ICGEB and the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in biotechnology research, training, and innovation.
In Kuala Lumpur on 20 January 2026, ICGEB Director-General Dr. Lawrence Banks signed the agreement with NIBM CEO, Prof. Datuk Wira Dr. Raha Abdul Rahim in the presence of the ICGEB Malaysia team.
The collaboration will focus on areas such as genomics, bioinformatics, vaccine development, diagnostics, agricultural biotechnology, and public health initiatives, including genomic surveillance and pandemic preparedness. Planned activities include joint research projects, training and capacity-building programmes, scientific exchanges, and knowledge-sharing events.
The MoU provides a non-binding framework for cooperation, with specific projects to be implemented through separate agreements. The partnership aims to strengthen Malaysia’s biotechnology ecosystem while contributing to regional and global scientific development.
Dr. Banks also held an Awareness Workshop for the NIBM community to outline ICGEB’s mission, programmes, global research network and funding opportunities. Malaysia has been an ICGEB Member State since 2007.
