beijing. The event is a concrete measure to implement the important consensus reached by...

Amazon is winding down its Halo health trackers in latest cut

Amazon.com Inc is pulling the plug on its line of Halo health devices as chief executive officer Andy Jassy seeks to wind down marginal programmes and streamline the retail and cloud-computing giant’s businesses.

Korea BIO, US BIO to strengthen bioeconomy partnership

Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (Korea BIO) and the U.S. Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote the bioeconomy of both countries on Tuesday (local time) in Washington, DC, on...

UMS inks agreement with local fertiliser supplier to undertake agriculture research projects

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will be collaborating with a local fertiliser supplier in an effort to strengthen eco-farm agriculture as an educational platform based on research training for the benefit of all stakeholders, especially...

Prepping the soil for agrotourism

The Sarawak Agrotourism Conference and Expo (SAtCE) aims to showcase and promote both the state and the region’s agrotourism internationally. It brings together local and foreign participants as well as experts to collaborate in building...

The Need for Medical Device Specific Software

Software tools are essential for the medical device industry. But are these tools being crafted with the industry in mind? Whether using a computer to draft, engineer or manufacture (CAD/CAE/CAM), analyze and simulate, or simply...

Rice straw eyed for bioenergy

Rice farmers and municipal agricultural officers from Laguna and Nueva Ecija participated in a series of roundtable discussions (RTDs) facilitated by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca)...

Nestlé Launches 2 Toll House Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Flavors for All Your Baking Needs

Swiss food giant Nestlé is getting deeper into plant-based food to future-proof its portfolio. This week, the company launched two new vegan chocolate chips under its Toll House brand to meet demand for plant-based products. According...

A microneedle vaccine printer for thermostable COVID-19 mRNA vaccines

Decentralized manufacture of thermostable mRNA vaccines in a microneedle patch (MNP) format could enhance vaccine access in low-resource communities by eliminating the need for a cold chain and trained healthcare personnel. Here we describe...

Application of biotechnology will aid food security

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), believes that applying biotechnology to agriculture can ensure large food production from limited land.  

With AI drones and data, Tunisia’s startups battle water crisis

From soil sensors to AI-powered drones, entrepreneurs in Tunisia are equipping farmers with tech tools and data to help the vital agriculture sector weather the country's worsening water crisis.

An innovative strategy for efficient wastewater treatment: Cross-stacked super-aligned carbon nanotube membranes

Membrane separation technology has been widely recognized as a more advantageous technology owing to its high treatment efficiency, low footprint, reliable effluent quality. However, its further sustainable growth has been hampered due to membrane...

Disease management in aquaculture: ‘It is about tipping the balance in favor of the...

The prevalence of infectious diseases in the aquaculture industry requires a multi-pronged approach to control; the experts agree there is no one silver bullet in terms of managing health and welfare in fish and...

Hair turning gray? Scientists say a stem cell ‘glitch’ may be the cause

Hair follicles, the structures that produce hair, undergo several cycles of growth over an individual’s lifetime. The increase in the number of follicle growth cycles with aging is associated with deficits in melanocyte stem cells (McSCs)Trusted Source, the...

Brewing Up a Storm: The Origins of Biotechnology Part 2

Biotechnology is as much an exciting part of chemical engineering today as it is promising for its future. In the second of this two-part article I continue to look at its long use, and...

Is There New Hope for Plastic?

As we learn more about the environmental influences of human activity, materials that contribute measurable negative impacts develop a less savory reputation. Plastic is one such material. Despite its practicality, durability, and low cost,...

Aquaculture vs alternative proteins: debunking the myths

Alternative proteins are often cited as being better – environmentally, ethically and nutritionally – than farmed seafoods, but the reality is much more complex and far less clear-cut than some alt-protein evangelists realise.

The Technological Make-Over of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

As scientists and engineers develop new technologies to boost patient outcomes, we are seeing pharmaceutical manufacturing rapidly advance. The industry is one in which technology can, and is playing, a huge part, with several...

Food security from the ground up: A community approach

Technology has often been championed as a game-changer in boosting Singapore’s food security. From automating agricultural workflows using AI to regulating novel foods like cultivated meat, Singapore has dedicated over S$300 million (~US$224 million) so far to the Singapore...

Malaysian 5G Rollout: Credible Way Forward

Given that the cabinet is expected to deliberate and decide this week (April 19, 2023), on the way forward for a credible roll out of 5G in Malaysia, and after exhaustive research and evidence-based...

Adapting for endemic not pandemic: Time to reassess universal masking in healthcare

In a recent commentary published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers reviewed the usefulness of universal masking in healthcare professionals (HCPs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to present arguments about whether or...

Major rice buyer Philippines targets self-sufficiency by 2027

The Philippines, the world's second-biggest rice buyer behind China, aims to be fully self-sufficient in production of the staple crop by 2027, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday (April 18).

Want a new phone every year? These subscription services in S’pore allow users to...

Adopting the latest tech gadget need not come with a hefty price tag now that subscription-based services for electronics have become increasingly common. Startups such as Circular and ITEZ.SG allow people to tap affordable and...

Malaysian Biodiesel Association urges government to roll out B20 biodiesel programme nationwide

The Malaysian Biodiesel Association (MBA) has urged the government to introduce the B20 biodiesel programme nationwide to put Malaysia on par with national biodiesel mandates in other countries, such as Indonesia, which has started...

The First Eel Aquaculture Farm In The U.S. Is Raising Elvers For The American...

If you’ve eaten at a sushi restaurant, you might have come across eel on the menu. But did you know that most eel which makes its way to plates in America is caught here...

Covid-19 caution: test weekly and treat quickly

Infections and deaths from Covid-19 continue to happen daily. We know the pandemic is not over and we have no idea when it will be, if ever. Since the majority of our population have...

Harnessing the digital economy

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) aims to attract RM1bil worth of digital investments and generate 49,000 employment opportunities across nine promoted sectors by 2025 under its Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programmes (Pemangkin).

Vietnam garment sector must go green to ensure sustainable development, say business experts

Digital transformation, creating suitable designs and recycling clothes are now proving to be important target activities for the garment and textile industry towards a circular economy and sustainability.

Food Waste Prevention Week: How can gene-edited crops reduce food waste?

Food Waste Prevention Week (FWPW) is being celebrated nationwide for the first time this year. Started in 2020 in California, this year’s is being celebrated from April 10-16. The event gained traction in Florida after a...

Type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline: Is Tai chi more effective than walking?

Tai chi chuan helped delay cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment associated with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study, especially when compared to brisk walking. Researchers at the Fujian University...

Alumni, universiti perlu bersama bantu kebolehpasaran graduan

Alumni dan universiti berpisah tiada seperti kata pepatah Melayu, 'sakit sama mengaduh, luka sama menyiuk'. Sudah tentu alumni atau graduan ini kemuncak penghasilan dan penciptaan universiti sebagai institusi akademik dalam melahirkan keupayaan modal insan...

Transcending energy perception & embracing renewables

Just another hot and humid day in Houston. Kingsley was a new employee working for a local oil and gas giant. Feeling like an outsider inside the Q3 planning meeting, Kingsley was apprehensive.

All depts, agencies under Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security bracing for hot spell

All departments and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) are gearing up and constantly monitoring the hot spell that is expected to affect the country’s agriculture sector.

Singapore-Sweden research reveals promising stem cell approach for restoring vision in blindness

A preclinical study using stem cells to produce progenitor photoreceptor cells—light-detecting cells found in the eye—and then transplanting these into experimental models of damaged retinas has resulted in significant vision recovery.

India’s bio-economy likely to touch USD 300 billion by 2030

India is emerging as the world's major bio-economy with fast-growing biotech starts up which is likely to touch $300bil by 2030. India's cutting-edge developments in its bio-economy were one of the key factor in its...

Sixteen Going on Seventeen: It’s Springtime in the Bioeconomy, where’s Summer?

Today, we have Net Zero commitments for 2040, huge SAF targets for 2030, vegan foods, renewable chemicals, sustainable materials, heat and power through biomethane, bioplastics, and more. We are trying so hard to do...

Agricultural biotechnology innovators making the world food secure and environmentally sustainable

The advancement of agriculture is heavily reliant on biotech research, which provides invaluable insights into the genetic and physiological characteristics of crops. By studying the genetics and biochemistry of crops, researchers can develop innovative...

Pharma 2023: Global Market Access is a Quickly Evolving Landscape

German laws, European VBCs, and trends in China, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia are changing the way global market access works. The early afternoon of the Market Access/RWE—Beyond Borders: Market Access Expanded track at Pharma...

In Brazil, ‘bioeconomy’ initiatives offer hope of a less destructive future

Alongside the Brazilian Amazon's vast soy and cattle ranching economy — a major driver of deforestation — sits an older, more sustainable system of families and cooperatives producing forest products including the palm fruit...

New careers in renewable energy

You would have read about renewable energy and efforts taken by the government to explore the various sources available in this industry. Although it is still in the budding stage in Malaysia, but there...

What is aquaculture? It may be the solution to overfishing.

Fishermen and farmers alike are taking to the waters to produce protein to feed the world—from finfish to shellfish to seaweed. Aquaculture, sometimes called aquafarming, is the breeding, raising, growing, and harvesting of aquatic organisms...

Importance of labeling in the medical device industry

There’s no doubt medical labels are vital for the medical device industry and without proper labeling, many devices simply wouldn’t be usable. Here are some ways labeling makes a difference for medical devices and...

Top 10 Life Sciences Jobs over the Next Decade

A recent report on the U.S. Life Sciences sector delivered both good and bad news when it came to employment. First, the good news: Employment reached a record high of 2.1 million jobs at the...

Emerging Technologies Could Be Most Powerful Weapons Of 21st Century

Emerging technologies in areas such as cyber and artificial intelligence could become the most dangerous weapons of the 21st century, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly said on Thursday, reported Sputnik.

Generic drug development: The way forward

Anantha Keerthi, Partner, Vector Consulting Group, points out that pharma companies need to either launch many new speciality generic products (better margins) or hire extra resources to develop more regular generic drugs to counter...

Project underway to turn Sarawak’s Gedong into hub for modern agriculture

The Gedong district will be developed with new infrastructure and amenities to become a hub for modern agriculture, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Sarawak Premier said a mini isthmus project would be...

Electric car batteries may be key to energy storage

Electric car batteries could be used to boost power storage in the future, injecting electricity into the grid during times of scarcity or storing electricity during periods of excess, a new study found.  

Clean energy industry a new driving force

Outside the plant of a manufacturer of wind-driven generators in Hohhot, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, a truck loaded with turbine components is moving slowly. In the plant, workers circle wind turbines and fasten...

‘What is naturalness?’ The future of plant-based food

Plant-based is one of the most important trends in the food industry today. Meat- and dairy-free products are helping provide food alternatives to an ever-growing flexitarian market. But some questions still remain.

Indian pharma – time for a cyclical upturn in US generics?

US Secret Service officers swept the rooms and posted snipers atop Ranbaxy’s headquarters on 21st November 2003. The company, nevertheless, could not be happier. President Bill Clinton had come to personally thank Ranbaxy for...

FAO trains spotlight on bioeconomy to meet extra demand for agri goods

The global demand for food and non-food agricultural projects could increase by up to 56 percent as world population is predicted to grow close to 10 billion people by 2050, according to the Food...

Food Wastage Expected To Last Till End-Syawal

Every year during Ramadan, tonnes of food end up in the trash, with the seasonal phenomenon expected to last till end-Syawal as Malaysians hold open houses to keep the traditional Raya spirit alive.

Modified plants produce pheromones to confuse pests

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the Earlham Institute in Norwich have successfully engineered tobacco plants to function as solar-powered factories for the production of moth sex pheromones.

How dangerous are India’s generic drugs? Very

For a nation that seeks to claim the mantle of “pharmacy to the world,” India is scandalously short on regulatory oversight. In the last six months, its generic cough syrups have killed dozens of children,...

