MALAYSIA TO HAVE VISIBLE PRESENCE AT CHICAGO BIOTECH CONVENTION

By Leslean Arshad

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will have a visible presence at
the BIO International Convention (BIO Chicago 2010) in Chicago, the United
States, from May 3-6.

The event is the world's largest biotechnology gathering and leading the
charge to promote the abundant opportunities available for the sector in
Malaysia, is the Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp).

BiotechCorp, which is in charge of facilitating the country's biotechnology
industry, will showcase Malaysia's biotechnology success stories at the
convention.

The BiotechCorp mission to Chicago is spearheaded by its Chief Executive
Officer, Iskandar Mizal Mahmood.

The Malaysian delegation will also feature officials of relevant government
agencies and key local industry players, who will attend in stages.

This is the sixth time BiotechCorp is participating in the BIO International
Convention. BiotechCorp's first participated in Philadelphia in 2005, followed
by Chicago in 2006, Boston (2007), San Diego (2008) and Atlanta (2009).

The Malaysian delegation to BIO Chicago 2010 will also receive a boost with
the presence of Deputy Prime Minister, Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin is scheduled to attend a host of meetings with key foreign
biotechnology companies, captains of industry and also officiate the opening of
the Malaysian pavilion.

Also helping provide a perspective on Malaysia's biotechnology industry
to the BIO Chicago participants is, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister
Maximus Ongkili.

Apart from attracting the largest and most diverse gathering of
biotechnology experts and participants from all over the world, the BIO Chicago
2010 also offers key collaboration and networking opportunities.

In addition, it also helps provide insights on the latest developments in
the biotech sector.

The event is being held at Chicago's McCormick Place, the premier convention
facility in North America, which hosts numerous major trade shows and attracts
close to three million visitors annually.

BIO Atlanta 2009 was a resounding success for BiotechCorp following the
sealing of key collaborations with foreign partners, as well as forming
strategic partnerships with Germany's Berlin Buch and Belgium Biotech.

At the upcoming BIO Chicago, BiotechCorp has scheduled sideline events where
significant announcements would be made on the latest achievements and
developments, in building Malaysia's biotechnology industry.

--BERNAMA