Key Takeaways
- Malaysia’s BeST 2.0 programme has successfully trained 561 graduates, exceeding its target of 400.
- 91% of BeST 2.0 graduates are employed across 92 companies, fostering a strong biotechnology workforce.
- Future plans include expanding training to cover AI, augmented reality, and green energy technologies.
Malaysia’s Biotechnology Talent Programme Exceeds Expectations
Malaysia is making significant strides in strengthening its biotechnology and bio-based economy, exemplified by the success of the BioAgrotech & BioPharmaceutical Employability and Entrepreneurship Specialised Talents Programme 2.0 (BeST 2.0). Launched under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), the programme has produced 561 graduates since its inception, surpassing the initial target of 400.
Of those who completed BeST 2.0, 91% (512 graduates) have found employment across 92 biotechnology and bio-based companies. Over 200 companies have registered as host employers, providing more than 1,900 job opportunities, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness in aligning with industry demands.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang emphasized the programme’s role in enhancing Malaysia’s workforce. During an appreciation ceremony on August 22, he remarked, “BeST 2.0 demonstrates that we can produce an STI workforce that not only meets industry requirements but also drives the growth of biotechnology and the bioeconomy.” Since the first BeST initiative in 2007, more than 3,000 graduates have participated, playing a vital role in cultivating skilled professionals for the nation.
The initiative forms part of broader national efforts to promote science and technology talent, including the Malaysia Techlympics, which encourages science interest among school students, and STI 100³, which connects students with technology. The BeST programme ultimately links graduates to industry careers, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures talent from curiosity to knowledge and professional employment.
In addition to supplying industry-ready talent, BeST 2.0 encourages entrepreneurship among graduates. So far, 19 graduates have pursued entrepreneurial ventures through the Bioentrepreneurship Graduate Accelerator (BioeGAP), engaging in projects like contract farming with industry support.
For the current year, BeST 2.0 aims to secure 80 new industry placements, with 91 graduates already participating alongside 37 host companies. Nine of these graduates have taken the entrepreneurial route, establishing startups backed by buy-back agreements.
Dr. Lee Boon Chye, chairman of Bioeconomy Corporation, highlighted the need to adapt BeST 2.0 in response to rapid technological advancements. Plans are underway to enhance training in fields like artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and green energy technologies. A graduates and industry trends database is being developed to better align training modules with market demand.
Furthermore, the Biokerjaya portal, launched in 2023, is set to serve as the main job-matching platform, with plans for deeper collaboration among industry players, universities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to expand micro-credential programmes that meet current industry requirements.
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