Looking to establish a biotech ecosystem? Here’s what you can learn from Serbia

Biotechnology is transforming the health sector through innovative applications that have made practices like genetic testing, drug treatments and artificial tissue growth a reality.

Free water set to cut plastic waste

An initiative that encourages people to ‘be a refiller, not a landfiller’, cutting out plastic waste caused from buying single-use bottles of water, has tripled in size in the past year. More than 150 cafes...

The startup with plans to establish “the world’s largest” sea cucumber farm

Brandon Hargraves, founder and CEO of The Aquaculture Group, outlines an ambitious plan to establish 250-hectare sandfish farm in the Philippines.

Challenges and solutions to advancing heath equity with medical devices

In October 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed updating its Breakthrough Devices Program (BDP) to reduce disparities in health and health care1. Created by Congress in 2016, the BDP is intended...

Improving your work-life balance can make you a more effective leader at work

Silencing your notifications and ignoring your email at the end of the workday could make you a better leader at your job, according to new research. Managers who disconnected from their jobs at home...

EIA updates 2023, 2024 bioenergy forecasts

Renewables are currently expected to account for 24 percent of U.S. electricity generation in 2023, increasing to 26 percent in 2024 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released April...

A study supports the usage of food waste in feed production

A group of scientists from the Russia’s Plekhanov Russian University of Economics claimed that supermarket waste when added to feed production, has no negative impact on the genome of farmed animals.

A new way to make a virus-fighting protein could save lives during the next...

A multidisciplinary research team has produced a promising virus-fighting protein using a quick, portable process that could be easily deployed at the source of a future virus outbreak.

Empowering Gen Z to Work Effectively for your Organisation

Generation Z is becoming an increasingly influential group to the ever evolving 21st century workforce. What truly motivates this cohort ranging between 18-24 years old to actively participate in their workplace? How do organizations...

Natural preservation: Food waste reduction and shelf life extension targeted as consumers seek value...

Several factors, including the demand for products free from synthetic additives, are driving the use of natural preservation methods in the F&B industry. FoodIngredientsFirst speaks with suppliers who share insights into the natural preservation space....

In times of need, organic fertilizers take the lead!

Farmers are dealing with a fertilizer crisis brought on by rising fossil fuel prices and by the increasing supply-chain disruptions in global fertilizer markets created by Russia’s war on Ukraine. The price of synthetic...

Primate models in pharma: What the future holds

In February, Massachusetts-based Charles River Laboratories, the second-largest importer of nonhuman primates into the US, was served a subpoena by the US Department of Justice regarding the company’s import of wild long-tailed macaques from Cambodia. This was part...

Govt to launch ESG framework by year end

The government will launch a framework on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) standards by year-end to help local companies transition into renewable energy (RE), said International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri...

Biotechnology: Unlocking Food Security Challenges In Malaysia

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, recently emphasised that biotechnology can address Malaysia's food security challenges. Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), which drives biotechnology growth for...

The Future of Pharmacogenomics: What to Expect in the Next 10 Years

Pharmacogenomics is a rapidly developing area of medicine that uses genetic data to forecast how a particular patient will react to medicines. Pharmacogenomics is a crucial aspect of the personalized medicine movement in healthcare,...

Giving agriculture a tech boost

Arief Witjaksono started a chicken farm in 2018 with some partners in the city of Tangerang, west of Jakarta, but left after two years because the business was not profitable due to the low...

Turning to microalgae for eco-solutions

Sarawak is once again shining on the world map with the establishment of the world’s largest mass microalgae biomass production facility known as CHITOSE Carbon Capture Central (C4).

Jepun suntik RM1.65 bilion bangun produk komersial

Syarikat tenaga teknologi bio Jepun bersedia untuk menyuntik pelaburan bernilai 50 bilion Yen atau RM1.65 biion melalui pengoperasian fasiliti penanaman biomas alga terbesarnya di Sarawak.

Bioalpha bangun hab pertanian Malaysia di China

Bioalpha Holdings Bhd (Bioalpha), syarikat makanan tambahan kesihatan bersepadu akan membangunkan hab pertanian Malaysia di Wilayah Hainan, China, sekali gus mengukuhkan usahanya untuk terus berkembang di negara berkenaan.

Rise in earnings expected for healthcare sector

Private healthcare providers are expected to see a pick up in earnings from an increase of both domestic and international patient throughputs following the reopening of economic borders.

University researchers need entrepreneurial culture in product commercialization

Recently, the commercialization of university research products received attention from various sectors that became one of the main aspects contributing to economic growth. According to the MCY (Malaysian Commercialization Year) newsletter of the 2022...

Circular economy to reduce plastic waste, create opportunities

Although plastic is part of our daily life, overconsumption and pollution from plastic waste do bring severe social, environmental and health impacts toward the environment. In Malaysia, plastic consumption has grown significantly, aided by population...

Pendekatan komprehensif tangani cabaran bidang kesihatan

Menjelang 2030, Malaysia akan mencapai status negara tua apabila penduduk berusia 60 tahun ke atas mencapai 15 peratus daripada jumlah penduduk. Justeru, Malaysia perlu bersedia dari segi ekonomi, terutama aspek penyediaan kemudahan dan kepakaran kesihatan...

Mosti allocates land for Automotive High Technology Valley

The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) will be allocating a piece of land in Tanjung Malim, Perak, to be used for the Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) but no timeline has been set...

Canada should be an agricultural bioeconomy leader

There is an increasing demand globally for bioproducts from biomass. At Biomass Quality Network Canada (BQNC) we have been focused on research and development to establish a certification program for quality ag-biomass and hope...

A different way to evaluate your aquaculture operation

There are those who argue that farming is a way of life and not a business, but in today's modern, competitive and global agriculture/agribusiness environment, that mindset is the quickest way to lose money.

How dangerous are India’s generic drugs? Very

For a nation that seeks to claim the mantle of “pharmacy to the world,” India is scandalously short on regulatory oversight. In the last six months, its generic cough syrups have killed dozens of...

The top 10 renewable energy companies investing in overseas projects

Capitalising on a heritage of expertise in alternative power, Enel Green Power (EGP) – owned by Italian energy giant Enel – is the world’s foremost foreign investor in renewables based on project numbers in 2022, registering 44...

Study: the effect of pomegranate and onion on broilers

A recent trial conducted in Greece set out to evaluate the effects of pomegranate and onion on broiler chicks’ performance and welfare status, as well as on the chemical composition and oxidative stability of...

How can stem cells treat diabetes?

Diabetes is a persistent medical condition that impairs the body’s capacity to regulate blood sugar levels. Although various treatments and medications are available to mitigate the symptoms and avoid complications, the disease has no...

Malaysia well ahead of the curve in halal market

Halal Development Corp (HDC) CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari highlighted that Malaysia has been a pioneer and champion of halal, long before other countries had even begun to embark on it. He said this was because...

Chemical recycling is one part of the overall solution to the problem of plastic...

John Sewell, Secretary General of Chemical Recycling Europe talks about the role of chemical recycling in the plastics recycling industry, the technologies and the future of the sector.

Future foods programme: collaborating for functional food success

The leader of the Welsh government funded Future Foods programme at Aberystwyth University, discussed his mission to collaborate with brands to optimise food functionality, during the Positive Nutrition Summit.

Digital dichotomy

Whether or not the UK is experiencing a black hole in public finances, there is no doubt that cost pressures will affect every area of public spending over the next few years. And while...

Testing alternatives to the US dollar hegemony will benefit Malaysia

The world is feeling the pain of a strong US dollar. And that seems to have prompted countries, whose local currencies have depreciated sharply against the greenback, to visit the idea of using an...

Potensi besar inovasi bioekonomi

Seperti kebanyakan pakar ekonomi sering utarakan, tiga cabaran besar yang sedang dialami ekonomi dunia iaitu perubahan iklim, revolusi industri 4.0 dan pandemik Covid-19. Perubahan iklim memberi kesan yang luar biasa kepada persekitaran dan pertanian seperti...

WHO to consider adding obesity drugs to ‘essential’ medicines list

Drugs that combat obesity are under consideration for the first time for the World Health Organisation's "essential medicines list," used to guide government purchasing decisions in low- and middle-income countries, the UN agency told...

Cultivated meat for Malaysian consumers in 2025

A local company has set its target to produce cultivated meat in Malaysia by 2025. Efforts are on the way to build a RM20 million facility in Penang by Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd, a Bio-Based...

Could tomato waste replace harmful BPA in food cans?

Instead of discarding the waste leftover from turning tomatoes into juice or sauce, these by-products could find new life as a protective coating in food cans. Scientists have developed a natural material that could...

MPOB, Tsinghua varsity to conduct research on using palm biodiesel in vehicle engines

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is collaborating with Tsinghua University in China to conduct research on field studies using palm biodiesel in Chinese-made vehicle engines. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pix) said the...

High-concentrate algae oil is now a growing market

High-concentrate fish oils are now a thriving segment of the omega-3 market. Now, high-concentrate algae oils are entering the market. At March’s Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim, CA, GC Rieber VivoMega...

Robot kecil boleh cetak material bio 3D terus dalam badan

Satu pasukan jurutera bioperubatan di Australia membangunkan robot kecil yang fleksibel yang boleh digunakan untuk mencetak material bio tiga dimensi (3D) secara terus dalam badan manusia. Inovasi itu memberi harapan besar kepada satu peningkatan ke...

Bioenergy Europe joins new bioeconomy-focused coalition

The other members include providers of high-quality wood-based products, fibre-based paper and board products and packaging, and renewable energy solution providers, and the initiative is supported by EU forest owners and managers

World Water Day 2023 – Be Like A Hummingbird And Act Now

Situated between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, rich in water resources from numerous rivers, lakes and reservoirs, coupled with a tropical climate and abundant vegetation, Malaysia has plentiful supply of clean...

4 ways to ensure the future of aquaculture is sustainable

As our global population expands, so too does demand for nutritious and climate-friendly food. Meeting this increased appetite in more sustainable ways represents a monumental challenge, but potential solutions lie in the planet’s waters.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine fatigue

Vaccines are likely to remain one of the essential tools to fight the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Vaccines against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are now widely available in many countries, and,...

Building local halal champions

The buoyant global halal market is worth around US$3 trillion (RM13.3 trillion) currently and is estimated to hit US$5 trillion (RM22.1 trillion) by 2030. Driving the market will be Islamic financial, food and beverage (F&B),...

Recycling increased by 152% at these London flats – here’s how

People living in apartments tend to recycle less than people living in houses. But why? And what can be done about it? A recent study by ReLondon shows that making small physical and behavioural changes...

Asean needs to boost food security

The economic procurement of marine commodities from fisheries is crucial to trade and consumption by Asean member states and is instrumental for the preservation of food security in the region, which is fundamental to...

FDA requires medical devices be secured against cyberattacks

The Food and Drug Administration will now require medical devices meet specific cybersecurity guidelines after years of concerns that a growing number of internet-connected products used by hospitals and healthcare providers could be hit...

AI Welcomed, But Human-Centered IT Support Is Key To Employee Satisfaction

Nine in ten employees (87%) recognize that AI has a positive role to play in helping them stay productive, while eight in ten (81%) prefer a blend of AI and human interaction, according to...

Japan’s treating Oceans as a radioactive waste dump a 19th-century approach: nuclear expert

Japan's plan to dump nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean has been strongly condemned by the international community. Nonetheless, Tokyo is still going its own way and speeding up the plan to make the rest...

Small farms hold the key to sustainable food production

Malaysia’s tropical climate is conducive for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, including oil palm, rubber, paddy, cocoa, pepper and fruit. In addition to crop cultivation, the agriculture sector encompasses livestock farming,...

‘Stunning’ 4% yearly rise in R&D share has emerging biopharma dominating pipeline

Emerging biopharmas have gradually taken over the R&D pipeline, producing two-thirds of all new drugs in 2022, a finding one financial biotech player called "stunning." "Emerging biopharma has been rising at roughly 4% a year...

