SHANGHAI, The strategic partnership between Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and China's pharmaceutical company, ChemPartner Pharmatech Co., Ltd, is set to bring about a revolution in modern medical science in Malaysia. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this initiative will open a new chapter in enhancing UKM's capabilities in the fields of health and medical sciences. He said the collaboration is also expected to help establish a leading medical and healthcare hub in Malaysia, focusing on research, development, and commercialisation of medical products and innovative biotechnology. 'This strategic partnership marks a new era of collaboration and progress. By investing in a state-of-the-art laboratory at UKM, ChemPartner is contributing to Malaysia's ongoing efforts to advance new drug development and innovation. 'Malaysia is home to a wealth of herbal resources…this partnership aims to modernise these traditional herbs and introduce them to the global market, while also ass isting Malaysia in identifying cost-effective Chinese medicines,' he said in his special remarks at the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony held at ChemPartners factory here today. Ahmad Zahid then witnessed the signing of the MoA between UKM and ChemPartner Pharmatech Co., Ltd (ChemPartners) and a local Malaysian company, Pharma Medical Sdn Bhd. The MoA was inked by UKM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation Affairs) Prof Datuk Dr Wan Kamal Mujani, ChemPartners chairman Woo Swee Lian and Pharma Medical founder Datuk Eric Yong Chong Long JP. Ahmad Zahid told a press conference later that he also hoped the collaboration would also help the country create a pharmaceutical hub that produces the first halal-certified medicines in Malaysia and then become a choice in the local and global market. Meanwhile, UKM in a statement said that the sharing of knowledge, expertise and technology is seen as an important initiative that should be implemented continuously. 'By combining the capabilities of the three entities, it would strengthen the position and capabilities of each of the fields of medicine, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. 'This collaboration will lead to the development of the most advanced medical science facility in Malaysia that focuses on the success of research and the commercialisation of medical and biotechnology innovations. 'The combination of the strength of traditional Chinese medicine which has a history of over 5,000 years with the wealth of herbal knowledge in Malaysia creates a space for exploring new knowledge that will boost UKM's name as a leader in the health-based education sector on the local and international scene,' the statement read. Source: BERNAMA News Agency