Front left to right
1.Dato’ Woo Swee Lian (拿督胡瑞连) - Chairman of ChemPartner Pharmatech Co., Ltd
2. Mr. Lee Chee Kiang (李志坚) - Managing Director of Meta Bright Group Berhad
Back left to right
1.Dr Yinfei Yin （尹寅飞） – Vice President of and Head of the Biology and Pharmacology department of ChemPartner Pharmatech Co., Ltd
2.Mr Xingquan Ma (马兴泉) – Senior Vice President of Discovery Chemistry at Medicilon/MPI Preclinical Research Shanghai, LLC
3.Mr Shixin Fan (樊世新) – Director of ChemPartner Pharmatech Co., Ltd
4.YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development of Malaysia
5.Dato’ Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki – Chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA)
6.Dato’ Kelvin Lee Wai Mun （拿督李珂名） – Executive Director of Meta Bright Group Berhad
7. Mr. Derek Phang Kiew Lim (彭锦林) - Executive Director of Corporate and Strategic Planning of Meta Bright
SHANGHAI, 27th MAY 2024—Meta Bright Group Berhad (“MBGB”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with ChemPartner Pharmatech Co., Ltd (“ChemPartner”). This strategic partnership aims to develop a premier pharmaceutical and biotechnology hub in Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in MBGB’s expansion into these sectors.
The signing ceremony was held in Shanghai, China, and was witnessed by YAB Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi.
ChemPartner, a company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (stock code: 300149.SZ) with a market cap of approximately ¥2.4 billion (around RM1.6 billion), is renowned for offering comprehensive integrated services. These services include discovery chemistry, biology, pharmacology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (“DMPK”), and toxicology.
As a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (“CDMO”), ChemPartner specialises in biologics discovery, development, and manufacturing. This collaboration leverages ChemPartner’s extensive expertise and global standing to elevate Meta Bright’s capabilities in the pharmaceutical and biotech arenas.
The collaboration aims to develop a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical and biotechnology hub in Malaysia, focusing on research and development, manufacturing, and commercialising pharmaceutical products and biotechnological advancements. This initiative represents a pioneering collaboration with a leading Chinese-listed company to establish such a hub in Malaysia.
Mr. Lee Chee Kiang, Managing Director of Meta Bright Group Berhad, stated, “This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Meta Bright. This project differentiates us from typical developments as it involves creating a niche market with a leader in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Moving beyond traditional development projects, we have positioned ourselves to take on sophisticated projects. We are confident that this venture will solidify our position as a leading player in the market and contribute to the broader economic development of Malaysia.”
“Both Meta Bright and ChemPartner share the same vision of strengthening bilateral relationships to contribute to Malaysia’s economy. By leveraging ChemPartner’s expertise in pharmaceuticals and Meta Bright’s strength in property development, we are set to create a groundbreaking hub that will benefit both our nations,” Lee added.
Dato’ Woo Swee Lian, Chairman of ChemPartner, added, “We are delighted to engage in this cross-border collaboration with Meta Bright Group Berhad. This partnership will not only enhance our global reach but also bring significant benefits to both China and Malaysia, fostering innovation and economic growth in the region.”
A filing with Bursa Malaysia today shows that under the MOU, MBGB will identify a strategic site for establishing the hub and oversee the construction and development of laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and office/retail spaces. Additionally, MBGB is committed to implementing environmentally sustainable practices to minimise ecological impact and promote green initiatives.
ChemPartner, on the other hand, will seek and facilitate investment opportunities to support the hub’s growth and development. The company will engage with PRC pharmaceutical and biotech companies, academic institutions, and research organisations to foster collaboration within the hub.
Besides that, the hub is anticipated to increase demand for renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions, operating leasing services for machinery and equipment, and building materials such as concrete. This will consequently strengthen MBGB’s energy, leasing, and building materials businesses.
Mr. Derek Phang Kiew Lim, Executive Director of Corporate and Strategic Planning of Meta Bright, commented, “The development of this pharmaceutical and biotechnology hub is a strategic move to diversify our portfolio and a step towards contributing to Malaysia’s growing reputation as a centre for scientific research and development. We are excited about this hub's potential for fostering innovation and creating new opportunities in all the relevant sectors.”
This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Meta Bright, with the potential to bring substantial advancements and drive the company to new heights in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. The partnership with ChemPartner is expected to propel Meta Bright into a new era of growth and success, solidifying its position as a leading player in the market.