Bio-XCell’s Central Hub poised to accelerate Malaysia’s Bioeconomy Transformation Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, 7th NOVEMBER – In line to support the Bioeconomy Transformation Programme, Malaysian Bio-XCell Sdn Bhd (Malaysian Bio-XCell) – the developer of the nation’s premier dedicated and managed biotechnology park and ecosystem, Bio-XCell for industrial and healthcare biotechnology – announces “Central Hub”, its latest business and technology centre, at the week-long BioMalaysia Conference and Exhibition 2012.

Based in Nusajaya, Johor, Central Hub serves as the focal point in the Bio-XCell biotechnology park, acting as a catalyst for biotechnology ecosystem in Iskandar Malaysia. The multi-purpose complex, comprising a business building, a science building and an auditorium, provides a collaborative environment that supports the development of a biotech community.

The Central Hub will be the focal point of the Bio-XCell Biotechnology Park
and Ecosystem in Nusajaya, Johor

Companies can take advantage of the serviced office suites, high-speed internet connectivity, business centre, business lounge, conference and meeting rooms, and lab spaces available for lease to kick-start and accelerate their business operations and technological developments.

The Central Hub features 303,000 sqft of gross floor area with more than 20,000 sqft for science lab spaces as well as retail and F&B outlets designed with elements of a green building such as a glass façade providing natural lighting, good ventilation and water features.

Rizatuddin Ramli, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Bio-XCell, said: “We hope to engage with many of the companies exploring a location for their operations in Southern Corridor. Bio-XCell’s “Central Hub” is an ideal location for MNCs and upcoming SMEs to foster cooperative relationships within the industry.”

Rizatuddin Ramli, CEO of Malaysian Bio-XCell Sdn Bhd
with The Central Hub scale model

Central Hub, the RM44.7 million development in Bio-XCell, is the first of its kind in the southern region and is set to be completed in Q3, 2013 and expecting tenancy beginning Q4, 2013, leveraging on its strategic location and ease-of-access to global markets.

Speaking at the soft launch, Rizatuddin said, “Bio-XCell's strategic location is a key benefit. Nusajaya is a fast developing, dynamic city with a well-developed road system. It is within easy reach of Singapore and a few hours by air to the economic powerhouses of China and India, as well as rapidly growing markets such as the Middle East. This makes the Central Hub at Bio-XCell the premier location for biotech companies wanting direct access to booming Asian markets. In addition, the modern and enriching environment will naturally attract the necessary talent pool. Consultants and service providers involved in this industry would find this location an ideal base.”

The park’s four clients include two healthcare biotech companies and two industrial biotech companies. Biocon, India's largest biotech company who will be setting up an insulin manufacturing facility in Bio-XCell, which will be the largest in Asia at an investment of USD158 million (RM500 million) and Agila Biotech, a subsidiary of India's Strides Arcolab which will produce biotherapeutic products and perform contract manufacturing activities as well. The industrial biotech companies comprise METabolic EXplorer from France, will be the first in the world to produce 1:3 Propanediol from crude glycerin and US-based Glycos Biotechnologies (GlycosBio) which will use their proprietary technology to produce isoprene, used in synthetic rubber with an investment of approximately USD14 million (RM45 million) for Phase I.

The ceremony also witnessed the signing of a Collaboration Proposal (CP) between Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation Sdn Bhd (BiotechCorp), Malaysian Bio-XCell and Worldwide Medivest Sdn Bhd (Worldwide Medivest), a newly set-up medical device manufacturing company specializing in the manufacture of halal surgical sutures. Worldwide Medivest is a 100% subsidiary of Worldwide Holdings Berhad.

After the signing of the Collaboration Proposal
between BiotechCorp, Malaysian Bio-XCell and Worldwide Medivest

This collaboration will explore the potential development of a Southern Corridor Hub for Worldwide Medivest’s products and services to be situated in Bio-XCell Biotechnology Park and Ecosystem in Nusajaya. It will also explore the setting up of an ethylene gas sterilisation facility and training centre at Bio-XCell Park, in collaboration with potential business partners.

Dr. Abdul Reezal Abdul Latif, the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide Medivest, says this initiative signifies a milestone for the realization of the product development and the commercialization of Worldwide Medivest’s products in various markets including the Southern Corridor of Malaysia and Singapore. “This collaboration is a milestone in the history of Worldwide Medivest, since its inception in 2010. We are thankful for the support and expertise from Bio-XCell and BiotechCorp.”

 Also present at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of BiotechCorp and Chairman of Malaysian Bio-XCell, Dato’ Dr. Nazlee Kamal says, “We are happy to assist local companies in niche healthcare sectors as well as facilitating Bio-XCell’s strategic advantage in the southern corridor and its growth potential. We hope this will ultimately contribute to the anticipated outcome of the Biotechnology Transformation Programme, namely increasing Malaysia’s Gross National Income (GNI) by RM3.6 billion in 2020.”

For enquiries on the Central Hub, contact Dr. Sharan Sambhi at 603-2116 8555 or email sharan.sambhi@bio-xcell.my . Information on Worldwide Medivest please contact Raja Farah Diba Raja Abdul Rashid at 603-5510 2525 or email at farah@whb.com.my  .

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About Bio-XCell
Bio-XCell, a biotechnology park and ecosystem dedicated to healthcare and industrial biotechnology is being developed by Malaysian Bio-XCell Sdn Bhd, a joint venture company formed between Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation and property developer UEM Land Berhad in 2009.

Bio-XCell is strategically located on 160 acres in Nusajaya, within the Iskandar region of Johor, Malaysia, and close to the border with Singapore providing global connectivity through a network of five seaports and two international airports, all within 59 km. Bio-XCell offers an environment conducive for the development and manufacturing of biologics, pharmaceuticals, bio-based/ green chemicals and other solutions to heal, fuel and green the world.

As a managed park, Bio-XCell will provide its clients and investors with a range of value added benefits including comprehensive infrastructure, high speed internet access, park maintenance and security as well as core facilities to nurture the ecosystem. Key facilities of the park include the Central Hub and Central Utilities Facility (CUF).

The Central Hub is a centrally located, multipurpose complex featuring a business centre, auditorium, lab & office space as well as amenities such as F&B and retail outlets. The CUF will provide specialised utilities for biomanufacturing to the park’s clients. Clients have options to locate their manufacturing operations at one of the ready-built standard shell buildings or customise their own facility on one of the land plots available at the park.

The park's global clients include Biocon whose biologics facility will represent the largest insulin production plant in Asia, as well as Agila Biotech, India, METabolic EXplorer, France and Glycos Biotechnologies, USA.

Bio-XCell aspires to be a catalyst in biotechnology ecosystem in Iskandar Malaysia, with some 3,000 job opportunities expected to be created from its operation in the park. For more details or leasing inquiries, visit: http://www.bio-xcell.my