adminKUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) — Scientific research must be translated into solutions that improve lives, strengthen the healthcare system, enhance productivity and contribute to economic growth, rather than remaining confined to laboratories, universities or scientific publications, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang.
He said healthcare is an important frontier for science and innovation, particularly as Malaysia responds to an ageing population, chronic diseases and growing demand for better and more personalised care.
“This is why MOSTI (the ministry) continues to strengthen Malaysia’s capabilities in areas such as biotechnology, genomics, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and digital health, with the aim of developing technologies that support better diagnosis, monitoring and treatment.
“Ultimately, innovation must translate into solutions that can be adopted and deliver better outcomes for patients,” he said at the opening of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) Congress 2026 here today.
At the event, Chang also officiated the Cellmax™ Freeze-Dried Powder and Cellmax™ Wound Spray, marking the official commercial launch of the award-winning wound care solution.
He said Cellmax holds strong significance as the Innovathon Season 2 winner, as the initiative aims to drive commercial results rather than just creative concepts.
“Innovathon is a programme jointly organised by MOSTI and the Economy Ministry… and in Innovathon, not only are we looking at creativity and innovation, but at the same time, we are looking at commercialisation.
“Today, I’m very happy to announce that our winner has already commercialised their product and I hope more Innovathon participants or winners can also commercialise their products because this is not only a local market but also we are looking at a global market,” he said.
On the government’s role in nurturing local talent, Chang said MOSTI continues to work closely with other ministries to help home-grown innovators navigate regulatory pathways, secure necessary certifications and reach commercial scale.
Cellmax managing director Datuk Loke Mei Chan said the product is fully developed and manufactured in Malaysia, adding that the underlying research and development (R&D) spanned eight years under the leadership of chief scientific officer Prof Dr Azizi Ayob, who is also the winner of Innovathon Season 2.
“It’s developed and manufactured entirely in Malaysia… local scientists, raw materials, until production, everything is done in Malaysia. It’s 100% from the raw material until the final product. Made in Malaysia, by Malaysians,” she said.
Themed Global Paradigm Shift: Wound Care Specialty & Recognition, the five-day congress from Sept 23 has gathered over 5,000 delegates and 414 global experts to advance clinical practice and commercialise local health innovations.
— BERNAMA