Trends expected to ‘dramatically impact’ agriculture

The buying and selling of farm equipment is often seen as an indicator of the overall health of the agricultural economy, and this type of data may provide insight into industry leanings. The Futures Council...

“A key challenge is finding more suitable outlets capable of recycling carpet waste”

Too much of carpet waste still ends up in landfill or incineration. Legislators as well as non-profit organisations try to find more sustainable solutions for waste carpet and textile flooring material. In our interview...

World’s First-to-Market Cultivated Meat Receives U.S. FDA Clearance

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed its second pre-market consultation for human food made from cultured animal cells. California-based GOOD Meat, a division of Eat Just, Inc., uses animal cell culture...

WHO revises COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for Omicron-era

The World Health Organization has tailored its COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for a new phase of the pandemic, suggesting that healthy children and adolescents may not necessarily need a shot but older, high-risk groups should...

Are science and technology friends or foes?

Does the pursuit of scientific research based on a well-defined technological outcome hamper our ability to be creative? And does it limit opportunities to explore and develop fundamental areas of science that may ultimately...

Masidi, Kurup discuss State-Fed agri, manufacturing opportunities

The two leaders discussed opportunities for Sabah and her people to benefit from State-Federal collaborations and programmes, especially in the agricultural and manufacturing industries. According to Masidi, now is the time for Sabahans to...

Malaysia perlu wujudkan peraturan lebih ketat dalam ujian genetik, pemilihan embrio IVF

Sindrom down adalah kelainan genetik yang paling kerap berlaku pada bayi yang baru lahir melibatkan kecacatan akal dan disebabkan oleh kewujudan tambahan kromosom dua puluh satu. Menjelang hari sindrom down Sedunia pada 21 Mac,...

Potensi produk daging kultur di Malaysia

Minggu lalu, sebuah syarikat tempatan mengumumkan penubuhan sebuah fasiliti penghasilan daging kultur pertama negara bertempat di Pulau Pinang, melibatkan pelaburan tempatan berjumlah RM20 juta menjelang suku tahun keempat 2024.

Cabinet to consider proposed Malaysia biodiversity centre

The inaugural meeting of the National Biodiversity Council (MBN1) has agreed that the proposed formation of the Malaysia Biodiversity Centre (MBC) be referred to the Cabinet for its consideration, said Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Co-creating opportunities to accelerate net zero ambition

Ongoing market disruptions, climate change concerns and technological advancements continue to shift the energy landscape. Against the backdrop of these uncertainties, Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (PETRONAS) latest Activity Outlook (PAO) 2023-2025 places greater emphasis on...

Malaysia teroka teknologi baharu industri padi Indonesia

Kementerian Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan (KPKM) mengadakan lawatan kerja selama tiga hari ke Indonesia bagi mengukuhkan kerjasama dan meneroka teknologi baharu industri padi di negara republik itu.

High growth potential in pharmaceutical industry

It is critical for pharmaceutical companies to improve competitiveness with a focus on research and development (R&D), production technology and digitalisation.

30 BioNexus-status companies penerate global market early this year

As many as 30 out of the 235 BioNexus-status companies have successfully penetrated the global market as of January this year, said Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup

Vietnam vows to boost renewable energy and reach net zero emissions by 2050

Working towards a low-carbon economy is obviously in Vietnam's economic interest, and the Vietnamese government is facilitating a long-term national energy roadmap to reach net zero emissions by 2050, Vietnam News Agency has reported.

Asean must enhance food security

The economic procuring of marine commodities from fisheries for the purposes of trade and consumption by Asean member states is instrumental to preserving food security in the region – fundamental to the livelihood of...

Vaccine makers prep bird flu shot for humans ‘just in case’

Some of the world's leading makers of flu vaccines say they could make hundreds of millions of bird flu shots for humans within months if a new strain of avian influenza ever jumps across...

The 50 Hottest Companies in the Bioeconomy 2023

In Washington, the Digest released the rankings for the 50 Hottest Companies in the Bioeconomy. Out of more than 2,000 sector companies, the winners are..

Machine learning can tackle plastic pollution – here’s how

Disposable plastics are everywhere: Food containers, coffee cups, plastic bags. Some of these plastics, called compostable plastics, can be engineered to biodegrade under controlled conditions. However, they often look identical to conventional plastics, get recycled incorrectly...

Bentang hala tuju baharu tarik belia, graduan jadi usahawan tani

Isu sekuriti makanan terkait dengan output pengeluaran dan kualiti penuaian dihasilkan sektor pertanian negara. Jika jumlah permintaan melebihi penawaran domestik, kerajaan tidak dapat mengelak daripada mengimport bekalan dari negara luar.

Challenges in boosting healthcare

There is a target to enable Sabah and Sarawak to get 100% access to safe surgical and anaesthesia care by 2030, says the Health Minister. Dr Zaliha Mustafa, however, said among the challenges faced by...

The Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Finance

The democratisation of artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) will lead to a proliferation of new startups, services, and products that prospers our economy not just from a consumer perspective, but also...

Why bioplastics won’t solve our plastic problems

Last month, Victoria banned plastic straws, crockery and polystyrene containers, following similar bans in South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales and the ACT. All states and territories in Australia have now banned lightweight single-use plastic...

Blue-green algae bind rare earth elements

Rare earth elements (REEs), find use in hundreds of modern conveniences, but their sources are geographically restricted. Increasingly, countries without access to deposits of these metals, are seeking to recycle and reuse them from...

Love hearts How can we use precision medicine to improve heart failure care?

Precision medicines have revolutionised the treatment of some cancers and rare genetic diseases, yet progress in chronic diseases such as heart failure has lagged.  The challenge is that chronic diseases, like heart failure, are biologically...

National Food Security Policy committee to address increasing cost of animal feed

The Executive Committee on the National Food Security Policy will take an aggressive approach to address the increasing cost of animal feed due to the direct impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the local...

How can businesses reap the benefits of mobile technology?

Mobile and internet-connected technologies are more vital than ever for business to operate efficiently, as the impact of the global supply chain crisis continues to be felt. Businesses are aware of both the challenges...

Heat stress in poultry

Stress in animals can be defined as any factor causing disruptions to their homeostasis, their stable internal balance. Stress engenders a biological response to regain equilibrium. We can distinguish four major types of stress...

Can a Mediterranean diet help keep heart disease, dementia, and cancer at bay?

For some time researchers have suggested that a Mediterranean diet — high in fresh fruit and vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fish — may help lower heart disease risk and increase life expectancy....

How realistic is a hydrogen-powered economy?

Clean-burning hydrogen has been hyped as a potential solution to a swath of climate-related energy problems, from fuelling trucks and powering industry to generating electricity – all while emitting only puffs of harmless vapour.

Cultivated meat technology in line with govt policy goals

Biotechnology, particularly cultivated meat technology, is in line with the goals of the National Biotechnology Policy (NBP) 2.0 and the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) 2021-2030, said Deputy Minister of Science, Technology...

M’sia introduces first Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme

Malaysia has introduced its first Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme with four shortlisted finalists, namely National Heart Institute (IJN), Island Hospital, Mahkota Medical Centre, and Subang Jaya Medical Centre.

Kemampuan ekonomi tempatan perkukuh keterjaminan makanan

Jika dahulu kita selalu dimomokkan slogan globalisasi dalam memberi erti ekonomi bentuk baharu bersifat tanpa sempadan. Sorak-sorai ketika itu menghala supaya dasar ekonomi negara diubah dan dibentuk selari nafas globalisasi.

Renewable energy development to become Sarawak’s priority in achieving net-zero emissions future

Sarawak is prioritising the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power to achieve a net-zero emissions future for the state, its Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan...

Wakaf hutan, sumber tenaga galak pemuliharaan alam sekitar

Wakaf sebagai bentuk kewangan sosial Islam mempunyai tujuan penting memberi manfaat dan membangunkan masyarakat tanpa mengira sama ada masyarakat Muslim mahupun bukan Muslim. Tidak hairanlah, konsep wakaf turut diberikan perhatian dalam Belanjawan 2023 melalui...

Kadar kebolehpasaran graduan pertanian lebih 70 peratus

Kadar kebolehpasaran graduan yang berjaya menamatkan pengajian di pusat-pusat latihan di bawah naungan Kementerian Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan secara puratanya mencapai antara 65 hingga 73 peratus.

Consumer trust in generics remains low in Korea

A recent study said that although generic drugs offer the same effect and quality as original drugs, Korean consumers still have low trust in generics.  As defined by the FDA, a generic drug is...

Mosti allocates grants totalling RM14m to support startups this year

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) through its funding agency, Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, is offering grants under the CIP Spark and CIP Sprint programmes amounting to RM14 million this year to...

We’ll be eating two credits cards’ worth of plastic a year by 2050

A new study released on March 8, 2023, warns that plastics consumption could double by 2050. That’s not great. Plastic, as a material, is pretty incredible. Its ability to resist breaking down and not reacting with...

Time to encourage urban farming

Vertical farming has become a popular method for cultivating crops in urban areas, with the potential to revolutionise the way we think about food production. Vertical farming refers to the practice of growing crops in...

Lebih 40,000 pembantu perubatan diperlukan menjelang 2025

Negara memerlukan seramai 44,804 penolong pegawai perubatan (PPP) menjelang 2025 dengan mengambil kira jangkaan 36 juta penduduk Malaysia pada tahun tersebut, kata Timbalan Menteri Kesihatan, Lukanisman Awang Sauni.

How to plan your finances with global economic slowdown in mind?

Global economic slowdown. Recession. These words normally scare most of us out.  How can we plan our finances with all these uncertainties? There is no way we can predict accurately when or the magnitude...

No room for trash in Malaysia by 2050?

Malaysia's landfills are filling to capacity, putting the country in danger of running out of space for the disposal of solid waste by 2050. With an average of about 38,000 metric tonnes of solid waste...

Are we moving closer to fish-free feed?

Recent trials from the F3 Innovation Network found that it is feasible and economically viable for aquaculture nutritionists to significantly reduce – or even eliminate – fish meal and fish oil from the diets...

Education on generic drugs is still lacking

As a national medicine shortage worsens, Lipitor (atorvastatin) — a statin medication used to prevent cardiovascular disease in high-risk cases, as well as abnormal lipid levels — has been among hardest to source. Minister...

Penggunaan AI amat dialukan tetapi harus waspada soal etika

Kecerdasan buatan (AI) merupakan teknologi yang mula mendominasi pelbagai industri di dunia. Inovasi ini telah membantu individu, organisasi dan syarikat melonjakkan produktiviti. Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Chang Lih Kang berkata Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan...

5D: the transition to renewables and the human dimension

One of the reasons that the journey to net zero is controversial is that we can’t always read the signs. One man’s climate change is another man’s weak snowfall season. Anomaly or trend? Did...

The importance of water in agriculture

Agriculture uses an astonishing 70% of all freshwater worldwide, and around a third of the water in agriculture is linked to meat and dairy production. By far, the largest part of livestock’s ‘water footprint’ stems not...

‘The doctor will call you now’ – why telemedicine is here to stay

The Covid-19 pandemic markedly shifted people’s attitudes toward where and how healthcare is provided. The widespread use of lateral flow testing brought diagnosis into the home, and utilisation of devices to manage and monitor...

Cultivate recycling practices from a young age

Malaysians have been generating an average of 1.17kg or 36,699 tonnes in household waste daily. According to last year's data from the Solid Waste Management and Public Health Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp), the majority of food...

Renewable energy to become top source of electricity by 2025

According to the Energy Agency’s Electricity Market Report 2023, 90% of new demand between now and 2025 will be covered by clean energy sources "Renewables to lead the growth of global electricity supply" says...

Perkasa ternakan ikan air tawar sektor utama

Pelbagai strategi dirangka bagi memastikan akuakultur ikan marin dan air tawar menjadi antara sektor utama, selari agenda pemerkasaan industri berkenaan. Timbalan Menteri Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan, Chan Foong Hin, berkata strategi berkenaan dirangka bagi meningkatkan...

