Translating biodiversity into wealth

Soo introducing the services provided by his company

When it comes to using the richness of Malaysia’s biodiversity for commercialisation purpose, one can truly benefit from speaker and Furley Sdn Bhd Managing Director Stuart Soo Tuck Pooi, who shared his 60-year experience in the biotechnology manufacturing sector, at the “Translating Biodiversity into Wealth” talk, organised by the Department of Consultancy and Commercialisation (DCC) on 15 August 2017 at the Kampar Campus.

Present at the talk were Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Phoon Lee Quen, Department of Biological Science Head Dr Nor Ismaliza binti Mohd Ismail, staff and students.

“Malaysia has a rich biodiversity and through research and development, it is sufficient to produce various nutritional and pharmaceutical products,” said Soo, who hoped that the 140 participants will learn about the benefits of combining science and entrepreneurship.

He added, “Malaysians are now into natural food and products, where people are demanding for food that does not only taste good but is also able to make them think better and clearer. There are potential in the market for nutraceutical (nutritional and pharmaceutical products combined) products.”

The talk also enlightened the participants about the processes involved in getting a product commercialised, which aimed to expose the participants to the how-to of utilising their research skills to create a successful business venture.

With UTAR constantly encouraging participants’ intellectual and personal development in their studies, the speaker hoped that the participants will understand the growing potential of biotechnology and the opportunities of the knowledge they have gained in their studies.

“To get your ideas commercialised, you must first identify what your research can do; understand its potential and its functions, and from there, expand the project,” advised Soo.

Apart from entrepreneurship, Soo also advised the participants of the positive attitudes one should have in order to be successful. The pieces of advice included to always start again after failures, to not moan or groan, to be humble and to work hard.

“Remember, in business, competition is normal, and as long it is a healthy competition, there is always a potential for growth. So do not be afraid if someone else takes your idea, because successful entrepreneurship starts from something simple,” advised Soo.

The talk then ended with a souvenir presentation by Dr Lim to Soo and a group photograph with the participants.

Staff and participants listening attentively

Dr Lim presenting a token of appreciation to Soo

Group photograph with the participants at the end of the talk