BICalert

Current edition

A monthly newsletter by the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre

Released on 18th February 2008

In this issue:

- Message from the Director
- News at home
- News around the world
- Molecular Medicine Breakthroughs in Kelantan
- Brief 37: Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2007
- The verdict on Local Biotechnology Industries in Malaysia
- BICviews
- Events calendar

Message from the Director

Dear Valued Subscribers,

It is the time of the year again to know the statistics of GM crops. ISAAA has just released its annual “Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2007”. This publication is the most cited globally in the field of GM crops which reflects the high credibility bestowed upon both ISAAA and the author of the publication, Dr. Clive James.

As expected, farmers continued to plant more biotech crops every year. In 2007, for the twelfth consecutive year, the global area of biotech crops continued to soar. In 2007, the number of countries planting biotech crops increased to 23, with 12 million farmers benefiting from these crops. Biotech crops are cultivated on 282 million acres of land.

For more details on the current status of biotech crops, click here. You may also contact us for a copy of the Executive Summary.

This month’s BiCalert features a prominent scientist who needs no introduction and has carved a niche for her research and has excelled in commercialization. She is none other than Prof. Asma Ismail from USM, Kubang Kerian.

The poll for this month too revolves around commercialization. Click here to have your say!

Happy reading!

Sincerely,

Mahaletchumy Arujanan
Executive Director

Contact Information

The Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC)
c/o Monash University Malaysia, No 2, Jalan Kolej,
Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia

Tel / Fax: +603-5880-4384
Email: BICalerts@bic.org.my or info@bic.org.my

Announcement

Merck Young Scientist Award 2008

Merck Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with US-based EMD Chemicals Inc both subsidiaries of Merck KGaA, is launching its inaugural nationwide Merck Young Scientist Award (MYSA) 2008. MYSA, the first of such initiative organized by the private sector, is endorsed and supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Key opinion leaders in biosciences from the country’s elite Research Universities will participate in the judging.

The competition is open to all Malaysian postgraduates from local institutes of higher learning. Judging criteria will be based on research papers or researches that are due for publication in selected areas of bioscience study such as proteomics / protein expression, cancer, diabetes or inflammation. All entries must be sent by 18th April 2008.

Attractive prizes await the winners. For more details and to download entry forms please visit, www.merck.com.my.

Mahathir Science Award 2008

The Academy of Sciences Malaysia is proud to invite nominations for the Mahathir Science Award for the year 2008. This prestigious award is bestowed on any scientists, institution or organization worldwide in recognition of contributions and innovations towards solving problems in the tropics through science and technology and to be awarded to the most deserving based on merit.

For more information, please click here to download the brochure.

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