#HEALTH: Keeping kidneys healthy

Generally, everyone is born with a pair of healthy kidneys. The kidneys are usually at peak performance when we reach full maturity. Kidneys are essential organs. Without them we can't survive.

How can leaders make better decisions?

It’s a common misunderstanding among many business leaders that it is always their responsibility to initiate and develop all the new ideas in their team.  This is not only wrong, it can actually be...

Govt to announce steps toward sustainable agriculture in July

The government through the Plantation and Commodities Ministry is currently developing a National Biomass Action Plan that would involve five sectors: plantation, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry.

Healthcare sector expected to sustain growth momentum

The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are expected to sustain their growth momentum through the reopening of international borders, higher procurement activities and better export sales, says RHB Research.

Seven statutory bodies to jointly develop agricultural land to boost food production

Seven statutory bodies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) were today given exclusive rights to develop 137 plots of Federal land comprising 5,696.49 acres for agriculture purposes to enhance food security...

Belanjawan 2023: Ensuring food security and welfare of farmers

It is no surprise that food security was a major component among the measures taken to lighten the burden of the higher cost of living in the revised Budget 2023, given Malaysia’s massive food...

Covid lab leak fight obscures the global rise of high-security biolabs

The number of high-containment labs around the world conducting potentially risky scientific research is surging, despite a lack of global agreement on how to make sure they’re safe. There are 69 so-called Biosafety Level 4, or...

Three Steps to Unlock Data Barriers and Open Global Growth Prospects

“Going global” used to be the stuff of dreams for companies in Singapore, Malaysia, and other Asia Pacific markets, but the old barriers to world trade – language, time zones, and cultural differences –...

Rice into low-carbon plastic: bringing hope to a struggling Fukushima town

Jinichi Abe grins as he watches diggers working earth near his rice fields, knowing they are returning still more fields to productivity after Fukushima nuclear reactors exploded and sprayed the area with radiation over...

UiTM Kelantan aims to generate up to RM200,000 from MD2 pineapple sales

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kelantan branch aims to generate up to RM200,000 in revenue this year for the sale of MD2 pineapples and slips that it grows on a 1.6-hectare land in Bukit Tiu,...

Saintis guna DNA air liur, virus sintetik kesan cacar monyet

Memilih 'bergelumang' dalam pembangunan membabitkan pelbagai jenis virus yang berbeza dan unik, memerlukan banyak pengorbanan untuk memastikan kejayaan dihasilkan dapat dikongsikan demi manfaat seantero dunia.

Bioenergy for Bioeconomy

The bioeconomy is not a new concept. Humans have been using biological resources to meet their needs for thousands of years. The bioeconomy is an economy that uses biological resources to create sustainable products,...

National Biomass Action Plan to be completed in July

The development of a National Biomass Action Plan that includes five sectors, namely plantation, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry, is expected to be completed in July 2023, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah...

What happened with vertical farming and how can we fix it?

Albert Lin is the CEO of VegBed and has been involved in vertical farming since around 2014. "It's been fascinating to see how the industry has grown over the past decade. I thought I...

Mobile health – predicted to reach $12.1bn by 2030

Mobile applications are at the spearhead of the swathing digitisation in healthcare that is changing how patients receive treatment. Regulated medical apps and especially health management apps are areas of digital health that are...

Want more bioeconomy capacity, sooner? Our 4-point plan to relieve the investor’s Tour of...

The Yukon Striker is the world’s longest dive-style rollercoaster, with a drop of more than 240 feet, four inversions, hurtles at 80+ miles per hour, and when you take the first drop, you plunge...

Most Malaysians Not Sure What They Can Do To Tackle Climate Change

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly noticeable in Malaysia which has been experiencing extreme weather events in recent times, the latest being the floods in Johor caused by continuous heavy rain and...

The trouble with water treatment in aquaculture

Water disinfection is a necessary step in preparing aquaculture facilities before stocking, but it also causes microbiome die-offs which result in the higher likelihood of disease further down the line, according to Rachelle Jensen,...

New WHO Biosimilar Guidelines Aim to Streamline, Clarify Regulations

The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified the guidance it gives to member countries regarding the evaluation of biosimilars. The new guidelines are designed to reflect changes in the science of biosimilars and the modern...

Malaysia-Sepanyol meterai MOU kerjasama dalam bidang sains, teknologi dan inovasi

Malaysia dan Sepanyol memeterai satu Memoradum Persefahaman (MoU) untuk bekerjasama dalam bidang sains, teknologi dan inovasi, kata Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (MOSTI). Menurut MOSTI, matlamat utama MoU itu ialah untuk mempromosi kerjasama yang bermanfaat...

A longevity expert who studied people who live to 110 on how humanity and...

The biotech industry niche focused on aging is expected to reach a market value of $65 billion over the next three years. There’s a long history of billionaires and tech giants taking an interest...

Animal feed production in demand trough

Animal feed production was 6% lower for the 6 months ending January compared with the previous year with all sectors showing reductions, with monogastric sectors hardest hit. Figures released by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development...

New study helps inform actions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Albania’s health workers

Enxhi Durmishaj is 29 years old and works in an administrative role at Mother Teresa Hospital, a large public hospital in Tirana, Albania’s capital. Rudina Çopa is 33 and oversees the sanitation team’s work...

Science And Technology Today More Labor Intensive Than Agriculture

Labor costs today make up approximately two-thirds of U.S. business research and development (R&D), illustrating how vital access to high-skilled talent is to America’s economy. In comparison, only about 13% of input costs on U.S. farms for agricultural...

Bioeconomy: EU is moving towards its goals, but environmental challenges persist

The bioeconomy covers all sectors and systems that rely on biological resources. An assessment of the progress and the trends in the EU bioeconomy, carried out by the JRC, confirms the findings of the EU...

Belanjawan 2023: Sektor kesihatan terima peruntukan kedua terbesar, RM36.3 bilion

Sektor kesihatan menerima peruntukan kedua terbesar dalam Belanjawan 2023 iaitu sebanyak RM36.3 bilion berbanding RM32.4 bilion tahun lepas. Komponen utama peruntukan itu melibatkan keperluan perolehan ubat-ubatan, reagen, vaksin dan bahan guna habis termasuk peruntukan...

Gross output value for agriculture sector in 2021 grew 23.2% to RM101.3b : DoSM

The value of gross output for Pix for representational purpose only/AFPPixsector in 2021 grew 23.2% to RM101.3 billion as compared with RM82.2 billion in 2020, mainly attributed to the crops sub-sector, according to the...

World’s largest mass microalgae biomass production plant to open in Sarawak this April

The world’s largest mass microalgae biomass production facility known as Chitose Carbon Capture Central (C4), utilising flat-panel photo-bioreactor technology, is set for official opening here in April this year.

No Alternative to Palm Oil

There is no alternative to palm oil. Palm oil is natural, containing vitamins A and E, rich in nutritional values. Products formulated to replace palm oil lack originality. These products do not possess the...

New Zealand Leads the Way on Regenerative Agriculture Methods

As nations around the world seek to measure, manage and mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions, many have their eyes focused on the agricultural industry, and New Zealand is no exception. With the New Zealand...

Good recovery for Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry

Malaysia's healthcare travel industry recorded more than RM1.2bil in revenue in 2022. This successful recovery is due in part to the efforts made by key industry players and stakeholders, which includes the media.

Legally Speaking: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Digital Investments

The 2022 collapse of FTX.com – a digital asset and cryptocurrency exchange – along with its over 135 affiliate companies around the world has triggered fears of contagion in the crypto market and caused...

How feed additives could cut methane emissions from livestock by 90 per cent

Scientists appear to have solved one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the global meat industry — how to dramatically reduce methane emissions from cow burps. Now the race is on as several companies...

The 10 most innovative companies in agriculture of 2023

Explore the full 2023 list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, 540 organizations that are reshaping industries and culture. We’ve selected the firms making the biggest impact across 54 categories, including corporate social responsibility, energy, social good, and...

How Employers Are Shaping The Future Of Healthcare

Today, 133 million Americans are estimated to be suffering from at least one chronic condition, and that number is expected to reach 170 million by 2030. This demographic accounts for 71% of U.S. healthcare spend,...

Malaysia – Spain MoU for tech-related cooperation

Malaysia is ready to welcome investments from technology-related industry players participating in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023, especially in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).

China widens renewable energy supply lead with wind power push

China has been the world's largest and fastest-growing producer of renewable energy for more than a decade, but has widened its lead over international rivals through a steep acceleration in the roll out of...

Budget 2023 proves govt’s concern for agricultural sector

The RM200 cash aid to rice farmers and the provision of subsidies and incentives for the rice industry under Budget 2023 demonstrates the Unity Government's commitment to transform the agricultural sector into a modern...

Tempus, Pfizer Enter Strategic AI Alliance in Oncology

Tempus, a provider in artificial intelligence (AI) and precision medicine, has entered a multi-year, strategic collaboration with Pfizer to further AI and machine learning-driven efforts in therapeutic development. The collaboration aims to more precisely gather insights that...

Living in bioeconomy

The bioeconomy is an important part of the circular economy. Fiber-based packaging is recycled, and the fibre is reused again and again until the quality of the fibre has become so low that it...

Toilet paper adding to ‘forever chemicals’ in wastewater

Toilet paper is an unexpected source of potentially harmful “forever chemicals” in wastewater across the globe and could be leaching into soils via sewage, a new study on Wednesday said.

The gene-editing technology in your store-bought tomatoes that could eat agriculture

The small tomatoes on shelves of supermarkets in Japan may look like normal fruit, but they are actually genetic pioneers. In late 2021, Japanese company Sanatech Seed began selling special tomatoes that had been genetically modified to...

Stem cell therapy may reduce risk of heart attack and stroke in certain heart...

Cell therapy, involving adult stem cells from bone marrow, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in severe heart failure patients, according to a new study. A single administration of...

Adopt similar green funding

Recently, the United States enacted a law called the Inflation Reduction Act allocating USD374 billion in green incentives to tackle the climate crisis. The implementation of this law is intended to trigger a boom...

Europe steps on the gas, revs up renewable energy

Austria recommended shorter shower times and speed limits on roads. Spain ordered shop exteriors and public monuments to cease lighting at night. The Eiffel Tower in Paris dimmed its lights before midnight. Brussels and...

Sarawak pig farms encouraged to use technology for bio-security

The Sarawak government is planning to further embrace the application of new biotechnology to improve in swine nutrition and pork production, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom

Top 3 Reasons Why Your Medical Device Needs a Clinical Trial

Regulations for research involving devices, in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), and digital therapeutics differ from those governing pharmaceutical development. While drugs require Phase I-III clinical trials—and are also subject to post-approval tracking—digital therapeutics, devices, and...

Be Mindful Of Emotional Sharing On Social Media – Experts

Social media has come a long way since its inception. Today, the   need to keep some things personal seems to be taken a back seat. People tend to be more open, sharing their innermost thoughts...

Pengusaha PKS perlu budayakan penggunaan teknologi AI

Perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di Malaysia sedang berhadapan dengan keadaan sukar. Pandemik COVID-19, bencana alam serta kenaikan Kadar Dasar Semalaman (OPR) berterusan secara umumnya memberi kesan negatif terhadap hasil jualan serta keuntungan PKS.

Age no longer a barrier to stem cell transplant

THE fight against cancer has been a long journey, with many experts in the field pushing the envelope to find ways to help their patients. According to haematologist Datuk Dr Chang Kian Meng, stem cell...

Why food security is more important now

Food security is a critical concern today for countries across the world. By 2050, the world will have two billion more people to feed, and food demand is up 56% compared to 10 years...

Biodegradable, upcycled or sustainable, the world of sneakers is going green

One day, our favourite sneakers could well be made from sushi, look like a patchwork of fabric scraps, or even decompose in the ground. Right now, the fashion industry is coming up with all...

