Malaysia Joins International Vaccine Institute To Strengthen National Vaccine Ecosystem – MOSTI
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has officially joined the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to strengthen global collaboration in vaccine research, development and innovation.
A symbolic document exchange ceremony between the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang and IVI director-general Dr Jerome Kim was held yesterday in conjunction with the 2026 National Innovation and Commercialisation Expo (NICE 2026) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Chang said Malaysia’s participation in the international organisation was not merely an institutional achievement but also an important step in connecting the country’s strengths in science, technology and innovation (STI) with global expertise.
“This is to ensure that vaccine research can be translated more effectively from the laboratory stage to clinical development and subsequently into solutions that benefit the people,” he said in a statement Friday.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) said Malaysia’s participation complements efforts under the National Vaccine Development Roadmap (PPVN) to establish a more resilient and self-sufficient vaccine ecosystem.
The move encompasses strengthening research and development (R&D), enhancing technological capabilities, clinical development and vaccine manufacturing, as well as developing scientific talents through international collaboration.
Among the key areas to be explored with IVI are vaccine R&D, expertise sharing, talent development and technology transfer to enhance the country’s capabilities in the global vaccine manufacturing industry.
The collaboration with IVI is expected to provide Malaysian institutions with greater opportunities to connect with global expertise, networks and vaccine development programmes.
The move is also in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI to strengthen the country’s science and technology capabilities, public health preparedness, and the competitiveness of its bioeconomy and biotechnology sectors.
MOSTI, through the Malaysia Vaccine Project Office (MVPO), will continue its technical discussions with IVI as well as relevant agencies and institutions to identify programmes that can benefit the country.
IVI was established in 1997 to strengthen vaccine R&D and innovation for global public health through various activities, including preclinical and clinical research, technology transfer, capacity building and regulatory support.
-- BERNAMA
