Abang Johari (centre) launches the Vision with Action for Biodiversity: Policy and Plan. He is flanked by Abu Bakar (right) and Abdullah. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (April 23): The state government plans to amend the Sarawak Biodiversity Ordinance to facilitate research and allow for the commercialisation of biodiversity research findings.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this amendment would enable the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) to commercialise its research.
He explained that the existing Ordinance restricts SBC from commercialising its research, thereby limiting the state’s potential to generate revenue from its biodiversity resources.
He cited Sarawak’s ongoing initiative to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using microalgae, in which SBC is actively involved.
“SBC cannot enter into any joint commercial collaboration with parties who recognise the potential of micro algae.
“That is why we are amending our Sarawak Biodiversity Ordinance to allow research and commercialisation of our research for the benefit of mankind,” he said when launching the Vision with Action for Biodiversity: Policy and Plan here last night.
He pointed out that the eventual commercial production of SAF would mark another milestone in Sarawak’s efforts to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting responsible production and consumption.
Abang Johari also shared that the Sarawak government is looking into cultivating the fast-growing native tree species Kalapayang, which is said to have better quality texture compared to Acacia, another fast-growing tree species commonly used for wood production.
“We have the land, and we can increase the number of tree species. It is circular in nature and will produce biomass (for green energy),” he said.
On the Sarawak Biodiversity Policy and Plan, he said it is designed to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements, aligned with the three pillars under the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Our economic policy towards 2030 is one that balances the need for national growth with the need to preserve the environment,” he added.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi; and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam Edward Vrkíc.
Article by The Borneo Post
Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, November 1, 2024: Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) held its 2024 Annual Dinner and Appreciation Night, Friday in Kuching.
The event was officiated by the Deputy State Sarawak (Economic Planning and Development) and the Chairman of Sarawak Biodiversity Council, Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel. In his address, he highlighted Sarawak's strategic vision for sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship. He highlighted the initiatives outlined in the Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to position Sarawak as a green economy powerhouse.
He noted SBC’s successful establishment of the 5-hectare industrial-scale microalage production facility at Sejingkat Power Corporation in 2023, a collaboration with the Chitose Group. He also announced the future projects including a planned 100-hectare microalgae facility in Gedong, along with the establishment of Sarawak's first Bioindustrial Park by 2027 that will showcase SBC’s innovative approaches to environmental solutions for Sarawak.
The Chairman also emphasized the importance of digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving sustainable development. He urged SBC to leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance research and development, ensuring that Sarawak remains a leader in green technologies.
One of the key highlights of his speech was the commercialization of SBC’s research outcomes. He called on SBC to transform its international partnerships into actionable collaborations that can drive economic growth and benefit the indigenous communities of Sarawak through its Access and Benefit Sharing Framework.
Dato Sri Dr. Zaidel reiterated SBC’s commitment to talent development, encouraging collaboration with educational institutions to inspire youth in STEM and innovation. He highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability within the Sarawak Civil Service to ensure effective governance and impactful results.
Along with the event, SBC also hosted 37 community members from 17 ethnicities in Sarawak, who participated in the Traditional Knowledge (TK) Documentation Seminar 2024 on 31st October 2024SBC has been working closely with the communities in implementing its TK programme and Access and Benefit Sharing framework in Sarawak
The evening's agenda also included various performances of staff members, internship students and communities, making the night much more memorable.
Also present at the event were members of the Sarawak Biodiversity Council, and representatives of key agencies.
The evening concluded with a celebration of SBC's staff achievements, recognizing 8 recipients of the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang 2023 and 18 recipients of the No Sick Leave Award 2023.
Bandar Seri Begawan, 3rd October 2024: The Sarawak Biodiversity Council (SBC) and Syarikat Asnika formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 3rd October 2024, coinciding with the official launch of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Sdn Bhd’s office in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam (STATOB).
This MoU will enable discussions for Syarikat Asnika to be a distributor SBC's flagship products - LitSara®, NatureSara® and AdenoSara® in Brunei Darussalam.