Malaysia’s Approach towards Renewable Energy

Malaysia’s energy sector has come a long way since its early years. Over the last 50 years, we have moved from oil to natural gas for cleaner power generation. We have also seen more...

Modernisation of agrofood sector generates employment opportunities

The modernisation of the agrofood sector is a catalyst to attract young talents to enter the field and further encourage the creation of job opportunities in Sarawak.

Column EOS advanced imaging system, a step forward in osteoporosis care

Bone health is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being, yet it is often overlooked. Strong bones support the body, protect vital organs and enable movement. Many of the crucial functions in our bodies...

Govt allocates RM1.5b to develop sustainable, effective sewerage nationwide

The government has allocated RM1.47 billion under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to develop sustainable and effective infrastructure through the implementation of sewerage projects nationwide.

Cultivating society’s habit of waste disposal, management

In Malaysia, the jutting aftermath of climate change, among others, is flooding. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s (DoSM) Compendium of Environment Statistics, the scheduled waste produced in Malaysia increased by 4.5% to 7,505.2...

Food security: Govt explores use of black soldier fly in chicken feed, mulls law...

The government is exploring the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) in chicken feed as part of its efforts to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen food security in the country. The Malaysian Agricultural Research...

COVID can trigger tinnitus. Could the vaccines do the same?

After Gregory Poland, an internal medicine doctor at Mayo Clinic who directs its Vaccine Research Group, got his second dose of COVID vaccine in February 2021 he developed such severe and sudden ringing in his ears...

Malaysia Almost Doubles Drone Readiness In One Year

Malaysia’s drone industry is flying high after ranking 21st in the Drone Readiness Index (DRI), up from the 30th spot last year. It is also the top-ranked Southeast Asian country in the Index. The country’s...

Biochar offers new promise for climate-smart agriculture

Researcher see the interconnections between the systems in nature and how each component impacts the others. In Connecticut, rich in forests and farmland, experts see the potential that could position the state at the...

Is Smart Farming the Future of Agriculture?

Farmers face more pressure than ever before. Demand for food is growing as the population increases, and land is taken as urbanization spreads. Moving forward, agricultural enterprises need to operate in new and adapted...

Man cured of HIV after stem cell transplant, researchers say

A man has been cured of HIV after a stem cell transplant, researchers say. The 53-year-old, known as the Dusseldorf Patient, is just the third person worldwide to be cured of the condition using the...

15 Ways To Build Adaptability As An Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is a journey that comes with a host of challenges, both expected and unexpected. To succeed, entrepreneurs need to be resilient, adaptable and willing to think creatively when faced with a crisis.

This Weird-Looking Fungus Could Be a Biodegradable Alternative to Plastic

The tinder fungus (Fomes fomentarius) has some surprising properties, scientists have discovered: properties that could enable it to provide a natural, biodegradable alternative to certain plastics and other materials in the future.

Here’s why some countries are experiencing medicine shortages – and what can be done...

When seasonal bugs have you running to the clinic or pharmacy for medicines to bring down your temperature or soothe your child’s cough, it can be frightening to hear that they can’t help you...

EV, bioeconomy among industries poised for exponential growth

The electric vehicle (EV) and bioeconomy are among the sectors that are expected to see tremendous growth, according to investor Azeem Azhar, who is also the creator of the popular newsletter Exponential View.

Top 10 countries for renewable energy investment attraction

The United States has taken the top spot in the ranking of the latest Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index, followed by China and Germany, according to consultancy EY.

Aquaculture, or the farming of aquatic plants and animals, contributes to biodiversity and habitat loss in freshwater and marine ecosystems globally, but when used wisely, it can also be part of the solution, new...

MNHA Report: Vaccines Make Up Two-Thirds Of Covid Health Spending

Spending for Covid-19 vaccination included vaccine costs, vaccination campaign costs, distribution costs, service charges by doctors, nurses and other health professionals administering the vaccines, and organisational costs, according to the MNHA report.

Artificial intelligence could help detect depression earlier in patients

In China, researchers have developed an artificial intelligence system that can detect signs of depression from a person's voice. Faced with the prevalence of this condition, the discovery has the potential to become an...

Pasaran dron Malaysia bakal cecah RM12 bilion

BANGI: Pasaran dron Malaysia dijangka mencecah nilai berjumlah sehingga RM12.13 bilion atau 4.3 peratus daripada keseluruhan bahagian pasaran global tahun ini. Timbalan Menteri Kewangan I, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, berkata berdasarkan kajian pasaran pada 2021,...

Researchers say AI could help reduce disparities, improve access in health care

BALTIMORE: Cervical cancer, like many illnesses, is treatable if it’s caught early, but each year millions of women miss out on getting routine Pap smear screening for the disease, which kills a disproportionate number of Black women. During...

Three Agriculture Technology Trends To Watch In 2023

As the world population continues to grow and the human population becomes more urbanized, there is an increasing demand for food. This has led to a rise in the use of agricultural technology and...

TRe evaluating solar power generation options: MD

SUNGAI PETANI: Tenaga Nasional Bhd's (TNB) wholly-owned subsidiary TNB Renewables Sdn Bhd (TRe) is seriously evaluating other means for solar generation such as agrisolar and floating solar panels. Managing director Mohd Yusrizal Mohd Yusof said TNB's...

Vietnam aims to become major biotechnolocy manufacturing hub by 2030

HANOI, Feb 10 (Bernama): Vietnam has set a target to become Asia's top 10 manufacturing hubs in terms of biotech production and smart biotech services by 2030, local media had reported. By 2030, domestically produced...

5 Leading Healthcare Trends For 2023

As we move further into 2023, the healthcare industry will continue to experience the impact of trends that have taken shape in the last year. We’re seeing incredible momentum in areas such as multi-omics...

Agriculture Ministry: Malaysia, Indonesia to strengthen bilateral cooperation in food security

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 — Malaysia and Indonesia will strengthen bilateral cooperation in food security through agrofood trade and agricultural technical collaboration to ensure sustainable and continuous food sources.

Rawat sisa plastik guna kaedah bioteknologi

KADAR penggunaan plastik meningkat saban tahun bukan sahaja di negara ini, malah di seluruh dunia. Data sejak tahun 2008 hingga 2018 menunjukkan bahawa berlaku peningkatan penghasilan plastik daripada 254 juta tan kepada 359 juta tan.

How to stop brain drain

We should move from merely mulling the obvious problems and focus on how to stem medical brain drain. The medical brain drain narrative is that new medical graduates are the future human capital who will...

How Technology Integration Supports Precision Medicine

As patients expect more tailored approaches to care delivery, providers are moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and toward personalized medicine, or precision medicine, which analyzes aspects of a person’s genes, environment and lifestyle to find...

Can ASEAN benefit from the EU’s green agriculture push?

As manufacturing and tourism collapsed in the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, several Southeast Asian governments realized that they needed to pump more money into their underfunded and underappreciated agriculture sector. That's now paying off.

Where does Europe’s electricity come from?

Energy and electricity supply have become vital for nearly every European nation over the past year, as the region shifts away from its dependence on Russian fuel imports. While many countries have been making progress...

Sabah seeks to put Malaysia on world map as new space launch site

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is hoping to use its strategic location at the equator to build the world’s 16th space launching facility, which would make Malaysia only the ninth country to do so now. State Science, Technology...

Teknologi Herbalogi dan Orient bakal hasilkan ubat `masa hadapan’

Kuala Lumpur: Perintis penggunaan kecerdasan buatan (AI) bagi rekaan ubat-ubatan berasaskan bahan semula jadi. Meskipun metodologi sama boleh digunakan dalam rekaan ubatan sintetik namun bahan semula jadi diyakini mampu menyediakan asas kimia yang padu untuk...

Agriculture Ministry: Malaysia, Indonesia to strengthen bilateral cooperation in food security

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 — Malaysia and Indonesia will strengthen bilateral cooperation in food security through agrofood trade and agricultural technical collaboration to ensure sustainable and continuous food sources.

From Lab to Market: Bio-Based Products Are Gaining Momentum

In the 1930s, the DuPont company created the world’s first nylon, a synthetic polymer made from petroleum. The product first appeared in bristles for toothbrushes, but eventually it would be used for a broad...

Investors Will Play a Key Role in Catalysing and Empowering Malaysia’s Startup Ecosystem

Malaysia has long possessed a leading track record in high technology ventures that dates back to the roll-out of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) near the turn of the millennium – establishing a conducive...

Growing trends in medical devices for personalised healthcare

Digitalisation in the healthcare industry, along with advances in medical devices, enables clinicians to combine and analyse genome information with other diagnostic information to identify patterns that can help to determine an individual’s risk...

What Is Sustainable Farming and Agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture is the practice and science of farming sustainably. "Sustainability" means consuming resources, such as land, healthy soil and animals, so they may be naturally or artificially replenished without emptying or contaminating other resources.

H&M, Remondis team on textile waste management initiative

Looper Textile Co., the standalone joint venture is owned 50% by H&M and 50% by Remondis. The firm will collect and sort unwanted clothes and textiles into different streams in order for them to...

Need for commitment to biotechnology in India

Biotechnology holds a key to solving India's nutritional security challenges. However, a transparent and simplified policy is required to promote and use biotechnology to its optimum potential. Like the US, India also needs to recognize...

Stem Cells: The Types & Uses

What most of us know about stem cells is likely through the image of Dolly the sheep, the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell. While Dolly was an interesting medical breakthrough...

Artificial reefs offer bright prospect for fisheries

KOCHI: Artificial reefs will increase fish production and promote fishermen’s livelihood, marine scientists said. Participating in a brainstorming session held on the sidelines of the symposium on innovations in fishing technologies, marine scientists from...

KPKT lancar Inisiatif Hijau Cameron Highlands

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Kementerian Pembangunan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT) melalui agensinya Perbadanan Pengurusan Sisa Pepejal dan Pembersihan Awam (SWCorp) melancarkan Inisiatif Hijau Cameron Highlands untuk merawat sisa organik daripada dibuang ke tapak pelupusan.

Growing Champions: Malaysia’s path to food sovereignty could help restore the global food system

The global food system has reached a breaking point. The sector is embroiled in climate change, absorbing an estimated 25% of the total damage and losses from climate-related disasters. In addition, the ensuing disruption...

3D printed drugs to revolutionise medical treatment

In the not-too-distant future, one can print their own paracetamol at home or in a neighbourhood pharmacy, provided the appropriate 3D printer, actives and raw materials required to compound the medicine are available.

Agro-food database to be redeveloped

The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will redevelop an agriculture-based food database with the latest data as a reference for food issues in the country. Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, said there was a...

Many Industry Players Not Heeding Safe Livestock Waste Management Practices

Environmental pollution originating from livestock waste has been a longstanding issue in Malaysia, with the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS) attributing this to the lackadaisical attitude of most industry players.

Bioenergy: The local and truly green source of renewable energy

Within our immediate environment lies an abundant source of organic material: biomass. This is the starting point for producing renewable energy from natural sources like wood and agricultural residues, here referred to as feedstocks.

Sektor pertanian dapat peruntukan besar Belanjawan 2023

Sektor pertanian dijangka mendapat peruntukan yang lebih dalam pembentangan semula Belanjawan 2023 pada 24 Februari ini. Menteri Ekonomi, Rafizi Ramli, berkata peruntukan yang lebih itu adalah bagi menarik lebih ramai orang berkecimpung dalam pengeluaran hasil...

Preparing now for the next health emergencies

The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses and lack of preparedness of health systems globally. When the virus was at its peak, many low- and middle-income countries struggled to save lives while sustaining essential...

Global crop biotechnology revolution — 2022 saw dramatic advances in agricultural innovation

Conquest, war, famine, and death: Looking back on 2022 as the COVID-19 plague roars into its fourth year, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have all been well exercised. But though there was much to be dismayed...

Compostable clothes fighting back against plastic pollution

As households grow increasingly accustomed to composting coffee grounds, eggshells and vegetable peels, could they one day be composting their clothes? Biodegradable garments, made entirely from plant-based materials, could provide an alternative to help...

