Korean scientists keen to collaborate with Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: A group of scientists from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) paid a courtesy call to Institute for Development Studies, Sabah, (IDS) yesterday.

IDS Executive Director cum CEO Datuk Mohd Hasnol Mohd Ayub met the visitors led by KRIBB president Dr Oh Tae Kwang. Also present was a member of IDS Board of Directors, Datuk Nancy Ho. KRIBB is a Korean government research institute dedicated to biotechnology research.

Their research on biotechnology covers broad areas from basic studies to fundamental understanding of life phenomena. Their research includes new drug discovery, novel biomaterials, integrated biotechnology and bio-information.

In his briefing to IDS, Dr Oh stated that since its existence KRIBB has carried out a number of research and development (R&D) activities and related projects in bio-science and biotechnology. Their R&D was done in joint effort with other research institutes, academic institutions and businesses at home as well as abroad.

Dr Oh expressed his pleasure for being able to extend this collaboration to IDS.

Hasnol welcomed the move by KRIBB. He said both IDS and KRIBB should explore further on detailing out the collaboration to benefit both parties, in particular the governments of Sabah and Korea.

He suggested for KRIBB to look into the possibilities of exploring research in biotechnology, particularly related to the greening of the environment and producing downstream products from Sabah’s abundant natural resources. As a commitment to the collaboration, KRIBB has extended an invitation to IDS board members to visit their research centre in Dae Jon City, Seoul Korea in September this year.

This is in conjunction with the Bio Korea 2013 International Convention which will be held from September 11 to 13 in Korea.

Source: Borneo Post