The MoU exchange between YBhg Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah bin Haji Zaidel, Deputy State Secretary for Economic and Planning Development, and Encik Asmad Haji Umar, Managing Director for Syarikat Asnika was witnessed by the Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak.
According to Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah who is also Chairman of the Sarawak Biodiversity Council, the MOU represents a milestone in SBC’s journey towards commercialisation of biodiversity.
He added that the flagship products are developed from Sarawak’s rich biodiversity, integrating traditional knowledge of Sarawak’s indigenous communities with scientific research, and are aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This approach promotes sustainable biodiversity utilisation, economic opportunities for the communities, and responsible practices that meets the agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Syarikat Asnika is a company based in Brunei Darussalam operates several galleries, including Asnika Gallery at the Brunei International Airport Departure Hall and at the Empire Hotel & Country Club, specialising in designing high-quality woven fabric handicraft products from Brunei which include traditional woven fabrics, consisting of Kain Samping, Kain Jongsarat, and Kain Berragi Bertabur, Kain Sipugut, Kain Selubangbangsi, Liputan madu, among others.
Established in 1989, the company serves a clientele from several countries, including Japan, Malaysia, Europe, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the local Brunei Darussalam community.
The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) is a leading research agency under the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development of Sarawak, dedicated to harnessing the region's rich biodiversity for scientific innovation and sustainable development, contributing to Sarawak’s vision of a green economy and nature positive solutions.
SBC’s R&D and activities include sustainable bioprospecting for the development of high-value products and implementing access and equitable benefit sharing with the indigenous communities arising from their traditional knowledge and use of biological resources.
Kuching, Sarawak – The National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), a leading institution under Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) undertook a three-day collaborative visit to the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) on 10th to 12th July 2024.
During the visit, BIOTEC and SBC researchers focused on a very important nature-based solution to fight against bacteria that have acquired antibiotic resistance. The solution called antimicrobial peptides (AMP) is found in genomes of algae collected in Sarawak.
AMP are derived from proteins translated from the DNA sequences in the genomes of algae. This joint effort aims to uncover valuable genetic traits that could be harnessed for innovative biotechnological applications, including pharmaceuticals and biologics against deadly pathogens.
Under the collaboration, BIOTEC will utilise their expertise in genomic screening technologies and bioinformatics tools, while SBC provides the genomes of algae from its library. The joint effort could potentially unravel new therapeutics from over 600 species of algae in SBC’s library.
This partnership underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing genomic research for technology sharing and addressing the need to fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problems. Through such partnerships, both SBC and BIOTEC continue to uphold their commitment to scientific excellence and innovation, driving progress and development globally.
According to Dr. Apiradee Hongsthong, the Principal Researcher, Biosciences and System Biology Team Leader and Assistant Research Group Director, Biochemical Engineering and System Biology Research Group of BIOTEC, “Hidden valuable information is aligned within genome sequences, our AI-based platform for bioactive peptide identification and prediction can extract such information, for example, the potential of an algae to be a protein source for antimicrobial peptide production. During the first period of this partnership, we are looking forward to effectively utilize Sarawak’s native microalgae to make new product(s) to fight antibiotics resistant problems due to over/mis-used of antibiotics, which would have a direct impact on environment, human health and economy.”
Chief Executive Officer of SBC, Dato Dr Yeo Tiong Chia adds, “The World Health Organization (WHO) identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top global health challenges of the 21st century. The collaboration between SBC and BIOTEC is our response to a Global Action Plan that emphasizes the critical need to effectively combat AMR. Algae and other biological resources in Sarawak are naturally occurring in biodiversity that can be explored”.
In celebration of SBC Biodiversity Day, which coincides with the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) has launched a page on its website called 'Science Made Easy.'
This initiative is designed to make science accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of their background or expertise, and no matter where they are. It aims to encourage broader understanding and appreciation of science, emphasizing its importance in everyday life and the preservation of biodiversity.
This year's theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity was "Be Part of the Plan," which focused on a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
YB Dato Sri Roland Sagah commended SBC for its efforts to stimulate curiosity and enthusiasm among the public and students. He praised the organization for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our communities' traditional knowledge, highlighting how this knowledge can lead to exciting new discoveries backed by science. His speech was read by Mdm Anielia Ak Siam, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development.