Vietnam’s Agriculture: Farmer-centered and Sustainable Transformation

Vietnam's agriculture is transforming from quantity targets towards profit, environment and farmer income targets. For decades, Vietnam's agriculture followed the targets of production volume. This growth model has failed to take account of income...

Pharmaniaga successfully installs Malaysia’s first pre-filled syringe filling line

Pharmaniaga Bhd, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pharmaniaga LifeScience Sdn Bhd, has successfully installed a pre-filled syringe (PFS) filling line, the first of its kind in Malaysia, recently.

RM1bil biopharma firm in Johor needs 120 highly-skilled workers, says MB

About 120 highly-skilled workers are needed to fill the vacancies at a biopharmaceutical company here, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said Biocon Sdn Bhd, which has poured RM1bil in investments to...

Biofuels M&A: 2022 Review & Outlook 2023

The market for buying and selling biofuels plants followed a historic 2021 with a transformational year in 2022, driven by one pivotal biomass-based diesel (BBD) transaction. Overall, seven mergers and acquisitions transactions took place,...

Agricultural inspection defends against crop diseases and pests

Agricultural authorities have launched a sweeping inspection aimed at spotting destructive crop diseases and pests on the tropical island province of Hainan, seat of a sprawling national breeding base with increased global sharing of...

Why Europe’s drug shortages may get worse

When Ignasi Biosca-Reig heard there were shortages of amoxicillin in Spain, he quickly added shifts at his drug company's factories to boost production of the popular antibiotic. But, a few extra shifts was as...

The African Bioeconomy comes into focus

A hallmark of the global bioeconomy over the last century has been its resiliency and adaptability.  From its roots in the American chemurgy movement, vibrant markets for bio-based fuels, chemicals, and materials are found...

How can we responsibly source post-consumer recycled plastic?

The lack of data and transparency surrounding post-consumer recycled plastic and other materials leads to irresponsible sourcing, but third-party audited protocols used in Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) collection and plastic credit systems may offer a solution.

Supplements for skin health nearly tripled from 2017 to 2021

Supplements targeting skin health is booming, with the category experiencing more than 30% average annual growth in launches of dietary supplements between 2017 and 2021, according to new data from Innova Market Insights.

Why Stem Cell Therapy Might Not Work for Older Patients

Pluripotent stem cells are self-renewing and can develop into any cell in the human body. But whether they produce new cells – and if so, how many and what kind – is dictated by factors within...

Brain drain phenomenon can benefit country

The brain drain phenomenon in Malaysia must be looked at from a different angle because the government can still benefit by utilising their expertise, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Philippines hopes for waste-to-energy technology amid waste disposal headache

A Philippine lawmaker is pushing for utilising waste-to-energy technologies to improve solid waste management and provide an alternative source of energy as the South-East Asian country is projected to generate 92 million tonnes of...

How to keep livestock calm and stress-free

Animal welfare concerns the physical as well as psychological state of an animal. The way animals are raised and treated affects their welfare on many levels and also has an impact on sustainability, food...

Cord blood stem cell transplant can save many lives

Have you heard of the terms cord blood and stem cells? What about cord blood stem cell transplant? Did you know that this procedure can be used to treat almost 80 diseases?

How smart clothing could prove useful in healthcare

What if your T-shirt was one day able to warn you of a possible heart problem? That’s an idea that could soon become reality, as researchers around the world are working to develop smart...

Make renewable energy competitive

The demand for electricity and energy has been rapidly increasing over the years in step with population and economic growth, leading to budding industries and sectors. This development is especially prolific in Southeast Asian countries,...

MoU inked for human vaccine development

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed today to explore the potential of joint projects for the development of the local vaccine ecosystem for the country’s preparedness in facing the pandemic threats in the...

Malaysia, Russia to improve bilateral trade in agriculture and fishing sectors

Malaysia and Russia are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the agriculture and fishing sectors this year to further strengthen the existing bilateral relationshionship and trade between both countries.

Kenaf industry must seize opportunities in international market

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called on the country's kenaf industry to seize opportunities in the international market in line with market demands and current economic conditions.

New government must tackle food security

Malaysia’s food security has caught the public’s attention in recent years, with global events revealing significant weaknesses in the domestic supply chain. This was most acutely experienced during the recent chicken shortage, which resulted...

Nova MSC partners Theta Edge on healthcare, AI solutions in M’sia, ASEAN region

ACE Market-listed Nova MSC Bhd has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Theta Edge Bhd, a member of the Tabung Haji Group, to collaborate on joint marketing and promotion of healthcare, public sector...

Breaking Barriers in University-Industry Partnerships for Innovation

University-industry collaboration entails the collaboration of corporations and academic institutions for the combined development and sharing of knowledge, technology, and expertise. This form of partnership gives industry partners access to advanced research equipment and...

KPKT, MYSA apply space technology to locate illegal waste disposal sites

The Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT), in collaboration with the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), has been applying remote sensing (space technology) to accurately track the location of illegal waste disposal sites throughout the...

Tingkat penggunaan sistem pintar atasi kekurangan buruh

Baru-baru ini, masalah kekurangan tenaga buruh di Malaysia untuk pelbagai sektor ekonomi semakin meruncing. Secara umumnya, langkah mudah boleh diambil untuk mengatasi masalah ini dengan segera sudah pastilah menerusi pengambilan tenaga buruh asing.

Kerajaan bincang kaedah penggunaan ketum, ganja

Kerajaan akan berbincang dengan Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM) bagi melihat kesesuaian dan kaedah penggunaan ketum serta ganja dalam bidang perubatan sekiranya ia dibenarkan di negara ini. Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, berkata beliau akan...

Sharing the benefits of nature

Earlier this month, we visited the National Science Centre in Damansara. The children were amazed by the exhibition, especially the section that displayed biological sciences, asking questions about cells, genes, and biodiversity. Against the...

Keeping an eye on cognitive health with lutein: 2023 Ingredient trends for food, drinks,...

Screen time. Two words we all know too intimately at this point as screens consume both our professional and personal lives. While limiting our screen time would be beneficial, this is not realistic in a...

Injecting stem cells to treat this inherited cause of blindness

Within the spectrum of IRD, retinitis pigmentosa is reported to be one of the common causes of blindness. It is a debilitating condition that affects the retina and its functional response to light, with approximately...

Hair memory and fish-inspired SPF: Biotech can create categories ‘we haven’t yet been able...

As beauty continues its shift away from animal-based ingredients to plant-based, it’s going to be worthwhile diving much deeper into biotechnology for more sustainable, sophisticated, efficient and innovative formulas, says the CEO of US...

Novi’s Director of Science & Research discusses benefits and drawbacks of natural preservatives in...

As consumer demand for natural ingredients in personal beauty care products continues to rise, cosmetics manufacturers are considering replacing synthetic preservatives with natural alternatives – but at what cost?

What does regenerative agriculture on a reservation look like?

Traditional agriculture has started to inch slowly towards bringing indigenous communities and practices back to farming lands in order to rehabilitate the soils and create a climate resilient farming industry.

What’s Holding Cell Therapies Back? A Look Into The Evolution And Future Of Stem...

Cell and gene therapies have grown in popularity and effectiveness over the past several years, reaching 27 approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by December 2022. What’s more is that the FDA anticipates...

Managing the Risks of Biotechnology Innovation

Biotechnology advances offer immense public health and consumer potential, but come with serious risks. A recent workshop held by the Council on Foreign Relations brought experts together to discuss new forms of global governance...

What the new Global Biodiversity Deal Means for Bioenergy

2022 ended with a brand new global deal to save nature at the 15th meeting of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), where the Parties agreed to halt and reverse the...

Federal govt plans to implement modern agriculture projects on idle state land

The federal government through government-linked companies (GLCs) under the Ministry of Finance is looking to rent or lease idle state land to implement modern agricultural projects. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad said this is...

New generic drug to make breast cancer treatment more affordable

Oncologists have welcomed the newly introduced generic version of Palbociclib (a CDK4/6 Inhibitor) that will change the breast cancer treatment scenario in the country. Indian companies have introduced a generic version of Palbociclib (a...

Like Terminator’s T-1000, this robot liquefies before returning to its original form

Researchers in China have published their work on the development of a small robot capable of switching from a solid to a liquid state to overcome various obstacles in its path. In the future,...

Teknologi AI mampu tangani cabaran jaminan makanan

NEGARA kini menghadapi dua cabaran semasa iaitu perubahan iklim dan jaminan makanan yang memerlukan campur tangan teknologi tinggi untuk menanganinya. Kedua-dua cabaran ini mempunyai hubung kait yang boleh mendatangkan kesan buruk yang besar jika tiada...

Medical technology trends for 2023: from sustainably to remote monitoring

The medical device industry is thriving with innovation, with ongoing endeavours to improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability, as well as trends towards smarter and miniaturised devices. In its Medical Device Predictions 2023 report, GlobalData identified the...

Agriculture: The next engine of growth

An estimated 840 million of the world’s population will face food insecurity by 2030 if the issue is not addressed immediately, according to the United Nations. This is especially urgent with the increase in...

Circular Economy: Offering an alternative to fossil fuels

A unique characteristic of oil is that it never loses its properties. Used engine oil, for instance, can be transformed into fuel oil to power boilers in factories. The flip side of this quality is...

Generating High-Value Carbon From Oil Palm Waste

It is one thing to be a leading producer of palm oil but it is quite another thing to be a huge producer of palm oil waste which, if it is not manage sustainably,...

Could Urban Farming Provide a Safe and Reliable Source of Food in Malaysia during...

As a result of rural-urban movement, immigration, the creation of new townships, and the extension of urban limits, Malaysia's urban population is projected to grow from 34.3 per cent in 1971 to 77.2 per...

Talk to the bot: AI assistant marks breakthrough for UK mental health

An artificial intelligence (AI) driven assessment tool for predicting mental health disorders has become the first mental health chatbot to secure a Class IIa UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) medical device certification.

Repurposing food waste into sustainable alternatives

A new study highlights the incentive for food producers to repurpose food waste – by turning it into useful chemicals, sustainable fuels and more. Roughly 2% of the 80 billion pounds of food discarded every...

Driving the change in smart waste management: what were the top trends in 2022?

The waste industry is undergoing a great transformation. Smart solutions and data driven technology is becoming more and more state of the art. Sensoneo is staying on top of the trends, each year developing...

Five Food Technologies To Curb Climate Change

Although the new year just started, we’re already facing a looming deadline. We have until the end of this decade - only seven years - to curb the worst of the climate crisis. Responsible for one-third of...

Malaysia, Iran agree to cooperate in field of agricultural R&D

Iran is prepared to share its experience and expertise with Malaysia in the field of agricultural research and development as well as the latest technology in crop irrigation and water management systems. This was among...

What’s next for COVID-19 vaccines? Scientists and regulators chart a course amid uncertainty

Just over 2 years ago, the first COVID-19 vaccines arrived—and a roller coaster ride of hope and science began. It soon became clear that although the vaccines protected against severe disease, their ability to...

Plans to make Sabah high-tech state next four years

The Sabah Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI) is expected to meet federal-level agencies next month to discuss the formula for empowering the Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (STIE) initiative and making Science,...

Could insects, algae and agri-food by-products be the future building blocks of aquafeeds?

Ittinsect, a Rome-based biotech startup, is developing a range of high-performance aquafeeds based on insects, microalgae and agriculture by-products to replace the use of ocean-sourced fishmeal in aquaculture.

Biosimilar Market Outlook Looks Strong

In recent years, specialty medication spending has significantly increased. Specialty medications accounted for 55% of total prescription medication spending in 2021 in the United States. Most specialty medications are large molecule biologics. In 2019,...

Get youths interested in urban farming

The number of people involved in urban agriculture in Malaysia jumped from 18,687 in 2019 to 40,219 in 2020. City inhabitants, who realised the importance of food production, started growing vegetables in yards, verandas and...

