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For the first time, this review will be launched in Malaysia. This is a timely affair for Malaysia as agricultural biotechnology has been recognized as the first thrust in the National Biotechnology Policy. Moreover, the biosafety bill has been read in the Parliament last month and is expected to be passed early next year.

Launch of ISAAA’s Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2006 & Launch of MABIC’s New Direction by

Y.B. Senator Dato' Dr. S. Vijayaratnam S. Seevaratnam,
Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities


Launch of ISAAA’s Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2006

Since 1996, the ISAAA has been publishing the Annual Global Review of Genetically Modified/Biotech Crops as ISAAA Briefs. Authored by ISAAA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr Clive James, these reviews provide in-depth analyses of the global status of biotech crops. The reviews are now considered to be the most authoritative source of information regarding the commercial use of biotech crops globally, and are the most-cited references on the subject by the world media and global scientific community. It is noteworthy that the principal and country launches of the 2005 review collectively generated almost 1000 press articles and achieved 500 million impressions in 47 countries in 17 languages. The objective of this publication is to provide information and knowledge to the scientific community and society regarding biotech/GM crops to facilitate a more informed and transparent discussion regarding the their potential role in contributing to global food, feed and fiber security, and a more sustainable agriculture.

The 2006 launch was held in New Delhi, India, in January 2007. In conjunction with the principal launch, some 15 country launches will be organized worldwide, about 10 of which will be in Asia. For the first time, this review will be launched in Malaysia. This is a timely affair for Malaysia as agricultural biotechnology has been recognized as the first thrust in the National Biotechnology Policy. Moreover, the biosafety bill has been read in the Parliament last month and is expected to be passed early next year.

This launch will give a feel to the local scientific community and policy makers on the current status of biotech crops globally. It will also emphasize the need for Malaysia to embrace modern technology to transform our agriculture sector.

Launch of MABIC’s New Direction

MABIC is the first and only not-for-profit organization in Malaysia dedicated to MABIC has been operating in Malaysia since 2000 and the organization has successfully created a niche for itself and gained recognition from the Government as well as private sectors. In the past six years MABIC managed to be the top portal in Malaysia providing information on biotechnology and the only not-for-profit organization involved in outreach programme to create awareness and raise the public acceptance on biotechnology. MABIC has also successfully created a range of working partners comprising ministries, government agencies, public and private universities, and research institutes.

However, biotechnology being identified as one of the key sector for economic development by the Government, there are much more opportunities for MABIC to explore. MABIC needs to garner more support from the government and enhance its visibility. In order to be more self-sustainable and to be more salient in the eyes of potential donors, MABIC needs a strong mission, direction and implementing strategies. It is, therefore important to share MABIC’s aspiration, ideas and strategies with stakeholders to ensure the key players understand, appreciate and support MABIC’s role in promoting biotechnology.

With this in mind, MABIC will be unveiling its mission, direction and future plans to all its stakeholders. The new logo of MABIC will also be unveiled during the launch of MABIC direction.

Associated websites:

• http://www.bic.org.my/?action=events&do=body37