A delegation from Sarawak, Malaysia, led by YB Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD), visited Bukwang Pharmaceutical' headquarters and research center on December 5.
Sarawak is the 12th and largest state located on the Malaysian island of Boruneo. The Malaysian delegation's visit is part of preparations for the Sarawak Science Center, which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2026 under the leadership of the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Human Development.
The delegation was welcomed by Bukwang Pharmaceutical's CEO Lee Woo-hyun, President Seo Jin-seok, and other executives and R&D staff. The delegation was introduced to the clinical research capabilities of the Sarawak Biodiversity Center and Sarawak General Hospital, including the Sarawak Infectious Disease Center (SIDC), which is currently under construction.
Bukwang Pharmaceutical briefed the delegation on the Korean pharma-bio industry and Bukwang Pharmaceutical's business model and laboratory operations, R&D pipeline and strategy, followed by a tour of the headquarters and laboratories.
The delegation was joined by Minister Saga, Deputy Chief Minister YB Datuk Francis Hardin anak Hollis, State Finance Minister YBhg Dato Sri Wan Lizosman Wan Omar) and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Human Resource Development YBhg Datu Haji Azmi bin Haji Bujang.
Also present were Sarawak Research and Development Council general manager Ts. Dr. Peter Morin Nissom, SIDC CEO Dr. Ivan Yap Kok Seng, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre director Barbara anak Ngikoh, Sarawak General Hospital clinical research centre director Dr. Alan Fong and other senior officers.
"The pharmaceutical industry in Malaysia has grown from US$2.3 billion in 2015 to US$3.6 billion in 2020, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%," said an official of Bukwang Pharmaceutical. "Locally, South Korea is a developed country in terms of healthcare, so we expect it to be a huge market in terms of trade."
