SIBU: Medical device company, Twin Catalyst Sdn Bhd (TCSB), has been chosen to be part of the United States (US) Department of State’s Global Innovation through Science & Technology (GIST) Business Incubation 2025 Programme.
The Sibu-based company was chosen for its new and innovative wound dressing, Wondaleaf Adhesive Pouch, that is designed to reduce simplify and reduce the cost of wound care.
The project was funded by grants under the Sarawak Research & Development Council (SRDC) and the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (MTDC), and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI).
“We are honoured to be chosen to join the GIST Business Incubation 2025 Programme. We believe this will be an opportunity to increase investments into Sarawak to grow the medical manufacturing industry in Sarawak,” said company co-founder and general manager, Louis Tang at a press conference held at the Senate Room of the University Technology of Sarawak (UTS) here on Wednesday.
Among those present were chairman of UTS, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who is also Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development; TCSB co-founder and chief executive officer of Rejang Specialist Hospital Sdn Bhd, Dr John Tang; UTS vice chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid; TCSB Regulatory Compliance manager, Michelle Wong; TCSB head of Marketing, Sean Chew; and TCSB head of Manufacturing, Nicole Wong.
According to Tang, the project would not be made possible without the support from SRDC, UTS, MTDC, and MOSTI.
“Sarawak now has enormous opportunities in the medical manufacturing space. We will work with all parties to grow the medical device manufacturing industry in Sarawak and to achieve the 2030 Post-COVID goals together”
Stating that GIST is a US Department of State initiative that empowers science and technology innovators in over 130 emerging economies, he said, through GIST, US experts and businesses have a path to make direct connections with promising global entrepreneurs and innovators.
He highlighted that the programme brings together the best international science and technology innovators and American businesses to increase cross-market access, open doors for joint ventures, and gain investor exposure.
While in the six weeks sponsored resident programme in the USA, he pointed out that TCSB will have opportunities to make connections to the American entrepreneurial ecosystem and build business relationships.
Since 2011, he said GIST has partnered with the private sector to reach over 27 million innovation community members globally.
GIST catalyses startup solutions that address economic and developmental challenges through networking, skills building, mentoring, and access to financing, he said, adding GIST has provided training for over 15,000 startups that have generated over $250 million in revenue.
“This is done through competitions, startup trainings, and interactive online programmes, implemented by VentureWell, a non-profit that works to cultivate a pipeline of inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs driven to solve the world’s problems,” Tang added.
Meanwhile, Dr Annuar, was pleased with the growing medical innovation ecosystem in Sarawak.
He said the ecosystem of funding, designing, engineering, manufacturing, and commercialisation medical devices is starting to bear fruit.
The creative and brilliant minds of Sarawak, he said can now work with the SRDC, Sarawak Infectious Diseases Centre, Datuk Patinggi Dr Wong Soon Kai Medical Innovation Chair (DPWSK Chair), and UTS to bring medical innovations to life.
“I believe that Sarawak, as well as the whole world can benefit from this initiative. The impact of this effort will ripple far beyond our borders. The world is watching Sarawak, and we are ready to deliver.
“Last year, TCSB collaborated with UTS and DPWSK Chair to conduct medical innovation seminars well as technological consultations to jumpstart medical innovation in Sarawak. It also collaborated with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and UTS to conduct research and studies to validate the safety of its products.
Also commenting on the achievement, SRDC general manager, Dr Peter Morin stated that SRDC is delighted and proud that TCSB and its innovative wound design have been selected to participate in the programme.
This opportunity, he said, will not only help expand the market for the product but also enhance Sarawak’s global visibility and reputation.
UTS deputy vice chancellor, Prof Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman stated that the research areas for the DPWSK Chair include the design, validation, manufacturing, and ergonomics of new medical devices.
“We are pleased to collaborate with TCSB. We believe this is just the beginning, and the Chair will have many exciting opportunities for biomedical engineering researchers. For more information, visit our website at https://crisd.uts.edu.my/wskresearchchair/,” he added.
