She has been hailed as a crusader for championing the cause of biotechnology in Melaka, and has been seen as a straight-talking, no nonsense figure in the fledging industry. Her detractors have noted her as being a thorn, but her steadfast determination and sacrifices have not been ignored. Prof. Farida Habib Shah is currently consultant advisor to the state, and is CEO of BioIT Technologies Sdn. Bhd., her own consultancy company aimed at developing biotechnology and ICT startups. She is also a Fellow of the distinguished Third World Academy of Science and on the Executive Board of Third World Organization for Women in Science.

In a recent phone interview by MABIC, which Prof. Farida graciously accepted despite combating a spell of flu, it is not hard to see why she is noted as a molecular scientist who packs a punch when it comes to single-handedly handling the state of biotechnology of Melaka. In fact, it was widely reported that the petite former director of Melaka Institute of Biotechnology was able to singly handle Malacca’s promotions at the BIO 2005 conference, where some 1,600 exhibitors are trying to sell their products and services, and form collaborations in the sector.

She pulls no punches as well when it comes to naming the problems faced by the country in developing biotechnology. “We have strong potential if we (Malaysia) get our act together, and working on our strengths. What we’re seeing right now is a gap in the value chain towards commercialization which is not being addressed,” observes Prof. Farida. “Up to date, not many companies are interested in working on investing in commercializing research, even those that are almost ready for the market. What more those that still need to undergo rigorous testing, field trails, and prototyping?”

In fact, there is a lack of funding in this grey area being allocated by the government. Under the RM9, the government announced the allocation of funds for the development for the development of technologies, innovation and science. But the high startup costs, are preventing small companies to take a slice of the incentives offered.“ This does not give the opportunities for small companies to participate in the programme

She pointed out that Malaysia has the advantage of its long history in agricultural research and does not lack in brains as well. But then, the lack of funding and support in terms of commercialization is draining the country of its cream of the crop to other more supportive and conducive environments like Singapore.

Prof Farida suggested an integrated approach towards biotechnology, where the industry also provides opportunities for other sectors, like agriculture. One example would be in the field of nutraceuticals, where farmers are also provided with plants to grow which would be bought back for extraction and packaging. The Melaka Institute of Biotechnology has set up a pilot plant, however funding was only available from MARA.

“We need to seriously look at getting our research output to the market, and develop with our own intellectual findings as well, instead of solely looking at getting big companies. For it is only through developing our home labels would Malaysia grow in this aspect,” commented Prof. Farida, as she gave the example of the German government setting offices dealing with such funding in its universities itself.

“I would also like to see more inroads being cut, into the area of bioprospecting which has been given great emphasis due to our wealth of biodiversity.”

With regards to her plans for the future, she has been in talks with the Ministry of Entrepreneurship in setting up a Bio-entrepreneur skills programme aimed at providing training in terms of business setup and providing counsel towards those interested in setting up their own biotechnology company. Other projects with the ministry include a pilot incubating programme, and a commercialization programme aimed at bridging the value chain gap