Palm kernel expeller safe for use in dairy cattle feed

Palm kernel expeller (PKE) is safe to be used as feed material for dairy cattle, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). Its director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir (pix) said studies using...

MAFS targets export growth in agro fruits this year

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) is targeting agro fruits export to trend higher in several foreign countries this year. “For these fruits, Malaysia is targeting an increase in export trends to countries...

First-in-human implants for Amber Therapeutics’ bioelectrical therapy

Amber Therapeutics – an Oxford University spin off developing next-generation bioelectrical therapies – has announced that the first participants have been implanted with Amber-UI, the company’s proprietary therapy for urge and mixed urinary incontinence...

Global output growth to slow down to 1.9% in 2023, says UN

Global output growth is projected to decelerate from an estimated 3.0% in 2022 to 1.9% in 2023, marking one of the lowest growth rates in recent decades, against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic,...

Malaysia renewables growth hindered by unrealistic targets, new report

Malaysia has set a target to achieve 31% of its total power generation from renewables by 2025 and 40% by 2035. Both objectives are highly unrealistic, as only 3.3% of electricity is generated through...

‘This ticks every box worth ticking’: The agri-tech start-up aiming to grow water lentils...

UK-based food production company Sustainable Planet has unveiled technology to use desertified land to grow the highly nutritious and potentially climate positive duckweed plant.

10 Malaysian Companies Vying For RM33.31 Billion MENA Healthcare Industry

MATRADE is looking to create export opportunities for Malaysian medical devices and healthcare services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by spearheading the participation of Malaysian companies at Arab Health 2023,...

#TECH: Expect more cyber threats

Advanced technologies like 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), Metaverse, cloud and many more undoubtedly bring a lot of benefits to businesses and consumers. However, the adoption of these technologies also means...

Mosti’s initiatives to help communities

Developing a prevention model against threats of natural disaster; health and food supply, as well as bridging the technology gap through smart systems for connected urban-rural communities are goals for the Science, Technology, and...

Pharma giants advancing innovation for holistic healthcare

Pharmaceutical companies’ roles as manufacturers, suppliers and distributors have grown significantly in importance — especially since the outbreak of Covid-19 — where there is heightened demand for accessible medicines and supplements. 

How R&D and technology can change the fortunes of agriculture

NO country is spared from the food crisis that is inflicting the world. Just scan the media, both social and traditional. Developed and developing economies alike are engrossed in finding solutions to food inflation. Strikes...

How an increase in self-driving cars could harm the environment

Self-driving vehicles are expected to go mainstream in the near future, but mass numbers of such vehicles could result in a significant increase in CO2 emissions, mainly due to the energy needed for the...

Wastewater Surveillance In COVID-19 Control

Recently, local media reported that the Ministry of Health, Malaysia had detected SARS-CoV-2 during wastewater surveillance at entry points (airports) in the country, and internationally, it was also reported that China had begun SARS-CoV-2...

New innovations by UniSZA students: Sardine and plant-based food products

Students from Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA) have come up with nine new food products that are based on protein from plants and sardines. UNISZA Dean of Faculty of BioResources and Food Industry, Prof....

2023 predictions and challenges in the healthcare business

With a new year comes an opportunity for professionals in the healthcare industry to evaluate goals and initiatives for 2023. In business, we’re constantly reminded that with even the best-laid plans there come unforeseen...

Govt to restructure economy based on three main strategies

The government will restructure the country's economy based on three main strategies, namely to eradicate poverty, restructure and restore the economy, as well as generate the economy anchored on the concept of Malaysia Madani.

‘Transition to targeted subsidy no longer an option’

The government has started the transition to targeted subsidies by reducing subsidies for non-domestic medium and high voltage electricity users as the blanket rebate is inefficient and unsustainable, says Natural Resources, Environment and Climate...

AI for agriculture: How Indian farmers are harnessing emerging technologies to sustainably increase productivity

The World Economic Forum's Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture Innovation (AI4AI) initiative aims to transform the agriculture sector in India by promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies. Led by the Centre for the Fourth...

How tech can tackle workloads and staff shortages to optimize healthcare

Medical workers are under increasing pressure to do more with less and global healthcare is facing serious staff shortages. The adoption of innovative digital technologies can help address these issues and improve care for...

MOSTI gariskan tujuh landasan utama berteraskan STI

Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (MOSTI) menetapkan tujuh fokus utama pada tahun 2023 melalui pendekatan berteraskan komuniti dan kerjasama dalam sains, teknologi dan inovasi (STI) dalam menyelesaikan masalah rakyat dan negara.

Scientists develop method to convert plastic into useful biochar

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have developed a method to convert two common forms of plastic into a highly porous form of charcoal, or char, that can potentially be used as a...

Understanding The Cellular Agriculture Industry’s Impact And Growth

The key to food, similar to medicine, is in the hands of the smallest units of life—cells! Cells are made of proteins, fats and other life-essential components, but they also actively make them. It...

Sabin Vaccine Institute secures up to US$214 mln funding

The Sabin Vaccine Institute has been awarded a multi-year contract with funding potential up to US$214 million from BioMedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to advance the development and production of single-dose vaccine...

Interview: OPEC chief “very confident about China’s economy”

The secretary general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is "very confident about China's economy," he told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) here...

How Do Microbes Remove Radioactive Waste?

Radioactive elements emit a spectrum of ionizing emissions that hurt humans. Thankfully, numerous genera of environmental microbes possess an array of biophysical and biochemical defenses that can help. These defenses allow certain microorganisms to withstand...

Maxis and MARDI in partnership to explore agricultural sector

Maxis Bhd has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) to collaborate and co-develop agricultural and agrifood-based solutions.

Budget 2023: Top 5 things India’s healthcare sector is craving for

The Indian Healthcare Sector requires a comprehensive sector development program under the government of India to foster private sector investment, medical education infrastructure development, support structured financing at low cost, drive digitization in the...

Malaysia’s exports jump 25% in 2022 to RM1.6 tril in record-breaking trade performance, says...

Malaysia’s trade performance in 2022 surpassed RM2 trillion for the second consecutive year and registered the fastest growth since 1994, with exports expanding 25% to RM1.55 trillion.

Opinion: Artificial intelligence can’t reproduce the wonders of original human creativity

The biggest story of the year – the story we should all be paying attention to – is the increasing power of artificial intelligence. Computer code can write itself, chatbots can generate academic papers,...

Can Google searches forecast medical device demand?

Medtech industry analysts at Needham & Co. who are tracking Google search trends for 20 elective medical procedures say interest is near or above pre-pandemic levels. “We believe that Google Trends data may provide insight...

China Approves 8 New GM Crops; Renews Approvals for 2 More

China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) issued new and renewed biosafety certificates for eight genetically modified (GM) crops on January 13, 2023, following the conclusion of the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) meeting in December...

The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Momentum and bioeconomy project development

Momentum envisions a world where clean energy, water, and transportation are abundant, affordable, and available to all. Momentum designs, develops, and deploys innovation campaigns for organizations working on transformative water, energy, transportation, and manufacturing technologies.

Healthcare issues that need to be resolved in 2023

The year 2022 saw Malaysia recovering from the devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, with floods and the Batang Kali landslide providing unfortunate finales to the year. Lives were lost in the landslide and...

Chinese investors keen to do business in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: More Chinese investors are looking to expand their businesses here as Malaysia continues to be the preferred destination for entrepreneurs from China. Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing (pic) said amid increasing global...

Lab-grown unagi could arrive at dinner tables as early as 2024 in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Jan 8 (The Straits Times/ANN): Cell-cultured meat of the Japanese eel and other exotic fish may be added to restaurant menus by 2024, thanks to a collaboration between Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and Singapore...

How plastic waste could one day be used to build roads

In recent years, about half a dozen US states have been testing a new mix of materials for road construction, using plastic recycled from shopping bags, bottles, printer ink cartridges and a host of...

The State of Biotech Recap

This is an exciting yet perplexing time for biotechnology. The industry delivered RNA vaccines to save countless lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and has created impressive early clinical results using CRISPR gene editing to treat patients...

Malaysian Genomics explores R&D collaboration with SIRIM in medical, biotechnology fields

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd (MGRC) has established a strategic cooperation with SIRIM Bhd to explore the commercialisation of joint research and development (R&D) projects in the medical and biotechnology fields. Under the...

Cambodia unveils plans for ‘luxury’ agriculture produce

PHNOM PENH (The Phnom Penh/Asia News Network): The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is promoting key production chains to boost exports of high-quality produce to international markets, according to minister Dith Tina.

Goodyear’s New Tire Is Made From Soybean Oil, Rice Husks And Pine Resin

While most experts agree that EVs are more environmentally friendly than internal combustion vehicles, the quest for greening transportation goes beyond what's under the hood. For Goodyear, it literally starts where the rubber meets...

Will Tackling Inflation Be So Hard in 2023?

Let me get this straight: inflation will likely come down in 2023. Inflation is already moderating in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), European Union (EU) and Malaysia. So, cheer up because the...

UMK, Bio Angle komersialkan vaksin untuk kambing dan biri-biri

BACHOK: Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) memeterai memorandum perjanjian (MoA) dengan Syarikat Bio Angle Vacs Sdn. Bhd (BAV) untuk mengkomersialkan vaksin STVAC7 bagi mencegah penyakit ‘pneumonia’ terhadap haiwan peliharaan seperti kambing dan biri-biri.

SDEC launches high-end agriculture facility at Centexs

KUCHING (Jan 12): Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) launched the first-of-its-kind Precision and Discipline Agriculture Facility (PDAF) at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) yesterday.

EIA updates bioenergy generation, capacity forecasts

Renewables are expected to account for 24 percent of U.S. electricity generation this year, increasing to 26 percent in 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Jan. 10....

Next Steps for the Bioeconomy: 5 Sustainable and Unusual Materials to Watch in 2023

The bioeconomy of the future is beginning to take shape, and it is emerging in many different directions. Replacing petrochemicals with plant-based material is still a leading concern. Researchers are also taking advantage of...

Lab-grown unagi could arrive at dinner tables as early as 2024 in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Jan 8 (The Straits Times/ANN): Cell-cultured meat of the Japanese eel and other exotic fish may be added to restaurant menus by 2024, thanks to a collaboration between Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and Singapore...

Why agricultural subsidies must be reformed to enable a regenerative food system

Today’s agricultural production systems are a primary source of environmental degradation. They put the Earth beyond its planetary boundaries and exacerbate biodiversity loss, accelerate climate change and increase pollution.

Investing in forests to solve the climate and biodiversity crises

Forests cover about 30 percent of the Earth’s land mass and host about 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity. They provide subsistence, employment opportunities and income to a quarter of the world’s population –...

What Biotechnology’s Paradigm Shift Means for Businesses

The past three years have changed nearly every industry. Where business used to be conducted in person, in offices and laboratories, the coronavirus pandemic forced a change. When remote work became mandatory, even traditional industries like the biopharmaceutical...

Health Ministry and WHO discuss collaborations and healthcare reform

PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that the Health Ministry is committed to work together with the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the country's healthcare reform. In a Facebook post uploaded today (Jan 10),...

More than 100 Tons of Golden Rice Harvested in the Philippines

The Department of Agriculture Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has announced that more than 100 tons of fresh paddy of beta carotene-enriched Malusog Rice (Golden Rice) have been harvested in 17 pioneer production sites across the...

World’s Oceans Were Hottest Ever In 2022, Study Shows

The world’s oceans were at their hottest ever on record in 2022, according to a new study. “The Earth’s energy and water cycles have been profoundly altered due to the emission of greenhouse gases by...

Labour market continues recovery, number of unemployed dips to 600,900

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 10): The labour market is on a steady path to recovery with the unemployment rate in the country showing a downward trend with only 600,900 (persons) in November 2022, compared to...

9 health conditions that bone marrow transplant, stem cell therapy can cure

There’s no doubt that various disorders can be treated and cured by stem cells where stem cell treatment, commonly referred to as regenerative medicine, uses stem cells or their byproducts to encourage the repair response of sick,...

