INNOMED INITIATIVE: A CATALYST FOR MALAYSIA'S MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Public-private collaboration through the INNOMed initiative has the potential to create a strong foundation for an innovative ecosystem in healthcare, thus benefiting every level of society said Health Director-General Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.

He said the collaboration, especially between the Medical Device Authority Malaysia (MDA) and the Malaysian Medical Device Manufacturers Association (PERANTIM), is an important step for the nation to become a rapid innovation hub in the medical device industry.

"Collaborations like this highlight the potential for transformation through coordination between government agencies and the creativity of the private sector. It is not just a matter of economic growth but also reflects a moral responsibility to advance medical and healthcare technology, thus positioning Malaysia as a global leader in the industry," he said.

Dr Muhammad Radzi said this in his opening speech at the 'INNOMed: Innovation Pitching Powered by PERANTIM' programme today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), which was also attended by MDA Chief Executive Officer Dr P. Muralitharan.

"This programme encourages collaboration and innovation in the medical device industry, supporting Malaysia's aspirations to become a regional hub and global leader in this field. Efforts like this are essential to ensure access to high-quality healthcare for the benefit of all," he explained.

Meanwhile, Dr Muralitharan described INNOMed as a bold step to enhance Malaysia's position in the global medical device landscape.

"Through the support of an innovative ecosystem and regulatory sandbox, we ensure that brilliant ideas can be developed into real solutions that is beneficial to society," he said.

The programme involved 31 innovators from local universities such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), MAHSA University and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), who showcased high-potential innovation projects.

As part of the International Medical Devices Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) 2024, it also featured innovative pitching sessions and sharing from industry figures, including Robopreneur Sdn Bhd CEO Dr Hanafiah Yussof and Prof Dr Rosalina Abdul Salam from USIM.

In line with the vision of the National Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, INNOMed focuses on developing local research and development towards global standards.

IMDEC 2024 runs from today until Dec 12. It sees the participation of 34 international medical device authorities and is expected to attract about 10,000 trade visitors and decision-makers from around the world.

This indirectly strengthens Malaysia's position as a major global medical device industry player.

--BERNAMA