I flew to Boston on Friday to assist the Biotech Malaysian delegates (3rd largest participation after US and Canada).Quite a number of Ministers, Chief Ministers (some with wives), MPs,KSUs were in attendance.The Deputy Prime Minister (with wife) were guests of honour for the Malaysian community in the US in particular, and Malaysia had a nice mention at the launch of the world event (which is held annually.This is is Msia's 4th year, participating)
There were some 50 volunteers mostly undergrads from universities all over the US (mostly with biotech b/ground)It was nice meeting these restless (intelligent) young minds.I also met the older ones (US citizens/PR)They work as lawyers, architects, engineers, entrepreneurs here (all Malaysian/Malay women).We had nice time together especially with Pon of Las Vegas.
My impression is affluent nations are big on biomedic research and products and not too keen on green biotech per se(although biomedic could be part of this too, no?)Thailand, Singapore are way ahead us and we have a lot to catch up with.The money spent on trips to Biotech exhibition and conference could be given to biotech R&D.We don't have to be no. 3 in terms of participation but we should aspire to be no. 1 at least in ASEAN as producers.I had spoken aloud my thoughts with some Tan Sris and Vice-Presidents of this and that but in general, my newly found friends are aware of the need/issue/gap we have where biotech is concerned.Some are pretty disgusted that we should spend so much money on 'branding' Malaysia.Give us products then brand lah!
But there are so many qualified people in the industry and that's nice to know.There is hope yet.The politicians should not interfere with voices of the experts if Malaysia really wants to move forward or lead the field.
Some pics of the event.I don't have any pic of me and another student jadi tea ladies (waiting on wives of TPM and MBs of Tganu and Kedah).Nasib takda... don't want to look like bibik!I was bidan terjun (I happened to be in the wrong place when they needed people to wait on the ladies but Adi, the Bosnian waiter, did most of the job.He loved it cos' he said Malaysia helped build a hospital for his country after the war)
3 comments:
Totally agree with you about politician not to interfere..
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Hi Lifecode,
I think this is the prob in Msia.Many good stuffs are being hijacked by politicians.The experts/gurus would start something good...over the period of 20-30 years, you see results but some politicians will want to take control then revamp! A good example is our education system.And I heard enough of the early history of the biotech industry too...I think we should all learn to respect the real 'gurus' lah.Government's role is just to facilitate (give grants ke, apa ke)The right people must be there to audit stuffs.
Were you in Boston?
I was for the convention.
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