Research and Development Partnership Between Agilent and Monash University Malaysia Announced

Agilent Technologies announced a strategic partnership with Monash University Malaysia. The partnership entails the construction of a Malaysia-integrated biology center as well as the two entities collaborating for the acceleration of scientific research and development over the next three years. 

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Partnering for the Development of Malaysian Science

In the last twenty years, Agilent expanded its facilities in Malaysia into a 200,000 sq ft facility in Penang, employing over six hundred and thirty scientists, engineers, and staff. Their combined efforts assist in supporting scientific research locally, regionally, and globally. This expansion initiated in 2015 when their at the time 100,000 sq ft facility was over 80% occupied. 

Monash University Malaysia, established in 1998, is the first foreign university campus in Malaysia, in addition to ranking 44th in the world by the prestigious Times Higher education World University Rankings 2023. The research-intensive university boasts over fifteen years of experience in granting outstanding medical, psychology, and health sciences education. 

A larger part of the announced deal between Agilent and Monash centers around the furthering of research and development, particularly around that of small and large molecules. The intention of the partnership is the expansion of knowledge on the development of antivenom. In addition, they will pursue “other areas of applied biology research for publications and potential clinical usage.”

In addition, Agilent asserts that the integrated laboratory will strengthen local research capabilities, hosting visiting scientists across Malaysia, and providing customers with greater outcomes in support of their research work.

On the agreement, Chai Meng Fee, general manager of Agilent in Malaysia, said, “We are pleased to expand our presence and deepen our investment in Malaysia with this state-of-the-art center, which will help us drive innovations to ultimately enhance the quality of life. This collaboration with Monash reflects Agilent’s commitment to raising local science R&D capabilities and delivering advanced analytical solutions. We understand the importance that our customers place on translational research for societal impact, and we will further value-add by helping our customers achieve trusted insights and superior outcomes in their labs.”

Currently, the specifics of what the agreed-upon integrated laboratory will include are unknown to the general public. 

Author

Max Heirich