Malaysia must strengthen its clinical research ecosystem to become a global contributor, says health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must move beyond being merely a recipient or a conduit of external innovation by shaping its own unique footprint on the global map of medical discovery, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said that, to place Malaysia on the global map of medical discovery, the country must empower its human capital, intensify and expand collaborative networks, and strengthen a sustainable and competitive ecosystem across all aspects of research.
“I believe this transition from being a consumer of science to becoming a global contributor is integral to Malaysia’s journey towards becoming a Global Trusted Research Nation.
“To keep pace with our ambition, we must continue strengthening our site resources by improving facilities, operational systems and essential research support such as our study coordinators. Strong infrastructure is not optional; it is the foundation of scientific integrity,” he said in his speech at the launch of the 5th Annual Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) Trial Connect Conference 2026 here today.
Also present were Dr Akhmal Yusof, chief executive officer of Clinical Research Malaysia; Dr Yasuhiro Fujiwara, chief executive of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency; and Dr Timothy Yap, medical oncologist and physician-scientist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said Malaysia’s current clinical research ecosystem is powered by more than 3,200 skilled professionals across the industry, reflecting a workforce that is the lifeblood of the country’s progress in the field.
He highlighted that 30 per cent of the principal investigators named in Malaysia’s Roll of Honour last year were newly appointed, describing it as a sign of successful succession planning and strong institutional support.
Dzulkefly also stressed that collaboration was essential in building a resilient and world-class clinical research ecosystem, particularly in these times of geopolitical uncertainties.
He added that CRM had contributed significantly to the country’s Gross National Income (GNI) while creating high-value jobs annually.
The conference, themed “The Rise of Asia in Clinical Trials”, gathered more than 1,100 attendees representing over 150 organisations from 20 countries, including clinical research leaders, international organisations and national agencies across Southeast Asia and the wider Asian region.
During the ceremony, Dzulkefly also launched the latest edition of Malaysia’s Good Clinical Practice Guidelines, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to upholding international standards and ensuring the highest quality in clinical trial conduct.
