USM Strengthens Academia–Industry Collaboration Through Engagement Visit To Novugen Pharma Sdn Bhd

NOVUGEN PHARMA MANUFACTURING PLANT, BANDAR BARU ENSTEK, NEGERI SEMBILAN, February 23 2026

The Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), conducted an industry engagement visit to the Novugen Pharma Manufacturing Plant in Bandar Baru Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. Novugen is Malaysia’s first US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)-approved pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and the only such facility in Southeast Asia. This visit was a continuation of an initial engagement meeting previously led by BJIM USM, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic collaboration.

Novugen is a wholly owned subsidiary of UAE-based SciTech International, with over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a strong track record in developing world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities worldwide. The visit aimed to enhance academia–industry collaboration and explore potential partnerships in pharmaceutical research, health sciences and innovation. 

The programme commenced with a presentation by Novugen outlining its manufacturing capabilities and future strategic direction. This was followed by presentations from the participating schools and institutes. Professor Dr. Badrul Hisham Yahaya, Deputy Director (Research and Networks) of AMDI USM, presented AMDI’s research programmes and activities, highlighting potential areas for collaboration including joint research, industrial training, knowledge transfer and innovation initiatives.  

The session was attended by Mr Milan Kumar Swain, Director of Production; Ms Felicia Tan, Senior Director of Human Resources; and Ms Juliet Sng, Manager, from Novugen, as well as Associate Professor Dr Rafidah Zainon, Associate Professor Dr Nurzalina Abdul Karim Khan and Associate Professor Dr Hadzliana Zainal from the School of Pharmacy, together with representatives from the School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Participants also attended a safety briefing prior to a guided tour of Novugen’s production facilities, which offered valuable insights into pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, quality assurance practices and regulatory compliance.  

This engagement underscores USM’s commitment to advancing sustainable healthcare innovation and fostering meaningful partnerships, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Overall, the visit strengthened strategic ties between USM and Novugen Pharma and laid a strong foundation for future collaborative initiatives supporting translational research, talent development and industry-relevant education.