Hurdles remain for insect use in livestock feed

Costs of livestock feed containing insect products and legislation remain key obstacles for the European animal feed sector. Livestock feed containing insect products is currently relatively expensive compared to conventional feed because insects are now...

Natural Products Insider: Then and now — Creatine investigations

This series looks back at the stories we were covering in Natural Products Insider 25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 years ago this month. In addition to providing some interesting history, I explore why...

The commodities boom will continue in 2023

WHATto Expect in 2023: The global economy is hard-pressed to satisfy its own commodity needs. Despite the past year of sky-high prices, the natural resources industry isn’t rushing to invest in more capacity to...

New, innovative treatments for burns in the works

Far from the humble sticking plaster, medical firms and researchers are seeking to create the “ultimate dressing”: artificial skin they hope will revolutionise the treatment of severe burns. For the last 18 months, researchers from...

Innovation in agriculture and food and its vital role in fighting climate change

When we talk about current challenges in global warming, we face two main ones that are complementary but often seen as antagonistic: the fight against climate change and the increase in demand for food. In...

Anaerobic System More Effective For Treatment Of Livestock Wastewater-UPM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Bernama) – Case 1: In October last year, eight Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS)-licensed pig farms were identified as the source of the foul-smelling wastewater discharged onto the coast at...

Malaysia’s GDP Growth Projected To Halve at 4.2% For 2023

Research house MIDF opines that Malaysia’s leading index was little changed in Oct-22, only +0.4%yoy higher than a year ago (Sep-22: +0.3%yoy). The increase was attributable to similar factors: new units of housing approved...

To Lead Us into the Future, U.S. Biomanufacturing Needs to Expand

Biomanufacturing is the key to unlocking a more sustainable future. It can improve the production of food and medicine, help fortify local supply chains, and make countries more resilient in the face of global...

5 COMPANIES WHO SHAPED THE FUTURE OF AG IN 2022

Each year, new innovations emerge in the ag sector that transform the field. As our climate patterns become more unpredictable and extreme, these innovators offer a glimpse into a more resilient future shaped by...

Leather resolutions beyond 2023

A couple of days before Christmas, I sat in a coffee shop in Street, Somerset, in the modern retail site where the footwear brand Clarks started in 1825. What should have been a short...

The Importance Of Labeling Products Made In The European Union

With the advent of the European Union, labeling products made in the Union has become an important part of its legislation. This is because labeling products accurately allows consumers to know where their products...

A stronger, more positive comeback for Malaysia’s medical tourism

Malaysia's health tourism sector, which has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, is showing signs of a stronger comeback as the nation heads into 2023, propelled by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025.

Livestock in plantations the way to boost meat supply

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has huge potential for integration of domestic livestock farming with the oil palm plantation to increase the state’s self-sufficiency in meat. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said that with...

World Bank seeks more funds to address climate change and other crises

The World Bank is seeking to vastly expand its lending capacity to address climate change and other global crises and will negotiate with shareholders ahead of April meetings on proposals that include a capital...

Aplikasi DEMA kurangkan pekerja asing di ladang

KUALA LUMPUR: Nectar Consortium Sdn Bhd (Nectar) membangunkan aplikasi pengurusan perladangan digital pertama Malaysia yang dipanggil Aplikasi Pengurusan Harta Digital (DEMA) untuk mendigitalkan proses kerja dalam sektor perladangan, sekali gus menjadi alternatif yang lebih...

Why Do Vaccine Responses Vary From Person to Person?

Vaccines are highly effective at protecting against infectious diseases, but not everyone responds equally well to them. There are various factors that can affect a person’s immune response to vaccination, including specific biomarkers within...

#JOM! GO: Farm-tastic tours in Malaysia

A LOT has happened this year. After two years of being plagued by Covid-19 worries, Malaysia has finally transitioned to the endemic phase in April. As the world slowly adapts to the virus and borders...

CPO futures up on weaker output, higher demand ahead of Indonesia’s biodiesel programme

KUALA LUMPUR – Crude palm oil (CPO) futures contracts on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives ended higher on the first trading day of 2023 on concerns over weaker output, in line with the seasonal weakness, a dealer...

FMM: “Reintroduce GST in 2024 to accelerate economic growth”

THE Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) is convinced the revival of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a timely lifeline for the country’s debt dilemma as well as well as to shore up...

Top Biosimilars-Related Regulatory Developments of 2022

In July, we reported that Katherine Vidal, the Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, published a letter summarizing several initiatives designed in collaboration with the FDA to “get generic, biosimilars and more affordable...

Life lessons and keeping a mussel farming business afloat

As farmers of the sea, it is well known that some of the biggest challenges that are going to be faced are natural ones. And although we are new to mussel farming, we have both...

More EV-related incentives in revised Budget 2023 — minister

CYBERJAYA (Jan 5): More electric vehicle (EV)-related incentives are in store in the revised Budget 2023, said Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

A Highly Graded Workforce Essential To Attain High-Value Investments

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented global economic and labour market crisis, affecting millions of workers and businesses. Some businesses have opted for unpaid leave or pay cuts due to closure or limited...

Medical Design & Outsourcing’s top stories of 2022

There were exciting and encouraging developments in medtech innovation, big challenges from supply chain and labor shortages, and spin-offs, purchases and partnerships among the biggest names in the industry.

Keeping chicken affordable during major cost and supply challenges

Energy costs have become the largest challenge facing the poultry sector, with higher feed, distribution and labour costs affecting the industry in Europe, North America and northeast Asia. Rabobank warns that in Europe, the...

Lignin: A way towards the sustainable biorefinery

Various sources of lignocellulosic biomass, such as forestry waste and agricultural feedstocks, are available all over the world. The Lignocellulosic biomass consists of three major components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose and hemicellulose form...

123 Food and Agriculture Organizations to Watch in 2023

The year is coming to a close, but the efforts of food and agriculture systems advocates continue to bring awareness and advocacy to some of our most pressing problems. As we look ahead to...

Malaysia preferred destination for global clinical trials — Dr Zaliha

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 23 — The large number of experienced clinical research professionals, streamlined processes in clinical trial startup and conduct as well as vast options of capable sites have boosted Malaysia’s position as a...

Penang allocates RM6.9m for agricultural sector next year

BUTTERWORTH: The Penang government has allocated RM6.9 million for the agricultural sector in the state next year in an effort to ensure increased agricultural yields and food security. Penang Agriculture Department director Mohd Muhaimin Ibrahim...

Human hair recycled in Belgium to protect the environment

BRUSSELS: Coiffeurs across Belgium are sweeping up and bagging hair clipped from their customers, and then handing it over to an NGO that recycles it to protect the environment. The Hair Recycle project feeds locks...

DoSM: Malaysian economy to start moderating going into 2023

THE Malaysian economy is expected to start moderating in the months ahead in 2023, impacted by global economic uncertainty, said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM).  Looking at the smoothed long-term trend in October 2022, the...

Singapore to have five vaccine plants

PRIOR to Covid-19, Singapore did not have a single facility producing finished vaccines. Over the past two years, however, five pharmaceutical companies have committed to set up plants here, which will, at steady state,...

How Technology Can Improve Sustainable Aquaculture

Right now, there’s legislation before Congress to add basic standards, regulations and safeguards for offshore aquaculture in the U.S., called the AQUAA Act. (Aquaculture means farming fish and aquatic life as opposed to hunting them.)...

Will we soon be using new-gen fuels made from recycled plastic waste?

LOS ANGELES, Dec 29 ― Among the many alternatives to fossil fuels being developed and tested, is an innovative solution for converting plastic waste into fuel that comes from an American startup. A first...

Cari formula, strategi ekonomi terbaik pastikan rakyat terbela

ajet Mini 2023 yang sudah pun diluluskan menggambarkan satu matlamat jelas, iaitu usaha untuk terus fokus, meneruskan dan meningkatkan lagi agenda memakmurkan ekonomi rakyat yang menjadi keutamaan utama kerajaan pasca-Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-15 (PRU15). Sememangnya...

Omicron sub-variants drive medical device sales in China

BEIJING: The demand for medical supplies like oxygenators and pulse oximeters, which measure the oxygen concentration in arterial blood, has grown exponentially, as authorities optimised Covid-19 prevention and control measures to tackle the less...

Extreme weather had serious impact on Italy’s agricultural production: union

ROME, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The hottest year on record in Italy has resulted in dramatically lower output for the country's farming sector, Italy's main agricultural union said on Wednesday. Following the announcement on Tuesday...

The Digest’s 2022 Multi-Slide Guide to the IRA’s Impact on Low Carbon Fuels

As you wait for the clock countdown to 2023 this week, check out this slide guide from Mike McCurdy, Managing Director of Fuels & Power at ICF on how low carbon fuels are being driven...

How The US Dept. Of Defense Is Shaping The Bioeconomy Of The Future

Fossil energy stakeholders have a new reason to worry. During the last weeks of the Trump administration, the US Department of Defense announced that it had lent some of its financial muscle to BioMADE,...

Duopharma first company to get halal certification for oncology product

KUALA LUMPUR: Duopharma Biotech Bhd became the first pharmaceutical company in Malaysia to receive the halal certification for an oncology product awarded by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).

An investor’s perspective on indoor shrimp farming

In a heavily attended session on indoor shrimp farming at the inaugural Global Shrimp Forum, Aurore Gil gave an investor’s take on the pilot projects emerging in North America, East Asia and Europe – and...

Scientists explore using paper-thin solar cells to generate renewable energy

Imagine ultra-thin photovoltaic films that could be added to your windowsill, the back of your smartphone or even your clothes! That's the idea of a research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),...

How Response Planning can help Protect Your Organisation from Cyberattacks

This year, Malaysia witnessed some of its biggest cyberattacks. This included a ransomware attack on a well-known local budget airline that saw the personal data of some five million people stolen, the theft of...

Severe Obesity in Children Linked to Genetic Rearrangement

A genetic rearrangement, undetectable by most routine genetic tests, that leads to high levels of the agouti-signaling protein (ASIP), has been detected in five children with obesity. Abnormal expression of the mouse homolog of...

Experts see challenges to global food system

AN international refereed journal published by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca), the Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD), published the latest papers that paints a...

Soft plastic, not fantastic: what to do with Australia’s bread bags and chip packets

In a warehouse in Melbourne’s south-west, plastic confetti is being liquefied. Amid the whirring and beeping of machinery, a table displays shredded soft plastics – colourful flakes of empty chip packets, bin liners and...

Across China: Biotechnology turns waste into green feed

In Longzhou County of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, farmers are busy harvesting sugarcane in the fields. Sugarcane leaves, which used to be waste, will be processed and made into cattle feed at...

How sub-Saharan Africa can rethink its approach to agriculture

African governments should have a fresh look at agriculture. This involves embracing technology (information technology, mechanical and biotechnology) and also private sector partnerships. There also needs to be confidence in the citizenry to manage...

Generic, Biosimilar Drugs Generate Record Savings of $373 Billion in 2021

Generic and biosimilar drugs generated a record $373 billion in savings for employers, patients, and tax-payers in 2021, according to data presented by IQVIA in the Association for Accessible Medicine (AAM) 2022 US Generic...

The Global Economy: No escaping this slowdown

After two years defined by a strong economic rebound from the pandemic, the global economy will sputter in 2023, according to CoBank's report titled The Year Ahead: Forces That Will Shape the U.S. Rural Economy in...

Malaysia – Four Trends That Will Shape The Future Of Trade

The interplay of several forces since the turn of the 21st century demonstrates what can happen when risks become reality and resilience is put to the test for the trading system. It began with...

#HEALTH: Digital health – the way forward

DIGITAL health seems like a complex concept but in truth we have all been exposed to it in many different ways. "Much of our lives has already been digitised, and this will grow faster and...

By the numbers: the state of the world’s soil in 2022

For this year’s world soil day, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reminded us that 95% of the food we eat comes directly or indirectly from our soils. In other words, ultra-processed alt meats made with...