KUCHING – The National Bioeconomy Showcase 2025 has generated more than RM300 million in potential investments and sales, marking a significant achievement for Malaysia’s growing bio-based sector. The event was held alongside the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS 2025), creating a powerful platform for sustainable business development.
Organised by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), the gathering facilitated connections between local and international industry representatives. The showcase aimed to foster new collaborations, promote innovative solutions, and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in bioeconomic development.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, emphasised the bioeconomy’s crucial role in the nation’s sustainable development strategy. “The bioeconomy is central to this vision,” the text read. “Through partnerships such as these, we are building a foundation that empowers innovative talent and drives sustainable growth for both Sarawak and Malaysia.”
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, presented the ministerial address to attendees. The speech further highlighted how indigenous resources could be leveraged to create new value chains across multiple industries.
The minister specifically pointed to transformation opportunities for Sarawak’s agricultural products. “Sago can be processed into pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paper, and bioplastic products, while nipah palm and black pepper offer opportunities for biodegradable packaging and herbal-based supplements,” he elaborated.
This focus on value-added processing aligns with Sarawak’s position as Malaysia’s primary sago producer, accounting for approximately 95% of the nation’s output. The development of higher-value applications could significantly enhance rural incomes and create new export markets for state producers.
Bioeconomy Corporation Chief Executive Officer Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak expressed satisfaction with the event’s outcomes. He noted that the substantial investment interest demonstrated Malaysia’s increasing competitiveness in bio-based innovation across multiple sectors including healthcare, industrial applications, and agricultural technology.
The RM300 million figure represents one of the most successful bioeconomy showcases in recent years, reflecting growing global interest in sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products. This investment potential is expected to accelerate the commercialisation of various bio-based innovations developed by Malaysian researchers and entrepreneurs.
The successful event underscores Sarawak’s strategic transition toward a more diversified and knowledge-intensive economy. By capitalising on its biological resources while embracing digital transformation, the state is positioning itself as a key player in Southeast Asia’s emerging green economy landscape.