He added that such efforts aligned with the objective of his Ministry, where efforts have been intensified to meet the target of having 60 percent of students enrolled in STEM classes by 2030, as outlined in the Post-Covid 19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Also present, twelve indigenous communities, including Bidayuh, Iban, Kayan, Kenyah, Lun Bawang, Melanau, Sekapan, Salako, Penan, Malay, Tagal, and Kiput, came together for the annual Traditional Knowledge Documentation Seminar at SBC. The event also featured an exhibition where these communities showcased their projects and products, highlighting their rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
The event attracted participation from both primary and secondary schools, as well as the public, all of whom anticipated a diverse range of educational STEM activities. These activities ranged from microbiology, chemistry, and plant tissue culture to the scents of Borneo, and included hands-on experiments in the laboratory and nature trail trekking.
The Sarawak Biodiversity Council, the body that oversees a state research agency under the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), recently convened its inaugural meeting for its new term spanning March 2024 to February 2026, on 17th April 2024.
At this meeting, the Council’s newly appointed Chairman, Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah bin Haji Zaidel who is Deputy State Secretary for Economic Planning and Development, conveyed his appreciation to former Chairman, State Secretary Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki, who had helmed the Council since 2022, and Professor Datu Dr Andrew Kiyu Dawie of UNIMAS, who served as a member of the Council from 2020 to 2024.
Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah also extended a warm welcome to two new Council members, Dr Veronica Lugah, Director of the Sarawak State Health Department, and Datu Lester Matthew, Director of the Economic Planning Unit Sarawak.
The current Council composition includes the Deputy Chairman, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development; Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development; the State Attorney General; the State Financial Secretary; Director of the Economic Planning Unit Sarawak; Director of the Forest; Director of the Agriculture; Controller of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources and Environment Board.
Also on board are prominent business leaders and experts, namely Mdm Anne Kung, Dr Veronica Lugah, and Dr Mary Jane Cardosa, whilst CEO of Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), Dato Dr Yeo Tiong Chia serves in the capacity of Secretary to the Council.
The Sarawak Biodiversity Council provides policy decisions and strategic guidance to SBC, in the implementation of key projects under PCDS2030 such as the Sarawak’s first Bioindustrial Park, as well as setting directions for SBC Green Technologies development.
Photo caption: The new Sarawak Biodiversity Council lineup with Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah bin Zaidel (seated 4th from left) during a photocall before its first meeting for the year.
Seated (l-r): Mr Dominic Chunggat, Director of Agriculture, Mr Joseph Chioh Hock Hua representing the State Attorney General, Deputy Chairman Datu Hj Azmi bin Haji Bujang, Datu Muhammad Abdullah bin Haji Zaidel, Dato Dr Yeo Tiong Chia, Datu Haji Hamden bin Haji Mohammad, and Encik Jeferi Bin Darhman representing the State Financial Secretary.
Standing (l-r): Ms Ivy Lim representing Director of Economic Planning Unit, Dr Veronica Lugah, Mdm Anne Kung, Ms Tang Hung Huong representing Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, and Mr Paul Bond Chamberlin representing the Controller, Natural Resource and Environment Board.
On 15th February 2024, SBC received the delegation of the European Union Ambassadors, led by His Excellency Michalis Rokas, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Malaysia.
The visit to Sarawak was part of the EU Business Day programme which aims to enhance connections and to seek opportunities for future business ventures in Sarawak.
During the visit to SBC, the delegates were briefed on Access and Benefit Sharing practices related to the use of biological resources in Sarawak, SBC’s R&D offerings, as well as on the progression from lab-scale to industrial-scale algae cultivation for various industrial applications.
His Excellency Peter Van Acker, Ambassador of Belgium to Malaysia and current President of the Council of the European Union, commemorated the delegation’s visit by planting a Scaphium longiflorum, also known as Kembang Semangkuk. The species serves multiple purposes, from being used as shade, soil stabilisation and building material, to therapeutic uses.
The Ambassadors commended SBC for its research accomplishments and expressed anticipation for future cooperation.
