NIBM Open Day 2025
25 September 2025 – The National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM) successfully hosted its third flagship edition of the NIBM Open Day 2025, aimed at promoting science, technology, and local innovation while raising awareness about biotechnology in Malaysia.
Event Highlight: Biotechnology Sandbox Launching
The event highlight was the launch of the Biotechnology Sandbox, a strategic collaboration between NIBM and the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), one of the initiatives under MOSTI to strengthen the national biotechnology ecosystem. It was officiated by YBrs. En. Boniface anak Edwin Manung, Secretary of the Technology Transfer and Commercialisation R&D Division, MOSTI, and witnessed by YBhg. Professor Dr. Rofina Yasmin Othman, Chairman of MRANTI; YBhg. Professor Datuk Wira Dr. Raha binti Abdul Rahim, FASc, Chief Executive Officer of NIBM, YBrs. En Khalid Yashaiya, Chief Strategy Officer of MRANTI, and YBrs. Puan Azlina Abdul Ajis, Chief Financial Officer of NIBM.
NIBM Open Day: A Platform for Collaboration and Inspiration
The Open Day serves as a dynamic networking platform, fostering connections among researchers, academia, industry players and students.
For instance, for students, the programme provide early exposure to the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). Hands-on experiences and interactive exhibits spark curiosity, encouraging youths to pursue careers in science and technology.
“We hope that through a program like this, we can showcase our project further and gain exposure as well as opportunities to collaborate with relevant parties to bring our project forward,” said a form 3 student from SMK Seri Indah, Serdang.
Showcasing Innovation and Expertise
The event featured bio-based exhibition from 19 industry players and strategic partners, including the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Qube Scientific Sdn Bhd, UKM Unipeq, Nabelin Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Penduduk Parit Baru Selangor Berhad, Phytocare, Cell Bioeutics Resources Sdn Bhd, CYP Advanced Technology Sdn. Bhd. among others.
“This Open Day helps broaden visitors’ knowledge and awareness in biotechnology, allowing them to better understand the latest and advanced technologies,” noted Ethan Chan from CYP Advanced Technology Sdn Bhd.
Notable highlights included displays NIBM’s research, development and innovations as well as its services where visitors explored MyGenom project, GenSens project pre-clinical services at the Animal Research Centre (ARF), GMP-compliant traditional medicine products and other scientific services.
Visitors also had the opportunity to tour NIBM’s research facilities including the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Bioreactor Laboratory, and Chromatography Laboratory.
Engaging Competitions and Knowledge Sharing
The event was further enlivened by the Biotechnology Innovation Competition, which saw participation from secondary schools namely Kolej Tunku Kurshiah, SM Sains Selangor, MRSM Tun Ghaffar Baba, SM Sains Alam Shah, SM Sains Hulu Selangor and SMK Seri Indah. The competition showcased the creativity and potential of young innovators.
Nor Najah Mohd Ashari, a form 4 student from MRSM Tun Ghaffar Baba said, “This is our first time participate in this event and we hope this new experience and exposure will help us improve our project.”
Additionally, NIBM scientists presented their research technology preview to a distinguished panel from industry and funder, showcasing their latest research and development.
Driving Impact and Building Connections
The Open Day 2025 reinforced NIBM’s reputation as a leading biotechnology research institution in Malaysia. By engaging diverse audiences, the event creates public awareness of NIBM’s mission, showcased opportunities for collaboration, and strengthened ties with government body, industry and academic partners. The event also laid the groundwork for future business opportunities, positioning NIBM as a catalyst to enhance RDI outputs for market-societal-oriented missions.
Launch of Biotech Sandbox
25 September 2025, Kuala Lumpur – The Biotechnology Sandbox, a strategic collaboration between the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM) and the National Technology Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), was officially launched today during NIBM Open Day 2025.
Read MoreNIBM Open Day 2025: Biotechnology Innovation Competition
NIBM Open Day 2025 was not only tailored for industry players but also extended its reach to the younger generation. Among the key highlights of the event was the Biotechnology Innovation Competition, which served as a platform to discover the talents of young scientists while nurturing their passion for STEM fields.
Several secondary schools enthusiastically participated in this exciting competition, with students showcasing their creativity and innovative ideas through projects representing their respective schools:
• Sekolah Menengah Sains Alam Shah
Title of the innovation project: NAFAS Natural, Fast and Safe
• Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor (SMSS)
• Sekolah Menengah Sains Hulu Selangor
Title of the innovation project: Stepcare and Fruiticle Cayons
• MRSM Tun Ghafar Baba
Title of the innovation project: Cat Kitar Semula
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Indah
Title of the innovation project: AI Image Clarification
• Kolej Tunku Kurshiah
Title of the innovation project: RotRight Bin and AVENIROUTE
MRSM Tun Ghafar Baba was declared the champion of the competition, followed by SMK Seri Indah Selangor in second place, and SM Sains Hulu Selangor in third place. Dhia Aryana Sofea Mohd Noramil from Kolej Tunku Kurshiah was recognized as the best presenter of the innovation project. Consolation prizes were also awarded to Kolej Tunku Kurshiah, SM Sains Hulu Selangor, and Sekolah Menengah Sains Alam Shah.
The competition successfully fostered innovation, teamwork, and scientific curiosity among students while strengthening the relationship between NIBM, schools, and the education community.
Dhia Aryana Sofea, 16, from Tunku Kurshiah College, shared that her team’s project, “Rot Right,” was inspired by the need to address food waste through proper composting.
A passionate student of biology and chemistry, she received the Best Presenter Award and credited her school’s coaching in presentation skills for helping her remain calm and confident before the panel.
Dhia Aryana further remarked that the open day and the competition are both exciting and meaningful, and should be continued in the future, as they cultivate greater awareness among students of the importance and appeal of science.
Dhia Aryana further remarked that the open day and the competition are both exciting and meaningful and should be continued in the future, as it will cultivate greater awareness among students of the importance and appeal of science.
NIBM Open Day 2025: Technology Preview
One of the key highlights of the NIBM Open Day 2025 was the Technology Preview Session, where scientists from the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM) showcased their groundbreaking biotechnology innovations, prototypes, and products.
The session featured presentations from:
· Ts. Dr. Nor Azfa Johari
· Ts. Dr. Iffah Izzati
· Dr. Nur Adelina Ahmad Noruddin
· Ms. Nor Fazila Sulaiman
· Dr. Mohamad Shukri Sirat
This platform not only allowed NIBM researchers to present their ideas but also gave them valuable exposure on how to effectively promote their innovations to potential collaborators and investors. The session fostered meaningful exchanges with industry experts, creating opportunities to expand networks and explore commercialization pathways.
The invited panelists represented diverse expertise and industry backgrounds, including:
· Ms. Samantha Tang, Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd.
· Ms. Sherry Sokmun, MRANTI Corporation Sdn. Bhd.
· Mr. Ramakrishna Damodharan, ADIPVEN (M) Sdn. Bhd.
· Dr. Wan Raihana Wan Aasim, MTDC Technology Centre
The session received highly positive feedback from the panel.
Dr. Wan Raihana said that the session successfully showcased innovative technologies aligned with market needs, reflecting NIBM’s clear direction, aspirations, and contributions to the industry. She further emphasized the potential of NIBM’s research, noting the importance of strategic collaborations with industry partners to bring these innovations to market.
Similarly, Ms. Sherry Sokmun highlighted that the presenters showcased strong product potential, with innovations that could create real impact through proper market facilitation and clear USPs.
Overall, the Technology Preview session reinforced the importance of bridging research excellence with industry collaboration to achieve greater societal and market impact.
